HARRISBURG, Pa. – HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is proud to celebrate the remarkable journey of Stephanie Wallendjack, a ceramic artist whose work has attracted international acclaim.
After retiring from a long career, Wallendjack decided to pursue her interest in the arts by taking ceramics classes at HACC. Her love of clay quickly grew, leading her to sign up for additional courses and build a community of fellow artists. She is currently enrolled in the College’s Community Education Ceramics Open Studio.
“I have been nurtured within the ceramics program since my retirement from my ‘work life’ in 2017 as I have developed as an artist,” Wallendjack said. “I have been guided by accomplished educators, mentored by fellow artists and been welcomed by a multi-generational, stimulating community.”
In October, Wallendjack, who is 75 years old, was invited to exhibit her work in person at the Florence Biennale, a prestigious international contemporary art and design exhibition held every other year in Florence, Italy. There, she displayed three ceramic pieces, joining 550 artists from 85 countries around the world.
Wallendjack was surprised and thrilled to receive first prize in the ceramic arts category. In January 2026, her work will be featured in an exhibition alongside the other first-prize winners from all categories.
“Stephanie’s story captures the very heart of HACC - a place where lifelong learning, creativity and the courage to imagine new possibilities flourish at every age,” said John J. “Ski” Sygielski, MBA, Ed.D., president and CEO of HACC. “Her journey in our ceramics program - nurtured by exceptional faculty and strengthened by HACC’s dynamic community of artists - is a powerful reminder of what can happen when passion meets opportunity. Her international recognition is not only well-deserved, it is profoundly inspiring!”
To learn more about HACC’s community education offerings, please visit: hacc.edu/ProgramsandCourses/NoncreditCourses/community-education.cfm
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.