Harcum College Celebrates Class of 2022

Though Mother Nature tried her best, dowsing the region with rain and gusty winds, the spirits of the graduating class of 2022 could not be dampened on Saturday, May 7, during Harcum College’s 106th annual commencement. It was the first in-person gathering in three years because of the pandemic, and 300 graduates and 1,200+ guests assembled on the Great Lawn to celebrate a long-awaited and for many, a life changing milestone presided over by President Jon Jay DeTemple.

The event included a welcome from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Alexander Klein, who awarded Early Childhood Education faculty member Christine Carslon with the Philip
Klein award, named for his grandfather, for excellence in teaching.

Also, for 37 years of service to the College and the Veterinary Nursing Program, Dr. Craig Wooters received a Doctorate of Humane Letters and delivered a warm and humble but inspired Commencement address for graduates.

While every graduate crossed the stage when their name was called to receive a diploma from President Jon Jay DeTemple, several graduates were surprised with special honors for which
they had been nominated by faculty and staff:

Student-athlete Louis Bleechmore, a General Studies major, received the President's Award, the highest student honor conferred during the Saturday, May 7, ceremony. In his citation,
President Jon Jay DeTemple mentioned that Bleechmore, a leader on the Men's Basketball team and a native of Sydney, Australia, was a stellar student with a 3.79 GPA, and, as a freshman earned NJCAA All-Academic honors, an accomplishment he will repeat this year. The President
characterized him as someone who strives to excel in everything he does, one of the reasons why he has received a full scholarship to attend St. Joseph’s University next year. Congratulations, Louis!

Kadidjah Kallo, a Business Management major, received the Harcum Award from Dean of Student Life Dr. Ed Kovacs on Saturday. He said she demonstrated exceptional academic achievement
by earning a 3.8 GPA, and was always striving to be the best she can be inside and outside the classroom.Her nominator said she seized all opportunities and possibilities for academic, career, and life preparation while at Harcum and that she truly enjoyed her Harcum experience while balancing academics with other commitments that included a job, her family, and as a representative with the Student Government Association. She also professionally advocated on behalf of all college students for continued access to financial aid while interacting with Pennsylvania state representatives. Congratulations, Kadidjah!

Paige Robinson, an Occupational Therapy Assistant major, received the Student Leadership Award, presented by Dean of Student Life Dr. Ed Kovacs. He described her as a hardworking
student and also someone who has been successful inside the classroom, at her clinical rotations, and through her involvement in several Harcum student organizations, including the Student Government Association and the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity. She
eagerly interacted with prospective students and their guests at our fall and spring Open Houses, sharing her experiences, insights, and love for Harcum College. She delivered a thoughtful, reflective, and meaningful student Commencement address at Saturday's event for her
fellow graduates and guests. Congratulations, Paige!

Executive Vice President Dr. Julia Ingersoll recognized numerous students who earned the Academic Excellence Award. A total of seven students maintained a 4.0 grade point
average throughout their college careers: Beth Allen, Interior Design; Nicole Beecroft Elliott Betley, Early Childhood Education; Jennavieve Capobianchi, Human Services; Sheila Hudson, Interior Design; Nakia Quinn, Early Childhood Education; Jennifer Supplee, Interior Design;
Katelyn Yurkovich, Radiologic Technology. All seven winners joined Dr. Ingersoll onstage to receive their awards.

Directly following Commencement, a new scholarship for Veterinary Nursing was announced at a special reception honoring retiring veterinarian for his decades of service: the Dr. Craig Wooters
Scholarship, to provide scholarship funds to Vet Nursing students with merit and need.

Dr. Wooters enjoyed teaching, mentoring and loving his 1,000+ vet nursing students during his time at Harcum. Alumni, faculty, staff, students, family and friends raised more than
$50,000 in gifts and pledges to activate the Dr. Craig Wooters Scholarship. The inaugural Wooters Scholarship was awarded to Christopher Dickson.