Determined and Driven: Winter Commencement 2024

On January 27, NCC celebrated more than 661 of their newest graduates. Friends, family, and NCC faculty and staff gathered in a packed Spartan Center on NCC’s Bethlehem campus to honor NCC’s Winter Class of 2024.  

NCC President, Dr. David A. Ruth, began the commencement ceremony with inspiring words for the graduates, "You have persevered in the face of many hurdles, something that has led you to this moment…one you will remember the rest of your lives and one that puts you on track to achieve your personal and professional goals”. 

Of the more than 661 students, 39 graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA. The diverse group of graduates ranged in age from 15 to 73, hailing from locations all over the state, nation and world, from Peru to Illinois and many places in between. 

Serving as the commencement marshal, Lifen Yang, academic coach at NCC, opened and closed the ceremony. Theatre student, Max Wetherhold, graced the audience with his vocal talent as he sang the National Anthem and the NCC Alma Mater at the ceremony. 

Ruth shared stories of several graduates, highlighting their achievements and perseverance to reach graduation day. Among them were: 

• Abby Thompson, who impressively earned her college degree from NCC before graduating high school as a dual enrollment student at the college. Not only that, but Thompson is also graduating from NCC with a perfect 4.0 GPA!  
   
• Mother of three, Fatima Georges, who enrolled in the business program after her daughter, who graduated from NCC, inspired her to pursue her passions. As a small boutique owner with dreams of owning a restaurant one day, she knows this degree will help her go far. 
   
• NyIsaiah Hall, who embarked on his college journey with a passion for computer science that was first sparked in high school. After losing his father, he found solace in a sense of community at NCC by participating in student clubs and activities. This spring, Hall will be attending East Stroudsburg University thanks to the Clear Path Scholarship Award he received to pursue his bachelor’s degree in a STEM related field.  

Bob Fehnel, chairman of the NCC Board of Trustees and 1975 NCC graduate, shared, “As a student, I still remember and cherish the days I walked the halls of this college. As a trustee, what we do and how we do it is marked by serving students in the best way we can. I wish the very best for all of you as you go forth to use your NCC degrees.”  

Winter Class of 2024 graduate, student speaker, and Irvine Freshman Leadership Award recipient, Carrie Fuller, told the graduates, “Throughout my time at Northampton, I’ve said ‘hello’ to so much. I said ‘hello’ to people I saw in the hallways, and I said ‘howdy’ to my professors. I said ‘bonjour’ to a newfound confidence; I said ‘aloha’ to people who’ve supported me. While today is about saying ‘goodbye’ to things of the past, I encourage you all to say ‘hello’ to new adventures in your future.” 

Anita Dickson, business administration professor and faculty speaker, asked the graduates to ponder, “What are things you’ve learned here? As difficult as this journey has been, you’ve consistently motivated yourself. Sometimes you’ve had to bounce back, and you built resilience that served you well today and will serve you well in your future. As you have grown, we as faculty have also grown. Together, we have learned how to navigate obstacles and the unique challenges we’ve all experienced since the pandemic. So, here we are today, celebrating the most significant ending that you have earned.” 

Commencement speaker and President of East Stroudsburg University (ESU), Ken Long, said, “Take a second to think of how you’d describe yourself and how others would describe you. Today, you get to describe yourself as one more thing, a Northampton Community College alumni,” causing the graduates to cheer in delight.  

“Opportunities alone will not chart your future. It takes hard work, dedication and commitment to make success. You must prepare to meet a moment of opportunity. Know that your education from NCC and your efforts have prepared you for great opportunities.”  

Long left the audience with a song lyric from the musical, “Annie,” befitting his message for the day, “Under the spotlight, I'm starting my life. Big dreams becoming real tonight. So, look at me and this opportunity. You're witnessing my moment, you see.” 

After Long addressed the audience, Daniel Paulus Jr., an NCC student who is studying early childhood education, received the President’s Commencement Scholarship in Long’s honor. Paulus even plans to attend ESU after he graduates!  

Dr. William Schaffer, director for the Center for College & Career Readiness, presented the GED and ESL program graduates. 

The Spartan Center filled with overwhelming cheers and applause as the remainder of the proud graduates moved across the stage, and their loved ones celebrated this milestone. 

At the closing of the ceremony, graduates were welcomed into our prestigious alumni association by Principal at Hopewell Elementary School, Dr. Lynn Chromiak, a member of the Class of 2005. “I remember attending NCC like it was yesterday, commuting down 33 and listening to Usher in my car,” her nostalgia earning a smile from the audience. “NCC built a strong foundation for me. I hope you embrace your future with curiosity and courage.” 

As they shifted their tassels from the right to the left side of their caps, graduates were officially welcomed into the alumni association, encouraged to come back to NCC often and continue to be a part of what makes their alma mater so special.