HARRISBURG, Pa. – HACC President John J. “Ski” Sygielski, Ed.D., formally opened the newly renovated Bruce E. Cooper Student Center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 30, 2017 on the Harrisburg Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.
 
The center is now a one-stop destination for students to meet with an admissions counselor, register for classes, apply for financial aid and pay tuition. Student services like veterans affairs and disability services are also easily accessible in the center.
 
“By putting all of these services in one location, our students are able to receive the assistance they need to be successful in and out of the classroom,” Sygielski said.
 
The $12-million renovated center also includes an updated student lounge, Chef’s Apprentice dining and student club space.
 
“The new facility will provide our students with numerous study and/or activity spaces to enhance their collegiate experience on our Harrisburg campus,” said Sygielski. “The Bruce E. Cooper Student Center is now a more inviting, welcoming place for students, employees and visitors to connect, socialize and re-energize.”
 
During the 19-month renovation that began in February 2016, a time capsule was accessed in the building’s 1968 date stone. The contents revealed during the ceremony included the April 10, 1968, edition of The New York Times with the headline “Dr. Martin Luther King Buried in Atlanta;” a copy of “Student’s Guide to the Two-Year College” by Richard Richardson and HACC’s first president, Clyde E. Blocker; and a copy of HACC’s 1967-68 course catalog. 
 
The Bruce E. Cooper Student Center annually serves more than 7,500 students and countless visitors.
 
The project is among the four fundraising priorities of the “Invest. Impact. Inspire. Campaign for HACC.” Now in its second year, the purpose of the five-year campaign is to raise $14 million to support four priorities - the Bruce E. Cooper Student Center Renovation, Emergency Assistance Funds, The President's Fund for Excellence and Scholarships.  Donations for the renovation and the other priorities can be made through the HACC Foundation at www.hacc.edu/campaign. Naming opportunities are also available.
 
About HACC 
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges. HACC offers over 120 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 19,000 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 Twitter (@HACC_info), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.

About the HACC Foundation 
The HACC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in 1985 to raise private and corporate revenues in support of HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College. The HACC Foundation provides funding for student scholarships, innovative academic programs, state-of-the art training equipment and modernized facilities. To learn more about the HACC Foundation, please visit haccfoundation.org