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August 2011

March 2, 2023 by

Hudson Link/Nyack College hosts first commencement ceremony at Fishkill Correctional Facility

hudson-link-2011-fishkill-graduating-class

The unforgettable strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” ushered in the first Hudson Link/Nyack College commencement ceremony at Fishkill Correctional Facility. Thirteen men marched proudly through a room of family, friends, and supporters to receive their Bachelor of Science degrees in Organizational Management from Nyack College President Michael Scales.

Prior to the commencement, three graduates were released from prison. Acknowledging the determination and commitment required to complete their Bachelor’s degrees under adverse conditions and the impact that this accomplishment would have on the students, their families, and the prison population, the Department of Corrections granted permission for the men to attend the commencement and participate in the festivities with their fellow graduates.

Keynote speaker Glenn Martin, Vice President of Development at the Fortune Society, spoke about the choices that each of us makes and how the graduates’ choice to attend college opened the door to transformation and redemption. Brian Fischer, Commissioner for the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, spoke about responsibility – the responsibility our graduates to make the right choices going forward and their responsibility to help the students behind them to succeed – to “pay it forward.”

Students shared their riveting life stories with the audience throughout the evening. Their ability to persevere in the face of adversity and reach significant academic achievements moved everyone in the audience.

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For this year’s Giving Tuesday, Give Connection! We are asking our community to help us provide our released alumni with essential technology for navigating our 21st Century world, as well as other basic necessities like underwear, cozy sweats, and socks.

Supporting the Giving Connections campaign is as simple as shopping on Amazon: visit the Giving Connection wishlist, select the items you wish to purchase for Hudson Link alumni, and make sure to choose Hudson Link’s office as the shipping destination at checkout. Please make sure to include a gift note so we know who each donation is coming from.

Thank you for all you do for Hudson Link alumni, this Giving Tuesday and all year round. We could not do this work without you!

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