HARRISBURG, Pa. – A high school senior and two full-ride merit scholarship recipients were among the more than 800 students who completed their associate degrees, certificates or diplomas during the spring 2017 term. On May 11, 2017, HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, congratulated more than 500 students who walked across the stage at the Giant Center in Hershey.
 
Sadira Stallings, 17, of Hanover, received an associate degree in business administration before she is to graduate from South Western High School in June. She is the first high school student from HACC’s Gettysburg Campus to earn a college degree before earning a high school diploma. Stallings plans to return to HACC in the fall to get her associate degree in nursing to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
 
Among the other graduates were:

• Timothy Delp of Kirkwood, who attended HACC’s Lancaster Campus. He was a recipient of one of the first-ever full-ride merit scholarships at HACC and received an associate degree in physical science. He plans to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh to complete a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and obtain a second degree or certificate in business management. “The scholarship allowed me to get two years of (college) credits for free,” said the recent graduate.
   
• James Edwards of Lebanon and a grandfather of six, received his associate degree in general studies. He attended HACC’s Lebanon Campus. He will start his bachelor’s degree in behavioral health at Alvernia University in June.
   
• Samuel and Jennie Effland of Fort Loudon, a father and his daughter, who received their degrees together. Jennie attended HACC’s Harrisburg Campus and received an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Samuel attended HACC’s Gettysburg Campus and received an associate degree in mechatronics. “Many times through the past two years, I just wanted to give up and find something new, but having your father there with you is a constant reminder that I couldn't give up, said Jennie. Samuel added, “Doing this with my daughter has been an amazing opportunity.”
   
• Todd Price of York, who received an associate degree in technology studies and graduated with highest honors. Price returned to school after suffering from a traumatic brain injury and completed his degree online through HACC’s Virtual Learning. He plans to attend HACC for a second associate degree in computer information systems. Price describes his biggest accomplishment as leading his children by example, including his role with Phi Theta Kappa, national honor society for two-year institutions. Price was unable to attend graduation because his son, Brian, was receiving an academic achievement award at Central York High School.
   
• Gary Stackfield of Mount Holly Springs, who attended HACC’s Gettysburg Campus and received an associate degree in business studies. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
   
• Nathan Tasker of Hanover, who attended HACC’s Gettysburg Campus. He was a recipient of one of the first-ever full-ride merit scholarships at HACC and received an associate degree in math/computer science. He plans to continue working at HACC through the fall and then pursue a job in computer science. “HACC has supplied me with incredibly useful knowledge and tools that will be vital to my career and that have already been useful in my day-to-day life,” said Tasker.
   
• Justin and Stevi Thompson of Harrisburg, who attended HACC’s Harrisburg Campus. Stevi received an associate degree in general studies and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work. Justin received an associate degree in fire science and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering.
   
• Karen Wahl of York, who was a recipient of an associate degree in web development and design. She completed her degree online through Virtual Learning. She plans to find a job in her field.

Photos of these graduates are available online.
 
A full list of the spring 2017 graduates will be available soon in our online newsroom.
 
About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges. HACC offers over 120 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 19,000 students. Also, the College serves students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York campuses; through virtual learning; and via workforce development and continuing education training. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on Twitter (@HACC_info), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.