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Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison Celebrates Commencement Ceremony with Marymount Manhattan College at Taconic Correctional Facility
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Bedford Hills, NY –– On May 28th, Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, in partnership with Marymount Manhattan College, proudly celebrated their commencement ceremony for incarcerated scholars at Taconic Correctional Facility, honoring the achievements of 14 graduates who obtained 3 Bachelor’s and 11 associate degrees.

For nearly three decades, Hudson Link has served as a transformative beacon of hope for incarcerated people, facilitating access to higher education and empowering individuals to reshape their lives. This milestone event marks a significant chapter in Hudson Link’s commitment to providing educational opportunities in prison, as Marymount Manhattan College prepares for a merger with Northeastern University, set to finalize at the end of June.

"We are immensely proud of our graduates and the resilience they have shown throughout their educational journeys," stated Dr. Lila McDowell, Executive Director of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison. "As we celebrate this final commencement with Marymount Manhattan College, we honor the dedication of all those involved in supporting incarcerated individuals in their pursuit of higher education and personal growth."

The ceremony also spotlighted their student speakers, Mone't D., representing the associate degree students, and the salutatorian, Stacey P., representing the Bachelor’s degree students. Both shared touching testimonials about the profound impact education has had on their lives.

“When I came here to Taconic, I made a decision,” Mone’t D. reflected. “I told myself I was going to use my time to get an education and leave with something no one could ever take away from me. That decision gave me motivation, commitment, purpose, and a reason for my existence. On the days when things felt heavy, college gave me a reason to keep pushing forward.”

Stacey P. echoed these sentiments, stating, “We think differently because of the education we have received. College isn't just about learning; it is about helping us use what we learned to become better individuals. As Sonia Sanchez said, 'the more I learn, the clearer my view of the world becomes.'”

While celebrating the graduates' accomplishments, speakers reiterated a powerful theme: education can break the cycles of incarceration and enable successful reintegration into society.

“Our graduates in the Taconic College Program have demonstrated in a very powerful way how education can reshape perspective and provide opportunity,” said Dr. Peter Naccarato, interim president of Marymount Manhattan College. “Their determination and achievements inspire us, and we are honored to welcome them as valued members of the Marymount Manhattan alumni family.”

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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 re-entry support. Established in 1998, Hudson Link has transformed over two thousand lives helping incarcerated people make a positive impact on their own lives, their families and communities, resulting in lower rates of recidivism, incarceration and poverty. Working with seven college partners, Hudson Link provides funding, management and organizational support for academic programs leading to a college degree at four 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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