Hudson Valley Community College

Hudson Valley Community College began its journey in 1946 as the Veteran's Vocational School, a testament to its foundational commitment to serving those who served. Evolving into the Hudson Valley Technical Institute in 1953, it quickly established itself as a vital educational hub, initially offering five vocational training programs. This institution's very existence is rooted in a vision to provide accessible, high-quality education, a mission championed by community leaders like Hyman Rosenblum and Dwight Marvin, who saw the immense potential a community college held for the region's residents.

The college's early growth wasn't without its hurdles. A pivotal moment in its history, and indeed for community colleges across New York State, came with the landmark case Grimm v. Rensselaer County. Facing opposition from taxpayers regarding campus funding, the college's right to county financial support was upheld by the state's Court of Appeals in 1958, paving the way for crucial capital construction projects at community colleges statewide. This legal victory solidified HVCC's foundation and its enduring role as a publicly supported institution dedicated to broad community service. In 1959, reflecting its expanding mission, the college adopted its current name.

Today, Hudson Valley Community College stands as a beacon of modern education, continuously investing in state-of-the-art facilities to prepare students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce. Its academic strengths are notably evident in its impressive science and technology programs. A 100,000-square-foot science center, completed in 2013, boasts cutting-edge equipment for biotechnology, physical, and environmental sciences. Further solidifying its commitment to practical, career-focused learning, the 2019 opening of the Gene F. Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills addresses an urgent regional demand for skilled employees, ensuring students gain hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing technologies. This forward-thinking approach ensures HVCC graduates are well-equipped to "Be Bold. Be a Viking." in their chosen fields.