Harcum's 2010 Graduates
Harcum’s 94th Commencement ceremony, held at the beautiful Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, drew family and friends to campus in celebration of student achievement on May 15, 2010.
Over 200 students were led by Mace Bearer Heidi Techner, outgoing Faculty Senate Chair; faculty Marshals Carole Champlin and Elaine Bell; and student Flag Bearers Melissa Donahue and LaRonn Zimmerman in a traditional procession from Harcum’s campus to the church.
Dr. Jon Jay DeTemple, President, introduced those seated on the stage: Board members Beatrice Blackman ’55, Dennis Boyle, Alexander Klein, Hilary Strauss, Louise Strauss, Ted Rosen, Tom Giamoni, Marvin Levitties and Samuel Cimino, DDS; Julia Ingersoll, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. George Thornton, Dean of Student Life; Ray Rogers, incoming Faculty Senate Chair; Brenda Mason ’06, student Astrida Kahley, and Dan Hirschfeld, this year’s commencement speaker.
After the ceremony’s Invocation—energetically delivered by Dr. George Thornton, Dean of Student Life—Harcum student Tafadzwa Mupfumbu performed the National Anthem, and a pride-filled student welcome was given by Astrida Kahley, Harcum student and President of the Student Government Association.
President Jon Jay DeTemple conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Applied Science upon this year’s commencement speaker Dan Hirschfeld, President of Genesis Rehab Services, a recognized leader in the long-term care rehabilitation industry, serving over 900 skilled nursing centers, assisted living facilities, hospitals, home health companies, adult day care programs and outpatient clinics in 23 states and the District of Columbia.
Mr. Hirschfeld addressed the graduating class with a warm congratulations, and offered his thesis of "passion and possibilities" as key ingredients to true success. A leader in the health care industry who started 11 companies, Hirschfeld spoke fondly of his own entrepreneurial start, detailing sacrifices made and rewards tendered as a result of his focus on these key elements. He also advised graduates to “find something that keeps you up at night–in a positive way." In light of current economic unease, Mr. Hirschfeld concluded that “the economy is like the ocean,” with ups, downs, and periods of calm. Those who succeed are “most like the surfer;” he explained, they learn to look ahead and plan for the future so that when the waves come, “they ride above instead of being crushed.”
Trustee Alex Klein presented this year’s Phillip Klein Memorial Chair Award to Heidi Techner, Program Director for Interior Design, mentioning her unwavering “commitment to [Harcum] and its students,” and her ability to provide students the opportunity to express their special talents.
Beatrice Blackman ’55 of Harcum’s Board of Trustees awarded this year’s Academic Excellence Award to Dallas Greiner, a Dental Hygiene major who maintained a 4.0 major during her entire time at Harcum.
Dr. George Thornton presented this year’s Student Leadership Award to Fashion Design major Devon Ackridge, for his demonstration of outstanding leadership, service and contribution to the Harcum community.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Julia Ingersoll presented the Harcum award, given to the student who most promotes the ideals of the college, to Malcom Flamer, a criminal justice major and Harcum’s original Hatcher the Bear.
President DeTemple presented this year’s President’s Award to Lisa Kong, a Dental Hygiene major and the “heart and soul of her program.” The President’s award is given to the best all-round student in the graduating class in both academic and co-curricular achievement.
Brenda Mason ’06 welcomed all graduates to the Alumni Association after the conferring of degrees, and student Naomi Weston performed Harcum’s Alma Mater. At the ceremony’s close, graduates and guests recessed to a lively celebration on Harcum’s Academic Center lawn.