Letter to the editor: President’s parting thoughts

My thanks to The Hudsonian for asking me to write a short letter to the editor as we wrap up the spring semester.

As I enter my final months as president of Hudson Valley Community College, this gives me the opportunity to leave our student body with a few words of advice and encouragement. I promise not to be long-winded, but I hope some of my parting thoughts will resonate with some of you.  

Be proud.

First, I want you to be proud of the choice you made to attend Hudson Valley Community College. We’ve all heard about the skyrocketing amount of student debt — now over $1 trillion — that has burdened several generations of college students. Often, high school graduates enter a four-year college or university with little or no direction regarding their career path or course of study. By choosing Hudson Valley to begin your higher education, you’ve made a smart decision to get an outstanding education without encumbering a great deal of debt.

Whether you know exactly what you want to do or you’re still exploring your career options, starting at a community college makes both academic and economic sense. So, be proud of the choice you made to be a Viking.
As we say, it’s a bold choice for a lot of smart reasons.

Accomplish anything.
This time of year, we often reach out to faculty and try to uncover some unique student stories that show the diversity of our graduating class. Whether it’s a refugee who had to resettle his family and restart his life in the United States or a young honor student looking to complete her high school diploma and her associate degree at the same time, it always amazes me how, with determination and hard work, our students can accomplish amazing things.

We come from diverse backgrounds, and yet Hudson Valley serves as a catalyst for some incredible, life-changing accomplishments. Among our 80,000 Viking alumni are congressmen, surgeons, federal prosecutors, college professors, business leaders and artists. The possibilities are truly endless, and I invite you to use your Hudson Valley education to dream big and accomplish anything you desire.  

Remember us.
Retiring after four decades in higher education brings up a lot of anticipation but also a lot of pride in what we have collectively accomplished. I will always have Viking pride. As I look back on my 13 years at Hudson Valley, I cherish my part in helping thousands of students take the next step in their educational journey.

From the perspective of a current student working hard to wrap up another semester or a soon-to-be graduate anticipating your next steps, you might not see how incredibly life-changing this place can be. I can because I, too, started my higher education at a community college, and that decision impacted my life probably more than any other.  

To our students graduating this year, congratulations, and my hope is that you proudly remember where you came from. Proudly tell your friends and family members about the benefits of your Hudson Valley education. To our returning students, make sure you schedule your fall (or summer) classes soon if you haven’t already. We want you back here next year!

Finally, my best wishes to each and every member of our Hudson Valley family. It’s been my honor to serve as your president.

Drew