HACC's Interim Vice President of Instruction and Educational Services, John J. Ford, Associate Professor of Theatre, Brenda C. Eppley, and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Gerald Post, along with HACC President, Dr. Edna V. Baehre, will present degrees and diplomas to members of the graduating class.
Dr. Baehre and Velma A. Redmond, Esq., chair of HACC's Board of Trustees, will present an honorary doctor of public service degree to Frank J. Dixon, CEO Brandywine Recyclers, Inc., in Lebanon.
Mr. Dixon will be honored for his service and friendship to HACC and the Lebanon County community.
Frank Dixon has served on the Board of Directors of the Harrisburg Area Community College Foundation for more than ten years, serving as Chairman for many of those years. Mr. Dixon was fundamental in the rebuilding of HACC's Lebanon campus after the 1990 fire, and continues to be a major benefactor of the campus through his family scholarship, the Francis J. Dixon Foundation. This scholarship fund covers tuition and fees at HACC for students who are interested in HACC's dual admission programs with select 4-year colleges and universities. Mr. Dixon also serves as the Tournament Director for the annual HACC Foundation Golf Classic, which further supports scholarships for students seeking higher education.
Mr. Dixon is also a dedicated community supporter, and is involved with the Good Samaritan Hospital and the United Way, among other community organizations.
The featured speaker during HACC's commencement will be Mr. David S. Baime, Vice President of Government Relations for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The American Association of Community Colleges is a national voice for two-year associate degree granting institutions. Formed in 1920, AACC works with other higher education associations, the federal government, Congress, and other national associations that represent the public and private sectors to promote the goals of community colleges and higher education
Mr. Baime has served as Vice President for Government Relations for the AACC since August of 1992. Prior to this position he served as Director of Education Funding for the National Association of Independent College and Universities. Mr. Baime has also worked as Assistant Director of Government Relations for the Association of American Medical Colleges, and as an Assistant to Representative Douglass Walgren. Mr. Baime holds a bachelor's degree for Haverford College and a Master's Degree in Economics from the London School of Economics.
This year's student representative to offer remarks is Sharon B. Hurst, of Cleone, a student at HACC's Lebanon Campus.
Also speaking will be Lisa A. Linton, Associate Professor of Speech, Daniel P. Delaney, HACC Board of Trustees, and Nathaniel D. Hench, President of the HACC Alumni Association.
Music for the graduation ceremony will be provided by the Bill Hicks Brass Ensemble and HACC's Wildwood Chorale, directed by Tina Bakowski.
Note: In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held inside of the Cooper Student Center.