HARRISBURG, Pa. – In honor of HACC's 50th anniversary, HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College President, John J. "Ski" Sygielski, Ed.D., biked 170 miles – in just three days – to express his gratitude for all that Central Pennsylvania does for HACC and to award $41,000 in scholarships to new and current students.                                                                                       

From April 22-24, 2014, the president biked to and from each of the five HACC campuses to be greeted by more than 1,300 alumni, board members, donors, employees, community members and students. Along his journey, he gave away $41,000 in scholarships, 23 bicycles and more than 50 other giveaways, and he stopped to visit with legislators, school superintendents, the president of Lebanon Valley College, alumni and donors.

"On Tuesday, the rain, winds and heavy truck traffic on my route between Lebanon and Lancaster made it a little more interesting and challenging. I fought some strong wind gusts and heavy truck traffic on Wednesday as well. My battery on my smartphone died, so I stopped at homes and businesses to ask for directions, too," Sygielski said.

While he faced some challenges, there were many memorable moments.

“One of the most memorable moments was the excitement, enthusiasm, and joy created by all in attendance. Additionally, seeing hopefulness in the faces of each potential scholarship award winner, and the collegiality and good humor among students, faculty, staff and external visitors,” Sygielski said.

The scholarship winners for each campus included:

Lebanon Campus

Photographed from left to right: Jaime Spitler, John J. "Ski" Sygielski, Ed.D., Carol Nouril, Chris Rothermel, Dawn Fradera, Bradley Thomas

Lancaster Campus

Photographed from left to right: Ruby Hollman, Karen Wray, Derek Stoltzfus, Kyle Kuehn,

Tameassa Eckert, Joseph Vogt

York Campus

Photographed from left to right: John J. "Ski" Sygielski, Ed.D., Britney Sanders, Paula Kreiser, Jesus Alamon, Michael Harris, Joshua Flowers, Carrie Scott, Kiana Chow-Kai, Jean Treuthart

Gettysburg Campus

Photographed from left to right: Rachel Anschuetz, Angel Solorio, Kaylee Mehaffie, John J. "Ski" Sygielski, Ed.D., HACC’s mascot, the HAWK, Sara Pentz, Lisa Skiles, Kathy Thompson

Midtown 2

Photographed from left to right: Yousef Hassan, John J. "Ski" Sygielski, Ed.D., Brian Rivera

Harrisburg Campus

Photographed from left to right: Latoya Stump, Amanda Kurtz, Heather Walters, Kylen La Rue, Kaila Anderson-Garrison, Rebecca Arney, Bradford Oliver, Irene Radczenko. Nancy Lee, Bradley Horn, John J. "Ski" Sygielski, Ed.D., Molly Lemke, Jeff Sassaman, Liudmyla Galarza, Dung H. Tu

About HACC

HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, offers more than 150 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to more than 20,000 students at five campuses in Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York and through virtual learning. In addition, HACC serves more than 29,000 students in noncredit workforce development, public safety, adult basic education and continuing education programs offered at all campuses and off-site locations in many communities in Central Pennsylvania. For more information about how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit www.hacc.edu.

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