With incredible sadness, I must share that President Drew Matonak passed away on Saturday, Nov. 7. During the past few months, Drew fought a brave but difficult battle with a rare form of cancer. He is now at peace and will be remembered for his many contributions to our students, the college and greater Capital Region community.
Drew came to Hudson Valley in 2005 and led the college through a period of impressive growth and innovation in academic programming and student services, as well as a remarkable transformation of the college’s physical and technological infrastructure. Members of our community reflected on Drew’s tremendous legacy in the tribute video from the 2017 Hudson Valley Community College Foundation Gala. A timeline of Drew’s accomplishments was published in the 2018 Valley View magazine.
Following his retirement in 2018, Drew visited the area several times to connect with colleagues and friends. During our conversations, he offered me support, expressed appreciation for the work of our faculty and staff, and shared pride in the college’s continuous progress. Just last fall, we were grateful to have Drew with us for the opening of the Gene F. Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills, a facility that exemplifies his commitment to our students, community partnerships, and workforce and economic development.
Drew’s remarkable career in higher education spanned more than four decades, with countless contributions at several colleges and universities. As he retired, he said that Hudson Valley Community College will always be in his heart. We will hold him in ours as well, and recall him as a genuine, caring and compassionate leader, mentor, colleague and friend.
Those wishing to remember Drew may also consider a gift to the President Andrew J. Matonak Student Leadership and Scholarship Fund at the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation. Many of you know that Drew’s decision to attend Butler County Community College was a defining moment in his life. Supporting this scholarship is one way to give back to those who follow in his path. Visit our Make a Gift webpage if you would like to contribute.
In the days ahead, we will share additional plans to celebrate Drew’s life. For the time being, let us keep Drew’s wife, Karen, and daughter, Taylor, in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Roger A. Ramsammy, Ph.D.
President
Published: Mon, 09 Nov 2020 13:30:13 +0000 by r.ramsammy