HERSHEY, Pa. – More than 355 of the 680 students eligible to graduate in fall 2025 received their associate degrees, certificates of proficiency or diplomas during the Commencement ceremony for HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, on Dec. 9, 2025.
The graduating students included many remarkable individuals who showed incredible determination on their journey to the stage. This included Jesus Zarate, 36, of Lancaster, Pa., a student veteran who
earned an Associate in Arts in Social Services.
After completing his military service, Zarate tried college, but as a young parent and husband, it wasn’t the right time. Instead, he entered the workforce. However, his desire to return to school never left, and his wife Ashley encouraged him to pursue his educational goals.
“HACC has validated that my decisions in life were sound,” Zarate said. “It has provided me an opportunity to reinvent myself and connect with outstanding colleagues and fellow scholars. It has allowed me to be an example piece for my children for what hard work and determination can achieve. It has truly allowed me the opportunity to flourish as a person and I will forever be thankful for the opportunity.” After graduation, Zarate plans to attend Millersville University.
Rachel Jumper, 42, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., also plans to attend Millersville University after HACC. She earned an Associate in Science in Psychology and is the first one in her family to attend college full time.
“After dropping out of high school twice over 20 years ago, I joined and completed HACC's GED program in 2021 while recovering from long COVID,” Jumper said. “By the fall of 2022, I realized that I was ready to fulfill my lifelong dream of going to college. While doing so, I showed my children that anything is possible, no matter the obstacles. I left my 15 year career in hotels and began my journey through higher education. As I finish this chapter, I'm proud to say that I'll be continuing on to Millersville's accelerated Social Work Program in January.”
Another exceptional graduating student is Mikalah White, 20, of Steelton, Pa., who earned an Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts.
“HACC has made a difference in my life by giving me the resources I need to make it to the finish line,” White said. “I’ve learned self-discipline in my studies and asking peers for help. It has opened a new communicative world for me, and I only plan on using that as my super power. My plan after graduation is to give back to the Milton Hershey School and possibly build more connections to be able to start a career where I essentially started at the beginning of my life.”
John J. “Ski” Sygielski, MBA, Ed.D., president and CEO of HACC, congratulated each graduating student on their remarkable achievement. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sygielski said, “As you step into this next chapter, remember that success is not measured by the titles you earn but by the lives you touch and the positive change you create. Always strive to be your best selves and remain #HACCproud.”
Please visit HACC’s fall 2025 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 Dec. 9, 2025, 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.
