Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise to Receive 蜜桃影像 2014 Heritage Award
May 14, 2014
The honor will be awarded during the College鈥檚 Commencement Ceremonies on May 22nd; more than 925 students will graduate that evening.
May 14, 2014, Jersey City, NJ 鈥� 蜜桃影像 (HCCC) will award the 2014 Heritage Award to Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise at the College鈥檚 36th Annual Commencement Exercises. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, May 22nd in Prudential Hall at New Jersey Performing Art Center in Newark, NJ. More than 925 students are set to graduate as members of the HCCC Class of 2014.
The HCCC Heritage Award recognizes members of the community who have made significant contributions to the College, its students, and families.
HCCC President Dr. Glen Gabert said Mr. DeGise has dedicated much of his life to serving and investing in the people of Hudson County, and the College. 鈥淭he County Executive has been a steadfast partner of 蜜桃影像, particularly with regard to the College鈥檚 $200 million physical expansion and revitalization endeavors,鈥� Dr. Gabert stated.
鈥淢r. DeGise鈥檚 support has been instrumental in the College鈥檚 from-the-ground-up construction of the Culinary Conference Center, North Hudson Higher Education Center, and the new Library & Academic Building, as well as the renovation of several buildings, including 2 Enos Street, 70 Sip Avenue, and One PATH Plaza. We are grateful for the consideration, care, and support he has always shown.鈥�
A lifelong Hudson County resident, Mr. DeGise earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree from St. Peter鈥檚 College in 1973, and began his career as a teacher and administrator in the Jersey City Public Schools, where he served for twenty years. He entered public life by founding the New #28 School Neighborhood Association in the 1980s, and eventually chaired the Heights Coalition of Neighborhood Associations, a group dedicated to improving the quality of life in The Heights section of Jersey City.
Mr. DeGise served as Jersey City鈥檚 Municipal Council President from 1993 to 2001. He was elected County Executive in November 2002, and on his first day in office he submitted legislation to create the first-ever Ethics Oversight Board for Hudson County government to the County鈥檚 Board of Chosen Freeholders. He was re-elected County Executive in 2003, 2007, and 2011.
As County Executive, Mr. DeGise has made workforce development a priority. He revived programs for youth, especially at-risk youth, and created the County鈥檚 innovative Summer Youth Employment Partnership. Mr. DeGise also increased the amount of parks and open spaces throughout the County鈥檚 twelve municipalities by more than 25 percent, grew recreational opportunities, and expanded preservation of historic sites.
The County Executive serves as the Chairman of the New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. He has been recognized by a host of community and civic organizations for his efforts to combat homelessness, improve the environment, and support the independence of those who are physically challenged.
鈥淓ducation has always been an important part of my life, and Hudson County Community College holds special meaning to me on many levels,鈥� Mr. DeGise said. 鈥淭he College has been a gateway to a better future for thousands of our residents, including my daughter. It is gratifying to play a part in the growth of the College, and the education of those who live and work here in Hudson County.
鈥淚 congratulate the Class of 2014, and invite them to partner with me and the College in working to make the future brighter and better for everyone in Hudson County.鈥�