Bethlehem Campus Spring Commencement Honors 640 Graduates

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

Promising graduates that “you’ve earned that selfie shot of you in your cap and gown with your BFF and family,” David A. Ruth, Ph.D., president of Northampton Community College (NCC), expressed honor and pride in this spring’s graduating class. Ruth paused a moment to take a selfie of his own from the stage with the spring class of 2024.

“I am proud that 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 the right track to achieve your personal and professional goals,” he said. “So, congratulations graduates. Today is your day!”

The commencement ceremony held May 23 at NCC’s Bethlehem campus celebrated 640 graduates ranging in age from 15 to 74 and hailing from around the U.S. and the world.

 Ruth highlighted a number of graduates as representatives of the class’ hard work, determination, and diversity of background and experience. Criminal justice graduate Ja’Niyah Collins ’24 flourished as a student leader and plans to continue her education by attending law school to become a criminal defense attorney. Business administration graduate Jack Wagenheim ’24 – the youngest graduate to walk across the stage at 15 – plans to complete a bachelor’s degree to work toward a career in game development. An international student, Richard Araque Ocampo ’24 will use the child development associate specialized diploma he earned to help young learners pursue their own dreams through education in his native Colombia. Imaging technology fascinated radiography graduate Krishna Chudasama ’24 when he worked at University of Miami Hospital; he came home to NCC to begin pivoting his career to radiography.

 Student speaker Leslie Sinanan ’24, juggled two jobs with her class load while earning an associate degree in dental hygiene. “Don’t let this be the last of your hard work,” she said, fighting back tears. “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.”

 Faculty speaker Amy VanVarick-Colarusso, associate professor of business law, paralegal, and legal studies, shared her own story of a guidance counselor who told her that she was not college material.

 “When you reach a milestone like graduation, there are two broad categories of people you should be thanking: those who supported you and perhaps those who thought you would fail,” she said. “To those who said you would fail at something, even if it was the voice inside your head, strive to have your moment. Success is your reply, regardless of the time it takes you to get there. Succeed with dignity and grace.”

 Ruth then turned the podium over to commencement speaker Kevin Greene, co-owner and principal strategist of Faces International, a Lehigh Valley-based marketing and advertising agency. Greene also is an active member of non-profit boards and committees, including the NCC Foundation.

 “The only way I could unlock my true superpower was to commit to being my full self,” Greene said. “Now here you sit, with so much opportunity ahead, with more skills, and a blank canvas where you get to paint the picture of your future. Take the time to do the work and find yourself. Try new things and grow. Commit to your vision every single day, relentlessly.”

 Theatre major Maxwell Wetherhold ’25 sang the national anthem and the alma mater. Codi Januszkiewicz ’13, facilities planner and designer at Lehigh University, offered the new alumni welcome. Bruce Palmer ’77, vice chair of the Board of Trustees, acknowledged psychology graduate Jennifer Aleman ’24, this year's recipient of the Trustee Leadership Award. Business administration major Melissa Justino ’25 received the scholarship created in Greene’s name in honor of his role as commencement speaker.

 A reception immediately followed the ceremony.