LCCC Held Commencement Ceremonies May 17 at PPL Center

Lehigh Carbon Community College held its Commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 17, at the PPL Center in downtown Allentown. Commencement recognized the more than 800 students who have earned associate degrees, certificates or diplomas from August 2017, December 2017 and May 2018. LCCC president Dr. Ann D. Bieber presided over the ceremonies.

Chair of the LCCC Board of Trustees Roberta Marcus offered the welcome. Class of 2018 graduates Merquiadez “Mickey” M. Arce, Jr., who received his associate in arts degree in liberal arts with high honors, and Diana M. Fleming, who received her associate in arts degree in business administration with honors, were the featured student speakers.

Arce, originally from Bridgeport, Conn., relocated to Allentown two years ago. While at LCCC, he has been active in the Student Government Association, as well as the Political Society Club and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. In summer 2017, he was one of seven students selected to participate in Bucknell University’s Community College Summer Scholars program. He plans to transfer to Bucknell to earn his bachelor’s degree in political science and eventually to pursue a law degree.

Fleming currently lives in Whitehall with her husband and two sons, ages 10 and 5. She was born in Allentown and is the first of her six siblings to obtain a college degree. She attended LCCC part-time while working full-time. Originally a student at Kutztown University, she plans to return to earn her bachelor’s degree in business. She has worked in the property management and real estate industries for many years and hopes to shift into human resources after completing her degree.

Dr. Betsy Swope, associate professor of psychology, served as grand marshal, assisted by faculty members Mary E. Rasley, Christy L. Hediger, Jeanette M. Polizzi, Joyce S. Thompson, Dr. D. Ann Turoczy and Melanie Turrano.

Class of 2018 graduating student Krysta G. Roberts sang the national anthem and the LCCC alma mater.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the announcement of the Student of the Year, which was presented to Aldaine Alphonse. The recipient is selected by the LCCC Faculty Association. Aldaine, who came to the U.S. in 2016 from Haiti, received her associate degree in business and will be attending Bucknell University in the fall majoring in business. She overcame many obstacles to earn her associate degree, including language barriers, and ultimately became active in numerous clubs and student government. She was a mentor to other international students and set an example of success, even being inducted into Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Alphonse is also a volunteer with the American Red Cross.

In addition, the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team members, Kara Grosso of Summit Hill, and Maria Martinez of Palmerton, were recognized.

Dr. Thomas W. Meyer, vice president of academic services and student development, presented the candidates for graduation.