• Can caps be decorated?

  Yes! We encourage you to show how #HACCproud you are of your accomplishment!

  *Please note: The Giant Center will not allow any battery packs through security. Please do not use lights or other electronic features.

• Can graduating students wear honor cords and stoles?

  Yes. Students are welcome to wear cords and stoles that represent their identities and celebrate achievements. For example, stoles for military or veteran status and cultural representation are available from the bookstore.

  For Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members, stoles and cords can be purchased at the PTK store.

  The HACC bookstore provides honors cords for graduating students of HACC's Nursing Program taking part in the fall 2023 graduation ceremony. Only qualified students on a pre-approved list for each campus will be allowed to purchase a pack.

• How can family and friends send a congratulatory message to their graduating student?

  We are #HACCproud of our graduating students. To celebrate their remarkable achievements, we need YOUR help!

  By Dec 1, please complete the form to share your congratulatory message and best wishes for your graduating student. Your submission may be shared during the ceremony and/or on HACC’s social media sites.

• How can I request accessible accommodations?

  Please submit the accessible accommodations form.

• How long does the ceremony last, and do I need to participate in the full ceremony?

  The ceremony will last approximately two hours. All graduating students are asked not to leave until HACC volunteers dismiss you to exit the arena floor.

• How many guests can graduating students invite to the ceremony?

  There is no limit on how many guests can attend the ceremony. Please indicate the approximate number of guests who will be attending in the participation form.

• If I am not able to attend the ceremony on Dec. 14, how will I receive my diploma?

  Graduating students will not receive their diploma at the Giant Center on Dec. 14. Fall 2023 graduates will receive their diploma in the mail in January.

  The ceremony will be posted on YouTube after the event and can be accessed any time.

• If I graduated in spring or summer 2023 term, can I participate in this ceremony?

  The fall 2023 Commencement ceremony is for students who are eligible to graduate in fall 2023 only.

• What time will the doors open for graduating students and guests?/strong>

  Doors will open for graduating students and guests at 4:30 p.m. Students may check in at the table outside the Giant Center before security from 4:30-5 p.m.

• What is the dress code for the ceremony?

  The attire for the ceremony for all graduating students is a cap and gown. You can purchase graduation merchandise through the HACC bookstore.

• What if I completed the participation form and can no longer attend the ceremony?

  Please email commencement@hacc.edu if you can no longer attend the ceremony.

• Will the graduating students’ names be called at the ceremony?

  Yes. Graduating students will fill out a name card before they are seated. Once the graduating student walks on stage, they will hand the marshal their name card to be read aloud.

• Will there be a ceremony rehearsal?

  No. There will not be a ceremony rehearsal. HACC volunteers will guide our graduating students through the ceremony process.

• Will there be food and snacks sold at the concession stands during the ceremony?

  Yes. There will be food and snacks sold at concession stands for guests. Bottled water will also be available for sale for guests and graduating students.

If you have additional questions that are not answered above, please email commencement@hacc.edu. Thank you!

No matter where you’re celebrating, please share YOUR Commencement excitement with us on social media!

1. Post your Commencement images
2. Tell us how you’re celebrating this remarkable achievement
3. Give shout outs to your favorite HACC employees and graduating students
4. Tag HACC in your posts
5. Use our event hashtag: #HACCproud

Jody Newcomer is an associate professor of communications at HACC. She enjoys inspiring students to become more competent communicators and creates a supportive environment for students to increase their confidence, feel included and valued and have their voices heard. Her goal is to enhance their academic, professional and personal skills. 
 
Professor Newcomer is also co-advisor of the Business Innovations Club and serves on various HACC committees. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, Pi Kappa Delta National Honorary Forensic Society and an alumna of the Up with People international educational exchange program.
 
Prior to teaching at HACC, she was an adjunct instructor at York College of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State University – Hazleton and York campuses and the Art Institute of York.

Some additional career highlights include:

•  Founder and chief inspirational officer of Women’s Touch International 
•  Founding member and co-facilitator of Triad Women’s Events 
•  Founding member of the musical duo Resolute Light 
•  Former vice president of PMS Solutions 
•  Former facilitator with the Professional Edge 
•  Former commercial real estate agent

Professor Newcomer graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications and summa cum laude with a Master of Arts in communication studies from Bloomsburg University. 

Professor Newcomer emphasizes that she is part of a HACC family because her husband is an assistant professor of heating, ventilation and air conditioning/refrigeration (HVAC) and her daughters and son-in-law were dual enrolled students at HACC. 

In her spare time, she loves to spend time with family and friends, travel, sing, write, inspire others to share their story and make people laugh. She adores all things Disney!
 

State Representative Justin Fleming represents the 105th Legislative District in Dauphin County. He spent 18 years working in and around state government before being elected as a state representative in November 2022. Representative Fleming attended HACC before completing his bachelor’s degree at Millersville University.

Terry L. Davis is the owner and CEO of Keystone Correctional Services, Inc., a private community correction center for men released from state prison. Prior to this role, he served Dauphin County Probation and Parole for more than 35 years, leading as director for nearly 29 years. Mr. Davis joined the HACC Foundation Board in June 2023. When asked why he joined the HACC Foundation Board, Mr. Davis said, “I am a HACC graduate and realized the significance of attending HACC and what it has done for my life.” 

Mr. Davis earned an associate degree in police administration from HACC, a bachelor’s degree in social science from the Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in administration of criminal justice from the Pennsylvania State University. 
 

Mary Tonge will receive an associate degree in political science from HACC. She previously graduated with an Associate in Arts in liberal arts from HACC in December 2022. She has been named to HACC’s dean’s list and is a member of Alpha Omega Nu, a chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Additionally, she was a journalist for the HawkEye, served as the History Club’s minister of propaganda in 2023 and was the Student Programming Board’s director of media relations. She currently works as an emergency medical technician (EMT) for the Central Juniata EMS Company, having completed her EMT-B certification in the fall of 2021. Her previous military service includes the United States Army (1990-1992) and the Oregon National Guard (2006-2015). Her family consists of her daughter, granddaughter, two pit bulls, two cats and a hamster. Mary lives in Port Royal, Pennsylvania.

Roberto Marti Jr. is the director of career development and transfer services at HACC and a proud HACC alumnus. His journey in higher education began in 2011 - a significant pivot from his previous career as a dedicated educator in the field of music. As a former middle school music teacher and church choir director, Mr. Marti nurtured young minds’ creative and artistic talents in and out of the classroom. That experience taught him the power of education and the joy of helping students realize their potential. Since his transition to higher education, Mr. Marti has brought a passion for guiding students and helping individuals unlock their full potential and achieve their educational and career aspirations. 

Mr. Marti says, “I want to express my heartfelt congratulations to all of our graduates. Embrace every opportunity, face every challenge, and know that your potential knows no bounds.”