CAMPUS EVENTS

PTA PINNING: CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE Twenty-seven graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program received their coveted pins on Wednesday, June 30, during a ceremony in Klein Dining Hall attended by PTA faculty, Harcum administrators, graduates, and their family members. The event struck the perfect balance between a celebratory and commemorative tone.

Program Director Jacki Kopack told the assembled students and guests that this class persevered through the pandemic, facing “hardships, trials, and pervasive sorrow” compounded by the untimely passing of classmate Devin Gold.

Christine Sturgis ’10 gave the keynote address. She told graduates her Harcum education helped her open her own studio called MovementRx, which challenged her to help people exercise more safely. Seven graduates were recognized for special awards.To conclude, all graduates in attendance received their coveted pins from a family member, friend, or faculty member before observing a moment of silence and reflection for their fallen classmate.

Nursing faculty member DOLORES ALABRODZINSKI leads graduates in a special oath to the profession, a traditional pinning ceremony element. The PTA PINNING CEREMONY on June 30, 2021, was one of the first events to be held on the Bryn Mawr Campus since the very earliest days of the pandemic.

INTIMATE CEREMONY FOR NURSING GRADS The Nursing Department hosted their annual event for graduates on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Their event symbolized the nursing students’ hard work and dedication towards completing their coursework and clinicals and is a formal event to mark the transition for student to nurse. Due to COVID-19 protocols, the event was held outdoors and was by invitation only.

PARTNERSHIP SITES HOLD CEREMONIES Several of the Partnership Sites organized events for 2021 graduates at their sites, including Grace Trinity Church in Philadelphia and the Coatesville Partnership Site. These celebrations offered some respite from the remote learning and rapid transition to online learning in order to limit the spread of COVID-19.

“It seemed to be very meaningful for them to reconnect in person one last time as a group,” said Bill Shaw, director of the Coatesville site, who was impressed with the plans graduates detailed for their next steps academically and in the workforce.

2021 DRIVE-THROUGH COMMENCEMENT A HARCUM FIRST More than 175 graduates of Harcum College piled into their cars, many with family members accompanying them, to drive through the back lot of the Bryn Mawr Campus to receive their diplomas. The Hybrid Drive-Thru Commencement began at 9 a.m. with the Dental programs and continued through 4 p.m. with Human Services.

It was the first such event in the College’s history and was conceived as a way to offer 2021 graduates elements of an in-person ceremony while still observing CDC protocols to limit the spread of COVID-19.

A small stage was erected in the backyard of the President’s House on campus. Graduates crossed a small stage to receive their actual diplomas from President Jon Jay DeTemple, and had a professional photograph taken.

This year’s student winners were as follows: La’Vinia Pitts, Criminal Justice major, winner of the Harcum Award; Raelynn Forencsik, Interior Design Major, winner of the Student Leadership Award; and Matias Bentancour, Veterinary Nursing major, winner of the highly coveted President’s Award.

More than 330 graduates met the degree requirements for either an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science. A video featuring commencement customs and a website photo gallery were also created for graduates.

This year marked the first class for Photography and Graphic Design graduates since the majors were acquired from the Antonelli Institute in 2018.