HERSHEY, Pa. – More than 440 of the 800 students eligible to graduate in fall 2024 received their associate degrees, certificates of proficiency or diplomas during the Commencement ceremony for HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, on Dec. 10, 2024.
“To my fellow graduates, if you carry determination as a core quality, you will never miss an opportunity meant for you. Your success today is a testament to the strength within you,” student representative Carolina Alvarez said during her speech.
Alvarez, who was born to Mexican immigrant parents, overcame numerous obstacles to pursue her education and earn a practical nursing certificate. Since childhood, she’s had an interest in medicine and a strong desire to help others. Alvarez first entered the medical field after she attained a certified nursing assistant (CNA) license from HACC while she was still in high school. Since then, she has worked as a CNA while raising her daughter. Alvarez plans to continue her education and become a nurse practitioner specializing in oncology.
“Pursuing education knows no age limit, and HACC’s diversity is a testament to that. Individuals of all ages have worked hard to fulfill their dreams. I am proud to walk alongside you in this new chapter of our lives,” Alvarez said.
Among the 800 students eligible to graduate were three high school students who received their HACC diploma, certificate of proficiency or associate degree - before graduating from high school.
John J. “Ski” Sygielski, MBA, Ed.D., president and CEO of HACC, congratulated each graduating student on their remarkable achievement.
“The HACC teaching and learning community is ‘HACC proud’ of our incredible fall 2024 graduates! I am inspired by the determination and dedication each student exhibited to reach this milestone, and I look forward to seeing where their HACC education takes them next,” Sygielski said.
Please visit HACC’s fall 2024 Commencement ceremony webpage to learn more about the Commencement ceremony speakers and view photos of the graduates.
Photo Caption: HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, welcomed the College’s newest alumni during its Dec. 10, 2024, Commencement ceremony.
About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges. HACC offers approximately 100 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 12,000 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 X (@HACC_info), follow us on Instagram (@HACC_edu), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.
