On the evening of December 8, community leaders, local politicians and business owners of Hudson County and the State of New Jersey gathered at the Liberty Science Center for the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth Annual Legends Ball. The annual event was established to recognize and honor the leaders of Hudson County for their contributions to the region. On this particular evening, Saint Peter’s College president, Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., was inducted into this class of esteemed Hudson County legends.
Maria L. Nieves, president and CEO of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, described this year’s award recipients as “the best of Hudson County and our very own legends” and explained that they are being honored for their “commitment and dedication, day-in and day-out” and for their “passion for New Jersey, Hudson County and the organizations that they serve.”
Dr. Cornacchia was specifically recognized for his “transformation of one of the leading educational institutions in Hudson County.” Nieves highlighted a number of noteworthy initiatives at the College, which have taken place under Dr. Cornacchia’s leadership including, the expansion of graduate and undergraduate educational programs, the transition of St. Aedan’s to St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s College Church, the Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s College, the largest capital campaign in the College’s history, and his encouragement of students, faculty and staff to engage in service opportunities, which benefit the community.
“I am truly honored and humbled by this award,” said Dr. Cornacchia. “I must thank the amazing people that make up Saint Peter’s College and really I accept the award for them. Although at times I feel that I have been with Saint Peter’s College since the beginning, the truth is Saint Peter’s has been around for 140 years and it is the real legend of Hudson County. I continue to be amazed each and everyday by the accomplishments of our nearly 3,000 students and our 33,000 alumni.”
Dr. Cornacchia was recognized along with Ms. Sharon Ambis-Pizzutiello of The Jersey Journal and Raj Mukherji of Impact NJ. Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy presented proclamations to all three honorees.