[Bedford, NY] – On Thursday, May 29th, 2025, Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison and Marymount Manhattan College recognized the remarkable achievements of the three graduates from Taconic’s Women Correctional Facility. In a testament to the power of education, one out of the three Taconic graduates completed their degree in just 8 semesters, a remarkably fast pace for college programs in a correctional setting.
“Education is a powerful tool for transformation, and we are honored to witness the incredible growth and resilience of the women in the Taconic College Program,” said Dr. Lila McDowell, Executive Director of Hudson Link. “Their achievements serve as an inspiration to us all and a testament to our graduates overcoming adversity, even in the most challenging of circumstances.”
Divine L., a graduate and this year’s class speaker shared, “Here at Taconic, we were able to make a decision that would change the course of our lives forever: to continue our education and earn a college degree.”
The Taconic College Program, facilitated by Hudson Link since 2019, provides incarcerated women with the opportunity to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees from Marymount Manhattan College. By offering high-quality, accessible education, the program empowers participants to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
“Education, in all its forms, is transformative within a correctional setting and serves as the foundation to both the Department’s mission and an individual’s success,” said NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III. “I am committed to supporting college programs because they make our facilities safer and foster a positive environment for both the incarcerated population and our staff. We are constantly encouraging our population to partner with Hudson Link to pursue their educational goals. By doing so, they open themselves up to endless possibilities and opportunities, empowering them to reach their full potential upon re-entry into the community.”
“Our graduates in the Taconic College Program understand more than most the transformative effect that an education can have on their lived experience,” said Peter Naccarato, Ph.D., interim president of Marymount Manhattan College. “We are so very proud of what they have been able to accomplish, and we welcome them with open arms into the Marymount Manhattan alumni community.”
“Education is the key that unlocks not just doors, but futures,” affirms Carysma C. Smith, Deputy Superintendent for Programs Services at Taconic. “Today, we don’t just celebrate degrees—we celebrate the strength, perseverance, and the hope that brought us here. Your journey proves that no wall is high enough, no past heavy enough, to keep you from building a better future.”
“Take pride in your incredible achievements,” says Deborah Fitzgerald, keynote speaker and Hudson Link’s Community Engagement Manager. “Remember, you are paving the way for change—not only for yourselves but for those who follow in your footsteps. Be the change you want to see, and let your journey inspire others.”
About Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison
Hudson Link (hudsonlink.org) empowers currently and formerly incarcerated people to realize their academic and economic potential by managing degree-granting college programs and providing essential reentry support. Established in 1998, Hudson Link has had a profound impact on the lives of countless incarcerated individuals, empowering them to create positive change for themselves, their families, and their communities. Working with six college partners, Hudson Link provides funding, management and organizational support for academic programs leading to a college degree at five correctional facilities. In addition to in-prison college programs, Hudson Link operates a strong portfolio of services for alumni, including transitional housing through an initiative called New Beginnings.
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