Schools

More Than 1,400 To Graduate From DCCC

The 44th Graduating Class of Delaware County Community College will be held on Thursday, May 17, at 7 p.m. at The Pavilion, Villanova University.

More than 1,400 students, many with significant stories of triumph against the odds, will graduate from on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Villanova University.

This year’s graduating class has many poignant stories including:

  • Kary “Mark” Beard Jr., 42, of Sadsburyville, a Business Administration major, Army Reserve veteran and co-owner of B&B Lawn Care, who completely lost his sight in 1991 after sustaining near-fatal injuries in a car crash is graduating with a 4.0 GPA, after spending 40 to 50 hours a week on his studies.
  • Shawn Kleinz, 22, of Secane, an Education major and Marine Corps veteran, who reinvented himself at the college and now plans to become a school teacher.
  • Bonnie Tyler, 59, of Yeadon, a Business Management major, mother of two, grandmother of five, and great grandmother of three, who reinvented herself at the college after 15 years of work as an administrative assistant. She now plans to go into business for herself as a wedding planner.
  • Nichole Philipp, 21, of Media, an Engineering major who won state and national awards and scholarships for her academic excellence and community service, and was featured along with 20 other students from across the nation in USA Today in April.

Associate Professor Denise Danford will lead the processional as the Grand Marshal of the commencement. A flag ceremony will also be conducted by the Honor Guard of the Delaware County Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Fund.

Some of the keynote speakers of Thursday's commencement will include:

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  • Raymond G. Toto, Chair, Board of Trustees
  • Jerome S. Parker, Ph.D., President of the college
  • William J. Pierce will make the student address
  • Michael R. Johnson, professor of business will make the faculty address
  • Laura M. Kasper, Class of 1984, and President and Chief Executive OfficeMonarch Staffing, will announce the Achievement Award
  • Suzanne M. Hoffman, Class of 2000, and president of the Alumni Council, will greet the alumni.

For more information on the commencement, view the school's commencement page here.


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