Harford Community College Holds 68th Commencement Ceremony

Photo Credit: Lauren Raygor, Harford Community College

Harford Community College held its Sixty-Eighth Annual Commencement on Thursday, May 21, 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 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 2026 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 Professor Tamalene Imbierowicz (Student Marshall). Student duet Elyse Friedman and Giovanna Kautz sang “The National Anthem.” Both ceremonies began with a welcome from Dr. Theresa B. Felder, President of Harford Community College. Sharon Markley Schreiber, Vice Chair of the Harford Community College Board of Trustees, offered greetings. 

Dr. Pamela Pape-Lindstrom, Dean, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, presented the candidates for graduation, and Dr. Felder conferred the degrees and certificates. Harford’s Class of 2026 includes August and December 2025 graduates and May and August 2026 candidates for graduation.

Darvin Figueroa Cortes delivered the Student Graduate Address at the 10 AM ceremony. Goodness Nnebedum delivered the Student Graduate Address at the 2 PM ceremony.

The President’s Leadership Award was presented to Natalie Sinclair and Hpone Myat by Dr. Michele Campagna, Vice President, Student Success. This recognition is for a student who has made significant overall contributions to the College and community where personal time, effort, and devotion are evident.

Natalie is President of the Honors Program at Harford, a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Secretary of the Paralegal Student Association, Senator of Student Government Association, a member of the OWL Institute for Leadership, and was recently the International ATHENA awards speaker for women’s leadership. In addition to her activities at Harford, Natalie is an intern at the Harford County States Attorney’s office and maintains a 4.0 GPA. As President of the Honors Program, she founded a clothing drive for the Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center that collected over six shopping carts full of clothing and hygiene products for those in need. She has also developed other service projects for honors students including blanket-making for animals in need at Luna’s House and creating over 100 cards and treat bags for those receiving chemotherapy treatments at Upper Chesapeake Infusion Center. After completing her studies at Harford Community College, Natalie will be attending the University of Maryland at College Park to earn a bachelor's degree in political science and will then attend law school to pursue her dream of becoming a prosecutor.

Hpone Myat is double majoring in Computer Engineering and Mathematics at Harford Community College, where he has completed his associate degree while maintaining a full-time academic courseload and working full-time. He served as President of the Multicultural Student Association and President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, leading initiatives that promoted academic excellence, leadership, and cultural inclusion across campus. Through his leadership, Hpone organized successful campus events and volunteer efforts that strengthened student engagement and community connection at the College. He is widely recognized for his commitment to service, collaboration, and creating meaningful opportunities for students. In recognition of his achievements, he received the Coca-Cola Leadership Award from PTK in 2024, along with several scholarships. He will continue his academic pursuits at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he will study Computer Engineering. Hpone aspires to become a successful engineer and make a lasting impact in his field.

Eric 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.

Dr. Felder presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to Edward Hopkins. 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.