HACC’s spring 2025 Commencement ceremony will be May 6, 2025, at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa. The ceremony will also be live-streamed.
Please continue to visit this webpage for updates. This information is tentative and subject to change.
This Commencement ceremony is being generously sponsored by the following HACC Foundation supporters:
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.
Yes! Graduating 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 spring 2025 nursing pinning ceremony. Please note that only students on a pre-approved list will be allowed to purchase a pack.
We are #HACCproud of our graduating students. To celebrate their remarkable achievements, we need YOUR help!
By March. 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.
The ceremony will last approximately two hours. All graduates are asked to remain seated for the entire 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.
Graduating students will not receive their diploma at the Giant Center on May 6. Spring graduates will receive their diploma in the mail in June. Summer graduates will receive their diploma in September.
Please note the ceremony will be posted on HACC's YouTube channel after the event and can be accessed any time.
The spring 2025 Commencement ceremony is for students who are eligible to graduate in spring and summer 2025 semester only.
Doors will open for graduating students and guests at 4:30 p.m. Students may check in at the table outside the Giant Center from 4:30-5 p.m.
The attire for the ceremony for all graduating students is a cap and gown. You can purchase graduation merchandise through the HACC bookstore.
Please email commencement@hacc.edu if you can no longer attend the ceremony.
No. There will not be a ceremony rehearsal. HACC volunteers will guide our graduating students through the ceremony process.
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!
Alfred Siha
Faculty Representative
Alfred Siha has been a full-time English Department faculty member since 2010. He works to increase educational access to all students, no matter their modality, geographic location, educational background or history.
Student Representative
Patricia Ann Kotrick was born June 17, 1941, in Spangler, Pennsylvania.
In 1959, Patricia graduated with honors from John Carroll High School in Carrolltown, Pennsylvania. She was employed at McCory’s 5-and-10-Cent Store and The Barnesboro Star, a weekly newspaper, for 27 years. She also owned and published her own newspaper, The Weekly Sun, for three years. She then relocated to Lancaster and has been employed by North Market Street Graphics for almost 16 years.
On Aug. 27, 2018, Patricia began her college endeavor at 77 years old with Creative Writing I, followed by Creative Writing II, along with many other classes. In October 2024, she was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She will obtain her Certificate in liberal studies.
Patricia’s children’s book, “Mischievous Panda, Curious Adventures,” was published in 2020, fulfilling her dream of being a published author.
She has worked as a Linotype operator, photographer, investigative reporter, editor and general manager of a newspaper and a keyboarder typing manuscripts for major publishing companies. She is an avid reader with a love of crafts, painting and crocheting. Above all, her forte is writing.
Patricia has two beautiful daughters: Michele Lynn (Kotrick) Frant and Melissa Ann (Kotrick) Cunningham.
Mace Bearer
Timothy L. DeFoor is Pennsylvania’s 50th Auditor General. He was elected and then sworn in to office for his first term on Jan. 19, 2021. He was reelected in 2024 and sworn in for a second term of office on Jan. 21, 2025.
Tim began his career in public service as a special investigator with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Office of Inspector General, where he investigated government and contractor fraud, waste and abuse within state government.
Tim then went on to become a special agent with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Office of Attorney General, investigating Medicaid fraud and illegal prescription drug diversion. Later, he became a fraud investigator and internal auditor for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and several federal contractors.
In 2015, Tim was elected Dauphin County Controller. He worked to create Dauphin County’s first Audit Division and prepared the first Dauphin County Retirement Fund Report. To protect taxpayers, Tim changed how Dauphin County reported its finances. His efforts earned his office two national awards, including Dauphin County’s first-ever award for financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.
Growing up in Harrisburg, Tim is committed to giving back to the community he loves. Tim currently serves on and is the former chair of the HACC Foundation Board of Directors, State YMCA of Pennsylvania Board of Directors and the Chris “Handles” Franklin Foundation Board of Directors. Tim is also a member of the Greater Harrisburg Area NAACP and the Pennsylvania State Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #78.
Tim has an Associate in Arts in paralegal studies from HACC, a Bachelor of Arts in sociology/history from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master of Science in project management from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
Student Singer for “America the Beautiful”
Autumn Shearer is graduating from the Respiratory Therapist Program at HACC. She has a medical background as an Emergency Room Technician, nursing assistant and phlebotomist. She is excited to work in the field of respiratory care. She hopes to further her education and become an educator. She loves the outdoors and playing with her cat, Pepper. Autumn wants to give a huge shout out to everyone who has supported her through her journey!