Mid-Hudson News reports that on May 10 Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison and Columbia-Greene Community College hosted their first commencement ceremony at the Green Haven Correctional Facility. Seven graduates earned their associate degrees in Individual Studies. Joel Jimenez, Hudson Link Program Director, said, “Green Haven has always been close to my heart because I spent eight years of my incarceration in that facility. I remember hoping to transfer to a facility like Sing Sing where Hudson Link was operating a college program, one of the few in the state. When I became Program Director at Hudson Link, I set a goal to open a college program available to an entire population, because I wanted the men at Green Haven to have the opportunity I did not have when I was there. Education is one of the great equalizers an incarcerated person could have, and so, I am super excited to attend this graduation only 18 months since we opened the program.” Jose Rodriguez was the Columbia-Greene Community College Valedictorian at Green Haven, and he said, “I want to say that I didn’t do this just for me. I did this for all those that I’ve hurt by my past actions. I did this for my family, who continue to love me unconditionally and continue to be supportive. I did this for the man I call “Dad,” even though you’re not here, I know you’re still watching. I kept my promise. I told you I’d get this. And most importantly, I did this for my boys—my sons. You are my greatest achievement and greatest inspiration. I know I’ve let you down, but I’m picking up the pieces. Your Papi is making it happen, and it doesn’t stop here.” Read more about this story at Mid-Hudson News.