For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, two Northampton Community College (NCC) commencement ceremonies were held in-person on the Bethlehem campus. Winter graduates were honored May 25 followed by Spring graduates May 26.

More than 1,300 students, 62 with a perfect 4.0 GPA, graced the stage over the course of the two nights as family, friends, faculty and staff watched with pride. The diverse group of graduates ranged in age from 19 to 71 and represented 20 different countries and 11 states.

Associate English Professor Erik Grayson and Nursing Professor Mali Bartges served as commencement marshals for winter and spring commencements respectively, opening and closing each ceremony. Winter graduate Alyssa Foli and spring graduate Justin Abarca enthusiastically sang the National Anthem and the beloved NCC Alma Mater.

Bob Fehnel, chairman of the Northampton Community College Board of Trustees, welcomed the audience.

“To all the family, friends and loved ones that are able to join us today,” he said, “I know you share in the pride we all have today as you have witnessed the sacrifice, determination, and commitment demonstrated by your graduate to get here.”

NCC President Dr. Mark Erickson stressed to graduates, “at a pivotal moment in our country’s history, we need you. Your leadership, your spirit, your persistence, and resilience.”

Rebecca Docteroff, All-PA Academic Team member, Coca-Cola Silver Scholar, and winter commencement student speaker, acknowledged the strength of her peers.

“This was an abnormally difficult time amidst pandemic era learning,” she said. “The class that stands before me has rigor and drive. We accomplished something huge today.”

NCC spring graduate Lucas Wolk related to the room full of his peers by telling them, “If you would’ve told me two years ago that I’d be graduating tonight, after what unfolded between then and now, I wouldn’t believe you. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way.”

Dr. Judith Buenaflor, recently retired NCC English professor, gave the 420 winter graduates hope during her faculty address.

“Learning, thinking and questioning in the classroom has taught you how to keep learning, thinking and questioning in the world,” she said. “Your education has given you the ability to explore your ideas, and where these ideas can lead you - is exciting to think about.”

The following evening, Robert Hayes, NCC’s professor of journalism, advised the vast audience of nearly 900 graduates at the spring ceremony, “Use your critical thinking skills to discern the real from the fake. Let ideals, not ideology, guide you. Let accurate information and your informed opinion contribute to the greater good.”

Graduates were welcomed into our prestigious alumni association by Bruce Palmer ’77, vice chair of NCC’s Board of Trustees.

“I cannot begin to tell you how important it is to stay connected to NCC,” Palmer said.

Erickson echoed the sentiment.

“You joined NCC as students, but you leave as alums…forever connected to this place as members of the Northampton family and alumni network with nearly 50,000 members. So stay in touch.”

Palmer went on to present spring graduate Kiondre Kenner with the Trustee Leadership Award, given to the student for exceptional leadership and service, a highest honor at NCC.