96th Commencement
Harcum’s 96th Commencement ceremony - held on a sunny Saturday at the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church on May 12 - brought family, friends, and community members to campus in recognition of the class of 2012.
Over 350 students received diplomas during the ceremony, lead by Dr. Jon Jay DeTemple, Board of Trustees members, Dean of Student Life George Thornton, Vice-President of Academic Affairs Julia Ingersoll, Student Government Association President Malasia Clarke ’12, and Commencement speaker
Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord.
President Jon Jay DeTemple conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Science in Entrepreneurship upon McCord, whose moving speech captured the sentiments of living with purpose and mission as well as showing appreciation for all that’s earned and achieved in life. He praised Harcum as an institution that generates wealth and value, and noted that his department in state government generates about $200 million a year for Pennsylvania.
“My job success is determined by revenue but also by value. Remember that your purpose in life is not merely to learn and earn, but to serve,” McCord said. He recalled his friendship with U.S. Capitol Police Officer Jacob Chestnut, who was shot and killed by a mentally-ill assailant in the Capitol in 1998, and recognized his guests Mrs. Wendy Chestnut and Ms. Karen Culpepper, the widow and daughter of Officer Chestnut.
“The most important thing you can do is love people,” he said to the graduating class. “Really learn to savor every one of your experiences; time will go by so quickly from here.”
Trustee Alex Klein presented this year’s Phillip Klein Memorial Award to Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene
Karen Naylor ’92 for her passion as a teacher and alumna, her generous contribution of time, and her standing as a role model for both students and teachers alike.
Beatrice Blackman ’55, Vice-Chair of Harcum’s Board of Trustees, awarded this year’s Academic Excellence Award to Dental Hygiene graduate
Silvy Bergler ’12 and Interior Design graduate
Ellen Farber ’12. Silvy and Ellen both held a 4.0 GPA, the highest of the class of 2012.
Dr. George Thornton presented this year’s Student Leadership Award to Dental Hygiene graduate
Alexis Davis ’12 for her demonstration of outstanding leadership, service and contribution to the Harcum community. Alexis was also awarded the Resident Assistant of the Year award during the Student Leadership Awards ceremony in April.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Julia Ingersoll presented the Harcum Award - given to the student who most promotes the ideals of the college – to Student Ambassador and Fashion Design graduate
Arielle Tornabe ’12.
President DeTemple presented this year’s President’s Award to Interior Design graduate
Ellen Farber ’12. The President’s award is given to the best all-round student in the graduating class in both academic and co-curricular achievement.
Susan Zises-Green ‘64 welcomed all graduates to the Alumni Association after the conferring of degrees, and graduates and guests recessed to enjoy a lively celebration on the Academic Center Lawn.
Grads lined up on the AC lawn to process into the ceremony
Families and friends gathered post-ceremony to congratulate loved ones
Guests enjoyed an on-campus reception with food, music, and a chance
to celebrate with friends, teachers, and staff members
Stay tuned for additional Commencement photos!