PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

From the President

ARISTOTLE, one of the greatest philosophers who ever lived, once said, “Education is a refuge in adversity.”

At the start of spring semester, no one could have predicted the level of adversity we would face as a college community because of the pandemic. The trials imposed by COVID-19 forced us all—students, faculty, and staff—to embrace a new normal.

As documented in the feature story, as challenging as it was to convert all our classes to remote delivery platforms inside two weeks, Harcum wasted no time carrying out transformative education.

In a piece about CARES Act grants for students, recipient Kendra Kennedy mentions how she and other fashion students found sanctuary in connecting online and sending each other motivational texts.

During Harcum’s Virtual Commencement, guest speaker Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake encouraged the Class of 2020 to summon the courage to stay together despite the pandemic tearing us apart. Student Government Association President Rachael McDaniel stated confidently that we all will emerge from this unprecedented time stronger, finding a common bond in our shared adversity.

The Power of Possibilities was a not only a stellar event showcasing this year’s scholarship students, but also became bywords offering refuge to all students and inspiration to those empowered to help them succeed.

I am heartened by the outpouring of care from students and alumni during this crisis. The “Stories of Hope” and the numerous examples of “Alumni in Service” will fill you with pride, as they did me.

It was uncanny that one of our instructors mastered online learning in pursuit of her graduate degree just in time to help dental students. You can read more about Jillian Lydon ’15 and her educational aspirations in “Bear Pride.”

This issue is a testament to creativity, to compassion, and to our core values, including respect for diversity, to which we will always remain true.

All best wishes,

JON JAY DETEMPLE, PH.D., MBA