HVCC Mourns Former President Andrew Matonak
By Nolan Cleary, Managing Editor
Students and faculty are mourning this week at Hudson Valley Community College, as former President Andrew Matonak was reported dead this week at the age of 66, after fighting a long battle with cancer.
Matonak took office as the sixth President of Hudson Valley in 2005. Matonak was largely known as “Drew” by students, faculty, and friends. During his tenure, Matonak helped move HVCC towards a more online format, as broadband became a bigger factor throughout the early to mid-2000s.
Matonak was also remembered for a number of other significant accomplishments towards the college. He secured $200 million for the college, which allowed for a $47.7 million investment that went towards the science center at Hudson Valley.
The investment also included a $13.5 million Training and Education Center, $9.4 million toward the Administration Building, $4.5 million toward the Athletic area, and $4.5 million toward the parking area.
Matonak would expand the college’s length by 120-acres. Additionally, Matonak was known for introducing 25 new degree programs for students at Hudson Valley Community College.
Another major accomplishment of Matonak’s was his success in bringing then-President Barack Obama to speak at Hudson Valley Community College, along with then-Second Lady of the United States Jill Biden. Jill Biden is married to current President-elect Joe Biden.
In his youth, Matonak attended Butler County Community College in Butler, Pennsylvania. There, he received his Associate’s Degree.
He later attended The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree.
He would receive a Master’s Degree from Michigan State University before graduating from the University of Houston.
Matonak became recognized for his ambitious yet successful attempts to expand the college. In 2018, he retired after 13 years as President and was replaced by current President Roger Ramsammy.
Following his retirement, Matonak would move to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. There where he would reside the rest of his life with his family up until his death.
HVCC President Roger Ramsammy released an official statement in regards to his predecessor’s death.
“Drew’s remarkable career in higher education spanned more than four decades, with countless contributions at several colleges and universities. As he retired, he said that Hudson Valley Community College will always be in his heart. We will hold him in ours as well, and recall him as a genuine, caring and compassionate leader, mentor, colleague and friend,” Ramsammy said in an official press release.
SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras also weighed in on Matonak’s passing.
“On behalf of the SUNY family, I am saddened by the passing of Andrew Matonak, who built up Hudson Valley Community College with everything he had to give our students the right support, encouragement, and a stellar education so they could confidently enter the workforce or move on to earn additional degrees. Drew leaves behind a lasting legacy—the continued growth and success of Hudson Valley Community College. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.” Malatras said in an official statement.
Matonak is survived by his wife and a daughter.