Pocono Campus Holds Inaugural Spring Commencement Ceremony

Hard work. Grit. Determination. Those were some of the words that David A. Ruth, Ph.D., president of Northampton Community College (NCC), used to describe the graduating class at the commencement ceremony held at the Pocono campus May 21. The ceremony this spring is the first commencement event for NCC’s Pocono campus.   

Each of the 118 graduates – ranging in age from 18 to 61 – has a story to tell. Ruth highlighted several in his remarks as examples of the class’ perseverance and excellence. There was Emily Rivera ’24, who overcame early challenges including dropping out of high school and struggling as a foster child to graduate with an interior design degree. Health sciences graduate Cristina Devore ’24 is continuing her education by pursuing another associate degree in Registered Nursing this coming fall at the Pocono campus. And student leader and recipient of NCC’s Presidential Ambassador Scholarship, Sebastian Babon ’24, earned an associate degree in information security after helping his NCC student team take first place in the Mid-Atlantic 3CS Cyber Defense Competition.  

Calling this class a “special group of students,” Ruth 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. So stay in touch and become involved as alumni in our college.” 

One alumnus who has stayed in touch is commencement speaker Don Seiple ’12, president of St. Luke’s Hospital – Monroe Campus. Seiple earned an associate degree in business administration at NCC. He also earned a specialized technology degree in electronics from Lincoln Technical Institute and a bachelor of science degree in business administration and healthcare management from Liberty University.  

Reflecting on the lessons he learned throughout his life, Seiple reminded graduates, “Personally and professionally, I don’t think life is meant to be done alone. It’s all about teamwork – you never accomplish something on your own.”  

During construction of the St. Luke’s Monroe site, Seiple used the Pocono campus Food Court as a makeshift office. “I brag on this campus to everyone in the community,” he said. “It’s a hidden gem, a great place to receive an education. I’m so grateful to have it here in our community.” 

Student speaker Jenny Ro ’24, who graduated with an associate degree in business administration, used her time at the podium to share the story of her father, a South Korean immigrant and small business owner. He 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. 

Faculty speaker John Tindell, professor of communications/theatre, encouraged graduates to savor their own accomplishments as well as being members of the first class to participate in graduation exercises held at the Pocono campus. He also noted how many in the class were the first members of their families to earn a college degree. 

“Take a moment to mark time,” he said. “Firsts demonstrate a progress. Something new has happened. Take a moment to celebrate this first in your life, and tomorrow morning, start working on your next one.” 

Not only was the evening a special one for graduates and their friends and family, it was special for the Pocono campus and NCC as a whole. Precie Schroyer, executive dean of the Pocono campus, points out that NCC students who take classes there often feel a greater affinity toward the campus where they completed their educational journeys. Traveling to Bethlehem for the commencement ceremony also can be a hardship, making them less likely to attend a milestone celebration in their academic lives.  

“We are thrilled that graduating students have the opportunity this spring to attend commencement at the campus they call home, surrounded by faculty, advisors, and other NCC staff and administrators whom they know and who know them,” she says. “It’s truly a privilege and an honor to be able to celebrate this momentous occasion at the Pocono campus.” 

Timothy Jackson ’14, general manager of Sodexo, offered the new alumni welcome. Megan Geklinsky, associate director of student life & leadership development (Pocono), sang the national anthem. Bruce Palmer ’77, vice chair of the Board of Trustees, presented the Trustee Leadership Award to psychology graduate Jennifer Aleman ’24. Registered Nursing major Jeffrey Hili ’25 received the scholarship created in Seiple’s name in honor of his participation as commencement speaker. 

 A reception for graduates and their guests immediately followed the ceremony.