Graduating HACC students at Giant Center
May 7, 2024

HERSHEY, Pa. – More than 635 of the 1,160 students eligible to graduate in spring and summer 2024 received their associate degrees, certificates or diplomas during the Commencement ceremony for HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, on May 7, 2024. 

Richard Perez received an associate degree in general studies and was selected as the student speaker. Perez attended college after high school but dropped out to help support his family. Seven years later, he enrolled at HACC while working full time as a warehouse supervisor. Perez wanted to continue his education but didn't want to abandon his efforts and the work identity he had established. He attended the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program in 2023, which completely changed his life and way of thinking. He looks forward to transferring to Bucknell University with a full-tuition scholarship.

Among the 1,160 students eligible to graduate were nine high school students who received their HACC diploma, certificate or associate degree as they prepare for high school graduation.

John J. “Ski” Sygielski, MBA, Ed.D., president and CEO of HACC, congratulated each graduating student on their hard-earned achievement. 

“The entire college community is ‘HACC proud’ of our spring and summer 2024 graduates! Their futures are bright and full of endless opportunities, and I look forward to seeing where their HACC education takes them next,” Sygielski said.  

Please visit HACC’s spring 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 May 7, 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.

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