Past Presidents
Dr. Roger A. Ramsammy
President, 2018-2024
During Dr. Ramsammy’s tenure, the college expanded and created new partnerships, facilities and programming with both local and global communities and increased educational access for underserved populations. The college expanded its physical footprint with the creation of HVCC North in Malta, HVCC South in Albany, and the Aeronautical Technical Institute/HVCC West at the Albany International Airport, and became a member of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP). In 2024, the college became an official UNESCO-UNEVOC Reference Center and the first community college in the United States to join the UNEVOC Network. Under President Ramsammy’s leadership, the college established the Veterans Resource and Outreach Center and the QUESTAR III and HVCC STEM High School on campus, and completed an ambitious strategic plan to guide the college’s future growth and priorities.
Dr. Andrew “Drew” Matonak
President, 2005-2018
The college saw continued growth and a major expansion of facilities during the 13-year tenure of President Matonak. The college introduced more than 20 degree and certificate programs, and in 2011, reached an enrollment peak of 14,011. The college’s Administration Building, Science Center, LaPan Services Building, TEC-SMART extension center, Parking Garage and Outdoor Athletic Complex were all constructed under Drew’s presidency. He also led several initiatives that partnered the college with the Capital Region’s secondary education and business communities, most notably the Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Early College High School.
Dr. Marco J. Silvestri (1942 - 2015)
Interim President, 2004-2005
During Dr. Silvestri’s tenure, the college broke the 12,000-student mark for the first time in its history. The college also received reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Middle States Association; initiated a planning and assessment process; maintained current and planned for future enrollment and fiscal stability; achieved energy independence with the operation of the college’s cogeneration facility; negotiated new contracts with unions on campus at the Educational Opportunity Center; and implemented a more effective institutional advancement function for the college. Prior to serving as interim president, Dr. Silvestri served as the college’s vice president for administration since 1984.
John Buono
President, 1998-2003
A 1968 graduate of the college, President Buono returned to his alma mater to serve as president after a distinguished career in public service. President Buono acted to establish collaborative initiatives with other academic institutions, local businesses and civic organizations. Also under President Buono's tenure, the college placed an increasing emphasis on articulation agreements, ensuring Hudson Valley graduates a seamless transfer to selected four-year degree programs. President Buono's administration oversaw the construction of the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, the Guenther Enrollment Services Center and the college's co-generation plant.
Dr. Stephen M. Curtis
President, 1996-1998
The fourth president of Hudson Valley Community College was Dr. Stephen M. Curtis. During President Curtis' brief tenure at Hudson Valley, the college began a partnership with TimeWarner Cable to offer interactive video courses to area high schools. Dr. Curtis introduced the college's first Family Day, attracting more than 1,000 new students and their families.
Dr. Joseph J. Bulmer (1929 - 2006)
President, 1979-1996
During his tenure as the third president, the college expanded its mission to include innovate community outreach programs, faculty and student minority recruitment efforts, and the promotion of educational accessibility for persons with disabilities. President Bulmer directed the formation of the college's Academic Senate. The college continued to modernize its facilities to keep pace with the latest advancements in educational technology. Construction of the college's new Telecommunications Center was completed, and the state-of-the-art facility was dedicated the Bulmer Telecommunications Center, in honor of President Bulmer's service.
James J. Fitzgibbons (1915 - 2005)
President, 1965-1979
Hudson Valley's second president, James J. Fitzgibbons presided over an impressive period of growth at the college that saw the rise of five new buildings and a 4,000-student increase in enrollment. During his tenure, Hudson Valley's curricula grew from 18 to 38 academic programs, and the college was organized into five academic divisions. His presidency spanned turbulent years of student activism and faculty unionization in the late 1960s and early '70s.
Otto V. Guenther (1897 - 1969)
President, 1953-1965
Otto V. Guenther was selected in 1953 as the first president of the newly established Hudson Valley Technical Institute. Under his leadership the college's enrollment grew rapidly, and new programs were added. In 1957, President Guenther received approval from the Rensselaer County Board of Supervisors for the construction of a new campus. In 1959, the name of the college was changed to Hudson Valley Community College to reflect its broader educational mission. The college completed its move to the new campus on Vandenburgh Avenue in 1961. During President Guenther's 12-year tenure, the college enrollment grew from just 88 students to almost 3,000.