Changing of the Guard
End of an Era as Garibell Steps Down;
Matthews Assumes the Helm
Long-serving Hudson Catholic administrator and current Principal Terence Matthews is the right person at the right time, as the longest serving Principal-President in school history, Richard Garibell, announced his retirement effective December 31st, 2020.
 
Mr. Garibell provided the professional command and steady hand that was needed at one the most critical times in school history, joining us in August 2012, stewarding the first class of graduating females through commencement, and presiding over the strengthening of our academic programs during his tenure.
 
Richard came to us at the time that Paterson Catholic closed its doors, and served Hudson Catholic for nine years of his 50-year career in Catholic and public education as teacher, administrator, and institutional leader.
 
The outgoing President remarked ”I have worked with outstanding educators and been the teacher and principal for wonderful young people. I will remember all of the schools very fondly. However, Hudson Catholic will have a special place in my heart. This young staff that we have at Hudson Catholic is simply one of the best. Their ability to adjust to teaching virtual and in-class students simultaneously has been admirable. Our administrative team works above and beyond to make Hudson Catholic a school of which to be very proud.”
 
He added: “Our students are some of the finest young people that I have worked with over the last 50 years. They have shown academic growth, as well as spiritual growth. The programs that we have added, including the Dual Enrollment Program, the ACES Program, and the Medical Arts Program are only the beginning of our expanded academic programs.”
 
“Thank you again for the opportunity to serve our families of Hudson Catholic and to work with such an outstanding staff. I ask all staff, families, alumni and friends of the Hudson Catholic community to please show Terry your support and cooperation as he takes on this all-encompassing role of leading the students, curriculum, facilities, and administration of our school.”
Terence ‘Terry’ Matthews becomes Hudson Catholic’s 4th President and assumes the titles and roles of President-Principal. He is truly a Catholic school educator who has a love for our mission.
 
Terry stated: “I am honored to be selected by the Archdiocese to lead our school, and excited to build upon Mr. Garibell's legacy. Richard’s nine-year tenure brought unprecedented improvements to our academic offerings, collegiate opportunities, staff, facilities, and athletics. I am critically aware that I cannot do this alone and will always seek the help and guidance of our entire community of teachers, staff, students, families, alumni and stakeholders. I promise to work hard to justify your faith and to never take lightly the fact that you have entrusted your children, the most precious things in your life, to our care.”
 
Mr. Matthews is a Jersey City native, presently in his 36th year serving Hudson Catholic. He holds a B.S. in English from Rutgers University and a Masters in Education from St. Peter’s University. He has been an educator, Guidance Counselor, Director of Admissions & Public Relations, Director of Athletics, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and this year, stepped up to the role of Principal at a time that has brought unprecedented challenge to an administrative team.
 
Among Terry’s most notable contributions, he helped lead the transition to a coeducational institution, recently coordinated the school’s successful Middle States Re-accreditation process, and has worked tirelessly to help Hudson Catholic evolve to fit the needs of its changing demographics.
 
He is a great friend of the athletic program. In 28 years as Head Swim Coach, he has helped 60+ swimmers earn All State and All County accolades, 20+ of whom went on to compete at the collegiate level. He has also been an Assistant Coach for Football and Track & Field, and six years ago, founded the Boys and Girls Rugby Teams that have to date sent over 20 student-athletes on to play collegiate rugby, including the first girl in the history of Hudson County to receive an NCAA Division 1 scholarship.
 
Terry is the middleman in a long and storied educational family history. His father, the late Terrence Matthews, was a legendary and long-tenured Principal at Ferris High School in Jersey City. And his son, Liam, is a chip off the old block, presently on staff at Hudson Catholic, ‘what else?’, teaching English and coaching the Swim Team!

Under the wealth of experience of Richard Garibell and Terence Mathews, Hudson Catholic has been and remains in good hands.
Please reach out to offer these fine men your gratitude, congratulations, best wishes, and support.
The Office of Advancement ~ Gary, Jill & Jenine
201-332-5970 x118