Leading With Purpose: Reflections on My Journey and Tenure at HACC
Preview:
As I prepare for my retirement in mid-July from HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, where I’ve had the honor of serving as the longest-tenured president in its 61-year history, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey that has brought me to this point.
Raised in a Polish immigrant community of steel mill workers in Cleveland, Ohio, I was fortunate to attend the prestigious Saint Ignatius Jesuit High School, an experience that would change the course of my life and ultimately shape my professional destiny. During my years studying to become a Catholic priest, I met my now-husband and built the foundation that has deeply influenced my path. Along the way, I earned the necessary academic qualifications to pursue a career as an educator and administrator, with a guiding principle instilled in me by my high school’s motto: to always be a “man for others.”
Originally published: June 10, 2025
Author: John J. Sygielski
Position: President
Institution: Central Pennsylvania’s Community College
Published by: Diverse Issues in Higher Education