This story is part of our ongoing “HACC Heroes” series. We recognize the severity of the global coronavirus pandemic and its impact on our communities. During this challenging time, we want to thank and recognize HACC employees, students and others who are making a difference. The hero of this story is Susan Hamberger, an adjunct faculty member. 

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Susan Hamberger stepped up to the webcam to help her peers when HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, decided to switch to fully remote instruction in March in the wake of the global coronavirus pandemic. With remote instruction, faculty still hold classes at the scheduled class time. However, the classes are held via Zoom rather than in person.

Hamberger, an adjunct faculty member who teaches accounting online and at HACC’s York Campus, shared her skills and knowledge as one of several volunteers for a marathon training session for HACC faculty. One of her peers said of Hamberger’s dedication, “She did it because she cares about students, her faculty colleagues and HACC.”

Hamberger said her biggest reward during these extraordinary times is “seeing my students in a new light. I’m seeing them deal with issues that we never would have imagined, and finding creative ways to get everything done. I’m very proud of my students and the way they’ve handled the transition.”
 
Students remain Hamberger’s primary motivation. She added, “Every day, as a teacher, I want to do the best for my students, to help them understand the material I teach, and to help them succeed. This desire is still what gives me the motivation to continue to help my students – I refer to them as my ‘kids’ no matter how old they are – during these times.”
 
For students who may be struggling, Hamberger offered this advice: “The most difficult thing about taking an online class is time management. You’ll make mistakes, but keep the lines of communication open with your professors. Remember that we can’t read minds, so tell us what’s going on and give us the chance to help.”
 
About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges. HACC offers approximately 100 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), follow us on Instagram (@HACC_edu), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.