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Meet Patty: A Former Nontraditional Student

Meet Patty: A Former Nontraditional Student

Patty Bowen

 

“HACC is an educational institution for all ages and all generations. It has been part of our community since 1964 and first touched me through my aunt, Jean Hintermyer, a 1969 HACC graduate. HACC’s faculty members are part of our community and the real-world work experience brought to the classroom through our adjunct faculty is exceptional.”
 

Patty A. Bowen
Business Studies, 1998

Patty Bowen, an only child, lost both of her parents as a young teenager. Although she finished high school, she worked for years in dead-end jobs. She knew her parents would have wanted more for her in life, so in 1991, she registered at HACC, attending as a non-traditional student. Nearly eight years later, Patty graduated with distinction, earning an associate degree. Since then, she has completed a bachelor’s degree in applied behavioral science and a master’s degree in adult training and development from Penn State University.

While attending classes, Patty worked her way up the corporate ladder at UPS—from a dispatch assistant to an account executive, earning an international sales growth award, to a sales training supervisor. In 2006, Patty joined the Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board (WIB) as director of sector initiatives. While at WIB, she was named a Marano Fellow of the Sector Skills Academy, which provides emerging leaders with experiential learning projects to improve economic opportunities for low-income individuals.

Patty previously worked as the director of career services for ITT Technical Institute and sales and marketing director of Emeritus Senior Living. She also served as the coordinator of professional development at HACC beginning in 2011. She is an adjunct faculty member of Eastern University’s Campolo College of Graduate and Professional Studies. Patty’s community outreach is extensive. As a member of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, she has been named Diplomat of the Year, the first person to receive that recognition for three consecutive years. Patty serves on the Board of Harrisburg Business Women, volunteers for Junior Achievement of South Central Pennsylvania, serves as a member of the Career Partnership Development Committee of the Capital Area Intermediate Unit and the National Association of Professional Women and serves as the first vice president for the Tri-County Council of the American Legion Auxiliary.