Hawks Corner

We know how hard our students work to obtain their college degree, certificate or diploma. While we wish we could come together in person to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our 2020 graduates, HACC is prepared to celebrate our graduates and their achievements – virtually.

HACC will hold its first-ever virtual Commencement ceremony on Dec. 15. The virtual ceremony, which will be shown on HACC’s YouTube channel, will include brief remarks from HACC leadership, a graduating student, faculty member and alumna. The ceremony will also include images of some of our graduating students!

To celebrate our graduating students on Dec. 15, please:

1. Tune in to the virtual ceremony at 6 p.m.

2. Share YOUR excitement on social media and tag HACC in your post

3. Use #HACCproud and #HACCgraduate in your posts

HACC is looking forward to seeing you online on the BIG day! Please continue to check our Commencement website for updated information.

Thank you!

In honor of Veterans Day, Nov. 11, HACC welcomed Retired Colonel Hancock to speak about how persistence impacted his career and how it can be applied to anyone, regardless of their military background.

Colonel Hancock’s education started as a graduate from the U.S. Military Academy in 1972. He has since earned a bachelor’s of science degree in engineering from West Point and master’s degree in international studies from Salve Regina University.

Throughout his military service, Colonel Hancock served in many roles, including rifle platoon leader, brigade operations officer, battalion commander and strategy officer and command briefer for US Pacific Command in Hawaii. He concluded his 30-year military career as the chairman of the Department of Military Strategy, Plans and Operations at the U.S. Army War College. Colonel Hancock served as the senior army instructor for JROTC at Cedar Cliff High School from 2002-2018, after retiring from the U.S. Army.

During the Veterans Day and Desert Storm presentation, Colonel Hancock spoke of two intelligence officers who saved nearly a hundred American lives during Desert Storm in Iraq when faced with a looming operation that seemed to hold significant flaws. Captain Delgado and Sergeant Gonzalez persisted to locate correct intelligence hours before the imminent strike.

“There isn’t a day that goes by that I fail to think about what would have happened if CPT Delgado and SGT Gonzalez had not thought for themselves, made their own analysis and had the moral courage to speak up in the face of adversity,” wrote Colonel Hancock.

Colonel Hancock used this story to instill the message of perseverance, even when you are faced with resistance. He related classwork, social unrest in our society, political division, family struggles and many other examples to make his point relatable. Colonel Hancock used a quote from poet Oscar Wilde to explain, “A man who does not think for himself does not think at all.” Hancock concluded that persistence and knowledge are the key to reaching your goals. “Putting your nose to the grindstone” can make anything happen, he said.

Please follow these steps to landing the right job or internship for you. HACC’s Career Services is here to help you along any step of the way:

1. Write a strong resumé that highlights YOUR best skills and accomplishments. After writing a draft, make an appointment with Career Services to have it reviewed.

2. Make sure your online presence is professional prior to the job search. Google yourself! According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder in 2017, 70% of employers look up applicants online and use social media while screening candidates.

3. Start the job search process. Register and upload your resume to College Central Network (CCN). Employers who express an interest in hiring HACC students and alumni are referred to CCN to post positions.

4. Network and learn how to create a LinkedIn account. It’s estimated that about 80% of jobs are found through networking.

5. Prepare for the interview. Study yourself, research the employer and practice, practice and practice!

6. Schedule a mock interview with Career Services. It’s all about preparation!

7. Stay positive! Remember the job search is a process. It will take time and dedication.

To schedule an individual appointment with the Career Services staff, please call 717-780-2433 or email careerservices@hacc.edu. Check out our Career Services webpage and the many resources we have available for you.

We look forward to assisting you!

A Native of Long Island, New York, Don DeVita came to HACC after a number of years working in human services as an educational aid in a school for students with autism – first in Florida and later in the Lower Dauphin School district in Hummelstown. While Don enjoyed his work, he felt that his lack of a degree was hampering him in advancing his career.

As a high school student, Don was discouraged from going to college because of a learning disability, and so he had gone directly into the workforce. As an adult, he realized the value that a college education would add to his life and was determined to return to school to reach his goal. In just five semesters, Don will complete the requirements and graduate with an associate degree in human services this December.

The capstone experience of his program has been his practicum this semester with the Keys Program. Starting the practicum was a stressful time for Don. Because of COVID-19, many area agencies were not accepting interns. Happily, HACC’s own Keys Program was able to take on Don as an intern, where he has been learning about serving students with a variety of needs.

Throughout his time at HACC, Don has used his great organizational skills and attention to detail as well as his motivation for success to reach his goals. He has also utilized Student Access Services to ensure he has equal access to all of his college course work. All of us at SAS are very proud of Don’s success and wish him well on his future endeavors!

Don’s words of encouragement are, "If you truly want to achieve something, set a goal and go after it. Stay focused and committed to your plan of action. Stay true to yourself and you will achieve your goal"