Diverse group ranges in age from 15 to 74 and hails from all over the U.S. and world

BETHLEHEM, PA – Northampton Community College (NCC) celebrated 652 graduates at commencement ceremonies held at NCC’s Bethlehem campus on May 23 and NCC’s Pocono campus on May 21. The ceremony this spring marks the first commencement event for the Pocono campus.

Calling this class a “special group of students,” David A. Ruth, Ph.D., president of NCC promised: “You joined NCC as students, but you leave as alumni, forever connected to this place as members of the Northampton family and alumni network with nearly 50,000 members.”

Graduates ranged in age from 15 to 74 and hailed from all over the U.S. and the world. Ruth highlighted a number of graduates at both ceremonies as representatives of the class’ hard work, determination, and diversity of background and experience. They included academic standouts, student leaders, international students, those who overcame significant obstacles, and the class’ youngest graduate at 15 years old, Jack Wagenheim ’24.

Bethlehem student speaker Leslie Sinanan ’24, who earned an associate degree in dental hygiene while juggling two jobs, told her follow graduates, “Don’t let this be the last of your hard work. Continue to be ambitious. Rise to the next level. Place yourself in front of opportunities that scare you to face and overcome those fears. Constantly challenge yourself but remember to be your biggest fan. Most importantly, be a role model for the generations coming up that can look up to these great achievements and know anything is possible as long as you work hard for it.”

Pocono student speaker Jenny Ro ’24, a business administration graduate, shared the story of her father, a South Korean immigrant and small business owner, who inspired her with his work ethic while navigating personal struggles. “Northampton was the place that gave me and my family options when it seemed like there were none left,” she said.

Kevin Greene, co-owner and principal strategist of Faces International, a Lehigh Valley-based marketing and advertising agency, and Don Seiple ’12, president of St. Luke’s Hospital – Monroe Campus, served as commencement speakers for the Bethlehem and Pocono ceremonies, respectively.

Amy VanVarick-Colarusso, associate professor of business law, paralegal, and legal studies, was faculty speaker at the Bethlehem ceremony. John Tindell, professor of communications/theatre, was faculty speaker at the Pocono ceremony.

Codi Januszkiewicz ’13, facilities planner and designer at Lehigh University, and Timothy Jackson ’14, general manager of Sodexo, formally welcomed the new graduates into the NCC Alumni Association.

Psychology graduate Jennifer Aleman ’24 received the Trustee Leadership Award. Registered Nursing major Jeffrey Hili and business administration major Melissa Justino received scholarships created to honor each commencement speaker’s role in the festivities.

NCC hosted receptions at each of the campuses immediately following the ceremonies.

About Northampton Community College

With an enduring commitment to the regional communities it serves and a focus on student success, Northampton Community College is an educational institution of extraordinary distinction, earning accolades at the state and national levels for innovative programs, outstanding faculty, and impressive student achievements. It counts among its successful alumni a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner and an Academy Award winning director, as well as a host of CEOs, presidents, and leaders of business and industry. Today, Northampton Community College has locations in Bethlehem, Southside Bethlehem, and Monroe County, serving 30,000 students annually from 53 counties, 42 countries, and 25 states. For more information or to apply, please visit northampton.edu. Follow NCC’s President on X @NCCPresDaveRuth, and the college on LinkedIn, Instagram @NorthamptonCommCollege, TikTok @NorthamptonCC, and Facebook.