HERSHEY, Pa. – More than 550 of the 1,137 students eligible to graduate in spring and summer 2026 were recognized during the Commencement ceremony for HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, on May 6, 2026.
Among the remarkable graduating students who worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone was student speaker Isadora Ritenour, who earned an associate degree in nursing.
Ritenour plans to work as a registered nurse in the post-surgical unit at WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital.
During her remarks to the Class of 2026, she said, “As a 2020 high school graduate, I have personally been waiting six long years to finally wear a cap and gown and experience a real graduation. But as much as this means to me, I'm reminded that everyone's path to this exact moment is unique. No matter how many years it took, or what timeline you followed to get here, just being in this room today is a truly special moment.”
Another graduating student was Gloria Gadson-Hendricks, who earned an Associate in Arts in criminal justice.
Gadson-Hendricks earned her GED from HACC and later made the decision to return to school as a mother of four. While at HACC, she was an active member and officer in Phi Theta Kappa. Her goal following graduation is to become a juvenile social worker and eventually open a resource center to support youth and families in the community.
Gadson-Hendricks said, “My story is about not giving up, even when life is busy and overwhelming. I hope it shows other parents and nontraditional students that it’s never too late to go after what you want.”
The event also marked the final Commencement ceremony for HACC President and CEO John J. “Ski” Sygielski, MBA, Ed.D, who is retiring from the College as of June 3, 2026.
In his final address to graduating students, Sygielski said, “As I stand before you for the final time as HACC’s president after 15 years of service, I am filled with immense pride, gratitude and hope. To our Board, our dedicated employees and, most importantly, our graduates — thank you for allowing me the privilege of witnessing your growth, resilience and success. Watching our students change their lives, destinies and family trees has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”
Please visit HACC’s spring 2026 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 May 6, 2026, 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 distance education; 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.