• Can caps be decorated?

  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.

• Can graduating students wear honor cords and stoles?

  Yes. 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 2024 commencement ceremony. Only qualified students on a pre-approved list for each campus will be allowed to purchase a pack.

• How can family and friends send a congratulatory message to their graduating student?

  We are #HACCproud of our graduating students. To celebrate their remarkable achievements, we need YOUR help!

  By May 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.

• How can I request accessible accommodations?

  Please submit the accessible accommodations form.

• How long does the ceremony last, and do I need to participate in the full ceremony?

  The ceremony will last approximately two hours. All graduating students are asked not to leave until HACC volunteers dismiss you to exit the arena floor.

• How many guests can graduating students invite to the 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.

• If I am not able to attend the ceremony on May 7, how will I receive my diploma?

  Graduating students will not receive their diploma at the Giant Center on May 7. Spring 2024 graduates will receive their diploma in the mail in June. Summer 2024 Graduates will receive their diploma in the main in September.

  The ceremony will be posted on YouTube after the event and can be accessed any time.

• If I graduated in the fall 2023 term, can I participate in this ceremony?

  The spring 2024 Commencement ceremony is for students who are eligible to graduate in spring or summer 2024 only.

• What time will the doors open for graduating students and guests?

  Doors will open for graduating students and guests at 4:30 p.m. Students may check in at the table outside the Giant Center before security from 4:30-5 p.m.

• What is the dress code for the ceremony?

  The attire for the ceremony for all graduating students is a cap and gown. You can purchase graduation merchandise through the HACC bookstore.

• What if I completed the participation form and can no longer attend the ceremony?

  Please email commencement@hacc.edu if you can no longer attend the ceremony.

• Will the graduating students’ names be called at the ceremony?

  Yes. Graduating students will fill out a name card before they are seated. Once the graduating student walks on stage, they will hand the marshal their name card to be read aloud.

• Will there be a ceremony rehearsal?

  No. There will not be a ceremony rehearsal. HACC volunteers will guide our graduating students through the ceremony process.

• Will there be food and snacks sold at the concession stands during the ceremony?

  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.

• What personal belongings are allowed to be brought into the Giant Center?
  Please note that graduating students and guests must follow Giant Center guidelines. Everyone will need to go through metal detection before entering the building.
  • Items that are permitted
    • Hand-held cameras
    • Bags must NOT exceed 5 x 8 x 1 inches or smaller 
    • A medical equipment bag and/or a parenting needs bag that is smaller than 14 x 14 x 6 inches
  • Items that are not permitted
    • Bags larger than 5 x 8 x 1 inches, unless it is a diaper or medical bag
    • Signs
    • Balloons, wrapped gifts or gift bags
    • Food or beverages

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!

1. Post your Commencement images
2. Tell us how you’re celebrating this remarkable achievement
3. Give shout outs to your favorite HACC employees and graduating students
4. Tag HACC in your posts
5. Use our event hashtag: #HACCproud

Kathleen T. Doherty, Ph.D.
Faculty Representative

A first-generation college student, Dr. Doherty was born and raised in Philadelphia. She has been a faculty member at HACC since 2000. In that time, she has served in a number of leadership roles at the College: president and vice president of the Faculty Organization; chair of the Psychology Department and the Social Sciences Department; associate provost; and a member of the President’s Efficiency Task Force. She received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Teaching and Leadership Excellence Award in 2012. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Gettysburg College and her Master of Arts and Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Maryland at College Park. Prior to arriving at HACC, Dr. Doherty served on the faculty at Gettysburg College and Barton College and vice president of research at Holleran Consulting in Mountville, Pennsylvania.

Corrie Lingenfelter
Mace Bearer

Corrie “Chef Corrie” Lingenfelter is not your typical chef - she's a culinary genius with a heart as generous as her flavors are exquisite. As a mastermind in the kitchen and the executive director of Downtown Daily Bread, Lingenfelter blends her passion for fine cuisine with a commitment to serving the community. Lingenfelter, a professionally trained chef, began her culinary journey at The Omni Bedford Spring Resort & Spa. Her professional trajectory includes noteworthy engagements with elite resorts and renowned celebrities. Throughout her career, she has taken her culinary expertise a step further, venturing into the creation and management of nonprofit kitchens, pantries and programs. Her mission is to foster food accessibility and diversity in low-income communities through these initiatives. In her role as the executive director at Downtown Daily Bread (DDB), she's a philanthropist on a mission to create a world where no one goes hungry, and every meal is a celebration of compassion. DDB is dedicated to providing essential services for the unsheltered and hungry in the local community of Harrisburg.

Richard Perez
Student Representative

Richard Perez attended college after high school but dropped out to help support his family. Seven years later, he enrolled at HACC while working full time as a warehouse supervisor. Richard wanted to continue his education but didn't want to abandon his efforts and the work identity he had established. He attended the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program in 2023, which completely changed his life and way of thinking. He looks forward to transferring to Bucknell University with a full tuition scholarship as a HACC Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa alumnus.