Harford Community College Holds 63rd Annual Commencement Ceremony

Harford Community College held its Sixty-Third Annual Commencement on Thursday, May 27. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s ceremony was held virtually. The virtual ceremony gave the graduates a chance to celebrate their achievements with their loved ones from the safety of their homes. The Class of 2021 included a total of 935 graduates.

Professor James M. McFarland, Faculty Marshal, and Professor Dorothy E. Miller, EdD, Student Marshal, led the virtual processional. The ceremony began with a welcome from Dr. Theresa B. Felder, President of Harford Community College. Student soloist Gregory R. Bowcock sang “The National Anthem.” Laura L. Henninger, Esq., CPA, Chair, Harford Community College Board of Trustees, offered greetings to the students.

Timothy A. Sherwood, PhD, Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented the candidates for degrees and certificates, and Dr. Felder conferred the degrees and certificates. The Harford Class of 2021 includes August and December 2020 graduates and May 2021 candidates for graduation.

George T. Strawbridge, Biology, Honors, delivered the Student Graduate Address. He was also presented with the Outstanding Student Leadership Award from Jacqueline S. Jackson, PhD, Vice President for Student Success. This award recognizes a student who has made significant overall contributions to the College and community where personal time, effort, and dedication are evident, and has earned a minimum GPA of 3.0.

This year, Harford graduates were given the opportunity to cross the stage in the College’s arena at an assigned time in early May. Graduates who chose to walk were allowed to have four guests join them as they celebrated their accomplishments. Photography and footage from the stage crossings were included in the virtual Commencement ceremony. Graduates who did not wish to walk were invited to submit a photograph wearing their cap and gown for inclusion in the pre-produced virtual Commencement ceremony.

Dr. Felder presented Charles and Richard Bauer, owners of Flowers by Bauers, with the 2021 Harford Community College Distinguished Alumni Awards. The award honors the achievements of former students who have attained outstanding success in their chosen profession, demonstrated a commitment to the community, and maintained an interest in and service to Harford Community College.

After graduating from Harford in 1975, the identical twin brothers continued their studies at the University of Maryland and earned degrees in horticulture, agronomy, and business. They opened Flowers by Bauers in Jarrettsville, Maryland, and for more than 40 years, have operated both a retail store and a very prosperous greenhouse and wholesale operation.

Generous supporters of Harford Community College, the Bauers annually donate nearly 1,000 roses to the Harford Community College Alumni and Friends Scholarship Association. The Association sells the flowers during Commencement to raise funds for its scholarships and programs. They also generously donate arrangements for other Harford Community College Foundation events throughout the year.

At the conclusion of the event, the presentation will still be available to watch on the College’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HarfordCC/, as well as on Harford’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/HarfordCC. Viewers do not need to have an account in order to watch the ceremony on Facebook.