[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 139 (Friday, September 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   IN HONOR OF HECTOR VALDES UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM HUDSON COUNTY 
                    COMMUNITY COLLEGE AFTER 25 YEARS

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 8, 1995
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Hector C. 
Valdes Avellaneda. After 25 years at Hudson County Community College he 
is retiring from his position as assistant to the dean. Mr. Valdes is 
an exceptional person who has dedicated his talent and services to 
students for 37 years.
  Hector Valdes received his bachelor of arts degree in accounting from 
the Professional School of Business and a B.A. in elementary teaching 
from the National School of Teachers in Matanzas, Cuba. He also 
attended Montclair State University and New York University from where 
he received a master of arts degree in education.
  Mr. Valdes is another example of an immigrant success story. After 
being held as a political prisoner in Castro's jails, he immigrated to 
the United States in 1969. He worked hard and played by the rules and 5 
years later he became a naturalized citizen. Very quickly, he began to 
make important contributions to his adopted land.
  He began his teaching career working with students seeking their high 
school equivalency diplomas. Mr. Valdes later became a substitute 
teacher in the Union City school system. He went on to become a 
professor at Hudson County Community College and has risen through the 
ranks to serve in a variety of administrative positions. He served as 
an administrative assistant and was later appointed assistant to the 
dean.
  Mr. Valdes helped develop and create academic programs to assist the 
large immigrant population living in Hudson county, because he realized 
that access to quality education is a key to success. The number of 
students who have benefited from his efforts is countless. Throughout 
his years at the college, he has been a wise counselor and advisor. Mr. 
Valdes will be sorely missed by his colleagues and students.
  Hector Valdes's career is one of proud achievement and another 
example of the beautiful diversity of our Nation. His service to the 
community and student body of Hudson County Community College is second 
to none. Even though he is retiring he will always be remembered as a 
brilliant teacher and a true friend. Please join me in wishing Hector 
Valdes a happy retirement.


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