As if his accomplishments at Hudson County Community College over the last 25 years were not enough to earn retiring college president Glen Gabert immortality, the school has decided to name its library after him.
At a special retirement ceremony last month, college officials unveiled the new library name and a plaque memorializing the “Gabert Library.”
Gabert announced his retirement in December 2017. He is the college’s longest-serving president, having held the spot since September 1992, ending his term on June 30.
HCCC Board of Trustees Chair William Netchert said, “He formed a partnership with my colleagues on the Board of Trustees and me, and together with our elected representatives and area leaders, we have transformed what was a deeply distressed college into a life-changing resource for the people of our community.”
When Gabert took over as the president, the campus consisted of one building near Journal Square, and the school had an uncertain future. He was the fifth president or acting president to serve in a three-year span.
Prior to his taking over, the college had experienced interventions by the state Secretary of Higher Education and Middle States. The Board of Trustees had been asked to resign. There were discussions about dividing HCCC between two nearby county colleges or closing it altogether.
There was little confidence within the institution and the community, doubt that manifested in a total enrollment of just 3,076 students.
Under Gabert’s leadership, HCCC has changed focus and expanded its student base, with about 13,000 full- and part-time students as of last fall, and with projected growth to more than 21,000 over the next few years. It is currently the largest of the four colleges in Hudson County.
“In the 25-plus years that Glen Gabert has been president of Hudson County Community College, remarkable and beneficial changes have taken place.” – William Netchert.
____________
New campuses
During Gabert’s tenure, two new campuses – Journal Square (Jersey City) and North Hudson (Union City) – have been built, and more than 60 degree and certificate programs have been put in place.
In addition, the HCCC Foundation was initiated and has provided over $3 million in scholarships to more than 2,000 students.
In 1992, HCCC was largely focused on developmental education programs. But the fall 2017 catalogue shows that the college offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs, from the school’s already well-respected culinary arts program to its Science and Engineering programs, bolstered by a newly-opened STEM building in the Journal Square area.
The event featured officials Freeholders Bill O’Dea and Anthony Romano Jr., members of the board, members of the HCCC Foundation Board of Directors, educators, and business leaders.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.
