DCC@HVR Airport Center Cleared for Take Off

WAPPINGERS FALLS – The hangar doors rolled up at DCC@HVR Airport Thursday, officially launching Dutchess Community College’s new aviation center.

At a grand opening event, representatives of New York state, elected officials, business leaders and local friends and supporters of the College joined Acting President Ellen Gambino in celebrating the launch of DCC’s new $16M state-of-the art collegiate aviation facility.
“The DCC@HVR Airport facility represents our commitment to broadening aviation education in the region, said Acting President Gambino. “We already have the reputation for being one of New York’s leading aviation education providers – our pilot and aviation management programs are second to none – and now with the addition of our new aviation maintenance technician programs and this outstanding education center, we are even more strategically positioned to meet the workforce needs of the aviation industry, now and in the years to come. Students who finish their training with us will be on a pathway to great jobs and successful careers.”

Combining world-class flight, aviation management, aviation maintenance, airframe and powerplant technician instruction with access to the Aviation Education Center located on the grounds of the bustling Hudson Valley Regional Airport (KPOU), DCC@HVR Airport offers students the perfect aviation training environment.

County Executive Marc Molinaro was among the guests at the grand opening. “Dutchess County Government’s partnership with Dutchess Community College (DCC) is soaring to new heights with the opening of the new Aviation Center at our own Hudson Valley Regional Airport (HVRA)! “ said Molinaro. “The County’s investment of nearly $8 million to build the education hangar is part of a multi-prong strategy focused on increasing enrollment at DCC and creating a pipeline to new jobs. The new aviation center offers students the opportunity to gain in-demand skills for high-paying jobs while serving as magnet to attract aviation maintenance and related businesses to locate at the HVRA where they can take advantage of a skilled workforce.”

“Dutchess Community College is a leader in aviation instruction in New York, providing specialized skill training that SUNY is known for, and the new aviation maintenance program and this state-of-the-art center will allow the college to offer students a world-class training facility to meet the aviation industry’s worldwide growing workforce demands,” said SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras. “From this center, students will benefit from real, hands-on learning experiences that will prepare them for the aviation field. Dutchess Community College’s new aviation training facility is world-leading and will make the Hudson Valley the epicenter for training the world’s workforce. My thanks to Acting President Ellen Gambino for leading this effort with the support of our state and local leaders.”