Harford Community College Holds 67th Commencement Ceremony

Harford Community College held its Sixty-Seventh Annual Commencement on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Two ceremonies were held this year in the APG Federal Credit Union Arena at the College. The 10 AM ceremony was for graduates of the Arts and Humanities and the Behavioral and Social Sciences divisions, and the 2 PM ceremony was for graduates of the Business and Applied Technology, Nursing and Allied Health Professions, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math divisions. In traditional cap and gown ceremonies, graduates of the Class of 2025 received an associate degree and/or certificate at the events. 

Professor James M. McFarland (Faculty Marshall) led the processional at the 10 AM ceremony along with Professor Colleen M. Webster (Student Marshall). Professor Supawan King, PhD (Faculty Marshall) led the processional at the 2 PM ceremony along with Assistant Professor Michele L. Catterton (Student Marshall). Student Soloist Aidan Tramontana sang “The National Anthem.” Both ceremonies began with a welcome from Dr. Theresa B. Felder, President of Harford Community College. Brian Walker, Chair of the Harford Community College Board of Trustees, offered greetings.  

Dr. Diane Ryan, Vice President, Academic Affairs, presented the candidates for graduation and Dr. Felder conferred the degrees and certificates. Harford’s Class of 2025 includes August and December 2024 graduates and May and August 2025 candidates for graduation.

Natalie Jarrett-Brune delivered the Student Graduate Address at the 10 AM ceremony. Brianna DeGregory delivered the Student Graduate Address at the 2 PM ceremony. They were presented with the Outstanding Student Leadership Award from Dr. Michele Campagna, Vice President, Student Success. The award recognizes a student or students who have made significant overall contributions to the College and community where personal time, effort, and dedication are evident. The student(s) must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.

Natalie Jarrett-Brune is a recent graduate of Harford Community College with an associate degree in psychology with honors who is preparing to pursue a bachelor's degree at the University of Maryland Global Campus. While a full-time student and employee at Harford working in the Office of Student Life, Natalie also involved herself in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, served as the chapter delegate of Psi Beta Honor Society, and was on the executive board of Harford’s Student Government Association serving as both the Executive Senator and Treasurer. She was involved heavily with the Office of Student Life’s off-campus events, including volunteering as a Trip Leader during the 2023 Alternative Spring Break to Outer Banks, North Carolina. She helped coordinate her own volunteer opportunity for students in the OWL Institute for Leadership with The Philly Goat Project, a nonprofit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that uses goats to help local kids understand and cope with grief. In addition, she helped lead middle school visits and campus tours. 

Brianna DeGregory's homeschooling journey from kindergarten through 12^th grade fostered a genuine love for learning. As a member of the College’s Honors Program and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Brianna consistently excelled in her studies. She served in leadership roles as president of the Game Club, vice president of the CRU Bible Study Club, and vice president of the Student Government Association. She has also enjoyed being part of the vibrant student community, having attended many Student Life activities and even taking to the stage with the HCC Actors Guild in their production of "The Mousetrap." Beyond her academic and extracurricular pursuits, Brianna works as an archery instructor, PE teacher, and nanny. Despite her busy schedule, she volunteers at her church, values adventures with her family, and cherishes moments spent with friends.

Eric T. Rebbert, Chair, Harford Community College Foundation Board of Directors, gave the Alumni Welcome. He offered congratulations from the Foundation and welcomed the graduates to the alumni body of over 23,000 degreed prior Harford graduates.

Dr. Felder presented Michael T. Smith, Sr. with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. The award honors the achievements of former students who have attained outstanding success in their chosen profession, demonstrated a commitment to the community, and maintained an interest in and service to Harford Community College.