Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging

HACC is proud to have thousands of alumni across the globe. HACC is equally proud of its distinguished faculty.

Omar Mussa graduated in 2013, but always looked back fondly at his educational start at HACC. Recently, Omar presented to students, faculty, and staff during Arab American Heritage Month in April. Omar Mussa is a Harrisburg native that graduated from Susquehanna Township and started his college career at HACC’s Harrisburg Campus. After graduating from HACC with his Associate’s degree, he transferred to Temple University in Philadelphia where he majored in Economics and minored in Finance. He sat as a board member of The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh for three years before pursuing his Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies, with a focus on Economics, at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Omar captivated his audience with authentic pictures from his travels and his deep understanding of the Islamic faith. He challenged each of the attendees to examine their connections with their loved ones, their faith, and their intentions. He shared personal stories from family holy days and his knowledge of Ramadan customs.

The praise for Omar’s presentation was so enthusiastic, that he is planning a return for another presentation for the 2021-2022 year.

Dr. Abderrahim Farhat, HACC adjunct instructor, has been an educator for nearly 20 years. He has received four Master’s degrees in Linguistics, Business, Administration Leadership, and Multiculturalism. His doctorate dissertation is on the American Education and Program of the International Students Assessment (PISA). Abderrahim has taught various courses including Math, Statistics, Reading, Business, Education, and Leadership. Dr. Farhat is a strong believer in education as an engine of change in societies.

Dr. Farhat shared his expertise with students, faculty, and staff on Wednesday, April 28 during his presentation about Education in the Arab World, with a focus on female education. His thorough presentation challenged participants to evaluate their understanding of educational equality throughout the world and how educational opportunities for children impact a country’s successes and relationships globally. Participants engaged in deep discussions about quality teacher-student interactions and the need for critical thinking education for all youth.

Student Involvement is grateful for the support of HACC’s faculty, staff, and alumni that have presented for the 2020-2021 year. As the team plans programming for the 2021-2022 academic year, alumni, staff, and faculty are encouraged and welcome to share their expertise and give back to their alma mater to engage our current students. If you are interested in presenting on a topic, please reach out to Wendy Brubaker at wabrubak@hacc.edu.

Memorial Day is a time where we remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Some of us may know someone who has lost their life in service for this country, some of us may not. Regardless if you have lost someone personally or not, the sacrifices that a stranger, a fellow American has made, allows you to enjoy the freedoms that you have today. This Memorial Day, 31 May 2021, I encourage all the students and faculty at HACC, to take a moment and think of all those who have been lost and the families that have lost someone.

Some people visit cemeteries and lay an American Flag near a grave site or wear red poppy on their lapel to show observance for Memorial Day. However you spent your Memorial Day, I ask you to simply take a few seconds to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Before you enjoy that Memorial Day celebration, pause for a brief moment of silence, reflect, and think about those service members who have lost their lives and are not with us to celebrate this special day.

I would like to end with a quote by Tamara Bolton that expresses some of the sentiment of this Memorial Day, in her Parade essay, "This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn't come home. This is not Veterans Day, it's not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom." –Tamra Bolton, in Parade essay

For more information about Memorial Day I encourage you to read this article from the History Channel, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history.