Bedford, New York – On Thursday, May 30th, 2024, Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison and Marymount Manhattan College recognized the accomplishments of six graduates who earned their Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and three individuals who received their Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Human Rights at Taconic Correctional Facility.
The keynote speaker, Jenisha Watts who currently serves as a senior editor at the Atlantic, delivered a powerful commencement speech about her own experiences through adversity and the impact the legal system had on her family. “It was an utter privilege to witness how education can truly transform individuals,” shared Watts. “I wasn’t only moved by the accomplishments of the women, but by the sheer fact that their kids were able to witness such a triumphant day. A memory that will help motivate them to reach for success despite any adversity. With this program, Hudson Link is instilling hope not only for these women but for their families and communities.” *
The graduation was organized by Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, an Ossining based nonprofit that offers college education and reentry support to currently and formerly incarcerated people. The organization has been offering college-credited courses at Taconic Correctional Facility since 2008 and began partnering with Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) at the site in 2019.
“Through our collaboration with Marymount Manhattan College and the Department of Corrections, we are providing our students with unparalleled access to a wide range of opportunities that come with education,” stated Sean Pica, Executive Director of Hudson Link. “This partnership reflects our dedication to inclusivity and our determination to empower others by creating lasting social, intellectual, and generational prosperity.”
“We are so proud of the extraordinary accomplishments of our MMC students at the Taconic campus and are overjoyed to be part of their educational journey,” said Peter Naccarato, Interim President of MMC.
Jennifer M., a graduate and this year’s class speaker shared, shared “Receiving a college education while in prison has an incredibly powerful and transformative impact. Marymount Manhattan College and Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison have a significant impact on transforming lives by providing incarcerated students with more than just an education – they offer a high-quality education that I am incredibly grateful for. I am confident that my fellow graduates and I will utilize our dedication and efforts to propel us forward as we embark on the next stages of our lives. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024!
“Organizations such as Hudson Link, and all our college, adult education and vocational programs offer hope and confidence,” shares New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III. “Congratulations to the graduates at Taconic Correctional Facility and all the graduating classes in DOCCS facilities this year. Your dedication and effort will benefit you in the future as you reenter into society with valuable expertise and knowledge.”
“Time and again, our students at Taconic have told us about the transformative power the college program has on their lives and the dignity and purpose they find in the classroom,” shared Peter Naccarato.” That is the fundamental promise of a liberal arts education, which equips students to think critically about the world around them and fully embrace their potential.”
*We apologize for an earlier version of this article that appeared with a quote misattributed to Jenisha Watts.
Congratulations to all of you . Continue with the great work