Dutchess County, NY – July 30, 2025 – Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, in collaboration with Columbia-Greene Community College, proudly celebrated the academic achievements of 23 students who successfully completed their Associate of Science in Individual Studies. The graduates were honored at a commencement ceremony held at Green Haven Correctional Facility.
Jason Q., the Student Speaker at Green Haven, expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I want to express my gratitude to Hudson Link and my professors for upholding a high standard of excellence and making a positive impact on the narrative of incarcerated people.”
Founded in 1998, Hudson Link provides college education and reentry support to incarcerated people in New York State. The partnership with Columbia-Greene Community College, established in 2022, has expanded educational opportunities at Green Haven, offering associate degrees to incarcerated students.
“Prisons shouldn’t only be a place of punishment, but also one of rehabilitation,” said Dr. Victoria L. Walsh, President of Columbia-Greene Community College. “Since 1998, Hudson Link has actively sought to provide second chances for people who are often forgotten in our society. Our work with Hudson Link speaks to one of our primary missions as an institution; serving the community in a holistic way. Providing incarcerated individuals with the tools required to pursue their purpose in life, helps to prevent recidivism, and serve our community.”
Joel Jimenez, Hudson Link’s Program Director, shared his personal connection to Green Haven students, having spent eight years of his incarceration there before transferring to Sing Sing to complete his degree through Hudson Link. “Our collaboration with Columbia-Greene Community College enables Hudson Link to offer the people at Green Haven the educational opportunities that were not available to me during my time there. I am delighted to attend the third graduation ceremony since the program’s inception. Education is a transformative tool that can help level the playing field for incarcerated individuals, both during their time in prison and after their release into society.”
“What you’ve done here today is nothing short of miraculous,” said Keynote Speaker Daryl Epps, looking towards the graduates. “Earning a college degree within these walls is not merely an academic achievement; it is a powerful declaration. It is a declaration that you are more than your past. It is a declaration that you are committed to growth and change. It is a declaration that you believe in yourselves and the potential that lies within you. It’s about reclaiming and owning your narrative. It’s about saying: ‘I am not a statistic. I am not my lowest moment. I am a role model, a human being, a father, a leader, and an architect of my destiny.’”
This sentiment was echoed at the state level by New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III, who emphasized the Department’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of rehabilitation and reentry.
“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 Commissioner Martuscello. “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.”
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.
Congratulations to you all. May y’all continue to grow.
I was very happy that my fiance (Basil Hawkins) was included in the 2025 Hudson Link Graduation as he was the only Cornell University Graduate Celebrating that day. He is a truly committed student who finished with a 4.0 and excited about any other Higher Education programs he is eligible for to pursue his Bachelors Degree & Master Programs.
Although things started a little late and was very hot , it was a pleasure to see everyone fellowship and happy.
The food and cake was delicious and appreciated.