Welcome to our newsletter, HACC Yeah!® News
Greetings, HACC supporters!
We will continue to share relevant information and keep you “in the know” as we serve and support students at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.
We’re grateful for your continued engagement and partnership as we work together to expand opportunity and strengthen our community.
Please contact foundation@hacc.edu if you have any questions or need additional information.
Thank you!
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, commemorated the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, with an event honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost and recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the aftermath of the attacks.
Held at the Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center on HACC’s Harrisburg Campus, the event brought together students, employees, first responders, public safety professionals and community members to remember those impacted by the attacks and reflect on the enduring importance of service, preparedness and community resilience.
Through its public safety and emergency services education and training programs, HACC has the privilege of preparing future first responders for lives of service. The College honors the firefighters, police officers, EMS and medical professionals, military personnel, volunteers and countless others who have served and continue to serve their communities.
During the Sept. 18, 2026, Board meeting, the HACC Foundation Board approved a one-time microgrant initiative to support HACC students impacted by changes to federal financial aid awarding.
The initiative is intended to help eligible students address financial barriers that may affect their ability to continue their education and re-enroll at HACC.
The Board approved up to $400,000 in one-time Foundation funds for the initiative. Awards will be available to eligible students enrolled for fall 2026.
HACC offers a certificate program for individuals passionate about supporting people in recovery from substance use disorders. Thanks to a $60,000 grant from Dauphin County’s Opioid Remediation Grant Program, HACC will be able to help even more individuals become certified recovery specialists and make a difference in their communities.
To read more about the certificate program, please visit our online newsroom.
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is proud to recognize the accomplishments of its alumni and the impact they are making in their careers and communities.
Honoring HACC Alumni
HACC celebrates the success of its alumni and the positive contributions they continue to bring to their professions and communities.
HACC yeah!
Ms. Copenhaver, a Cedar Crest High School graduate and former Lebanon Area Fair Queen, turned scholarship support into an opportunity to pursue her education, career and entrepreneurial goals at HACC. After receiving scholarships from the Lebanon Area Fair and Lebanon Area Fair BBQ, she used the funds toward an associate degree in business administration at HACC.
Today, she works in the sewing department at Atomic Design, a subdivision of Rock Lititz, while also growing her own sewing business. Her HACC coursework in accounting, business management and economics has helped her apply what she learned in the classroom to her career and business.
Ms. Copenhaver’s story demonstrates how scholarships can remove financial barriers, empower students to pursue their goals and help turn education into lasting opportunities for success.
Dr. Lee, a first-generation college student, adult learner and military veteran, began his higher education journey at HACC after serving in the U.S. Army. While earning his associate degree, he discovered a seamless transfer and dual-enrollment pathway to Penn State Harrisburg. He went on to earn five Penn State degrees, including bachelor’s degrees in information systems and marketing, an MBA, a master’s degree in information systems and a doctorate in information sciences and technology.
Today, Dr. Lee serves as a faculty member at Penn State Harrisburg and University Park, where he mentors students, supports student success and works to expand opportunities in STEM, artificial intelligence and computing education.
His journey demonstrates the impact of accessible educational pathways and the importance of mentors who recognize students’ potential, encourage them to pursue new opportunities and inspire them to give back by opening doors for others.
Read the full story and view photos in the Penn State article.
Mr. Santana is a proud HACC alumnus with more than 25 years of human resources and employee relations leadership experience across telecommunications, health care and higher education. He currently serves as a human resources strategic partner at Penn State University, where he supports workforce strategies, employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.
Previously, Mr. Santana spent more than 24 years with AT&T, advancing from retail sales consultant to lead employee relations manager and advising leaders on complex workforce matters impacting employees nationwide.
His career reflects the leadership, dedication and commitment to workplace excellence demonstrated by HACC graduates as they make a lasting impact in their organizations and communities.
HACC Foundation donors provided funding for additional simulation equipment at HACC’s Lancaster and Harrisburg campuses, expanding opportunities for nursing students to practice essential clinical skills in a safe, controlled environment. The equipment supports hands-on learning and helps students build confidence and technical proficiency before providing care to patients in clinical settings.
The additional simulation equipment increased lab capacity and gave students more opportunities to practice and refine their skills. By reducing wait times and expanding access to simulation experiences, the project allowed students to spend more time developing the skills needed to provide safe, effective and compassionate patient care.
The project also strengthened simulation-based education across HACC’s nursing programs by supporting current technology and innovative teaching strategies. Providing students with realistic opportunities to practice patient care, mobility assistance and other clinical skills helps prepare future healthcare professionals to meet the diverse needs of their patients.
You are invited to participate in the exciting HACC events we have coming up.
Please visit the HACC Events Calendar for more information. We will see you there!
Are you #HACCproud to be a graduate of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College? If so, we are proud to have you as a member of the HACC Alumni Association. To join the Alumni Association or update your contact information, please complete this form. Thank you!
Do you love HACC? Do you want everyone to know it? HACC yeah you do!
Please share your story with us and help others see what makes HACC so great!
We want to hear about how HACC has impacted your life and the people who helped you on your path to success.
It only takes a few minutes to share your story, but taking the time to share your experience can have a lasting impact on someone else, including future students who may be considering HACC. Don’t be shy!
Please:
Go to hacc.edu/Stories
Complete our brief online form (if you are a current HACC student)
Scroll down to the bottom of the page (if you are a HACC supporter, including an alumni or donor) and find the category that fits you
Share your HACC story with us
Note that your information may be shared in a variety of ways, including on HACC’s website and social media channels