HARRISBURG, PA — This year marks another milestone for Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) as 1,306 students prepare to graduate, including 118 undergraduate students in the Class of 2026. Among them are learners who have spent the past several years building their academic foundations, gaining hands-on experience, and preparing to step into careers across a wide range of industries.
The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 14, at 12:30 PM at The Forum Auditorium in Harrisburg, and will also be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person.
In honor of this moment, we’re highlighting a few members of the undergraduate class whose journeys reflect the determination, growth, and resilience that define HU students.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We are proud of all that you have accomplished and excited to see what you will achieve next.
Ashley Bonnet
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Integrative Sciences, Biochemistry concentration
What are your post-graduation plans? After graduation, I plan to continue working as a patient care technician at UPMC while preparing for and taking the MCAT. During this time, I will focus on strengthening my application to medical school by gaining additional clinical experience, continuing to build patient-centered skills, and staying engaged in the healthcare environment.
In parallel, I will be dedicating consistent time to MCAT preparation to achieve a competitive score that reflects my academic abilities and commitment to the field. Following the exam, I plan to apply to medical schools with a strong emphasis on research, service to underserved communities, and opportunities for mentorship. My long-term goal is to become a physician who not only provides high-quality clinical care but also contributes to research and addresses healthcare disparities.
How has your time at HU helped you get to where you are now? My time at HU played a major role in shaping both my academic and professional development. Through my coursework in biochemistry and integrative sciences, I have built a strong scientific foundation that has prepared me for the rigor of the MCAT and a future in medicine. The hands-on, project-based learning approach at Harrisburg University has pushed me to think critically, solve complex problems, and apply what I’ve learned in real-world contexts.
One of the most impactful experiences has been my undergraduate research on Myxococcus xanthus and its potential role in iron bioremediation. This opportunity allowed me to develop technical lab skills, analyze data, and communicate scientific findings through presentations and conferences. It also strengthened my ability to think independently and persist through challenges, which are essential qualities for a future physician.
In addition to academics, my time at Harrisburg University has helped me grow personally and professionally through leadership and service experiences, including my role as a Resident Assistant and my work in healthcare. These experiences have enhanced my communication skills, empathy, and ability to connect with diverse populations. Overall, Harrisburg University has provided me with the knowledge, experiences, and confidence needed to take the next steps toward medical school and a career in medicine.
All in all, HU has allowed me to grow into a well-rounded person. However, without the community who nurtured me in terms of staff, faculty, and peers, I would not be who I am today.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize? In terms of mentors within the university, Akeisha Belgrave has been my greatest advocate, mentor, and constant cheerleader. Without her encouragement and belief in me, I likely would have limited myself and never pursued many of the opportunities and accomplishments I have been blessed to experience. She has continuously pushed me to see potential in myself that I did not always recognize, and for that I am deeply grateful.
My greatest thanks, however, goes to my family. My parents sacrificed so much to come to a new country in pursuit of a better future for me and my sisters. Through long hours, hard work, and unwavering dedication, they provided me with everything I needed to become the person I am today. Their sacrifices are the foundation of every success I have achieved.
My younger sister is one of my biggest cheerleaders. She constantly reminds me that I have someone looking up to me, and that alone gives me the motivation to keep going, even on the hardest days. My older sister reminds me to stay grounded, to be human, and to seek balance so I can sustain myself through life’s challenges.
Lastly, I would like to thank my best friend, Victoria. She has been an irreplaceable part of my support system and has walked beside me throughout the college journey. Despite her own struggles, she never fails to check on me, pray for me, and reminds me that life is about the journey, not only the destination.
Logan Trimmer
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics (ADMA)
What are your post-graduation plans? I will be starting as a Manufacturing and Process Development Engineer at TE Connectivity after graduation.
How has your time at HU helped you get to where you are now? My time at HU allowed me to learn and operate multiple new machines and technologies that companies are either actively using or are looking to use for manufacturing. It would have been far more difficult for me to learn how these different systems worked without the level of access to them that the ADMA program has provided.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize? I would like to thank all of the professors I’ve had in the ADMA program, and all of the other professors whose classes I have taken, for their dedication to ensuring that the students got the opportunity to obtain a great education. I would also like to thank my family for their encouragement.
Andrew Fox
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
What are your post-graduation plans? My plans after graduation are to continue working as a Physical Therapist Assistant as I start graduate school to become a Physical Therapist in the Fall of 2026.
How has your time at HU helped you get to where you are now? My time at HU has been helpful. The knowledge I have gained through the classes in the Exercise Science program has helped improve my ability as a clinician in the field of Physical Therapy. The on-campus weekends were also helpful – especially when we worked in groups. This helped me see other perspectives on how to treat different patient populations.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize? I would like to thank my girlfriend, parents, and co-workers for their encouragement to further my education and unwavering support through the process. I would also like to thank Dr. Chris Condran, Program Lead of the Exercise Science program. I am thankful for his willingness to teach and lead us.
Sarah Baker
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media, User Experience Design concentration
How has your time at HU helped you get to where you are now? It has helped me grow as a person and in my future career.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize? I would like to thank my mentors, professors, family, and friends.
Jamal Ghazi
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology
What are your post-graduation plans? I will be working at UPMC.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize? I would like to thank Emily Lupi, Dr. Dana Harriger, Ashley Bonnet (my main connection at UPMC), and all the staff at Harrisburg University. I would also like to thank my neurology team at UPMC.
Scott Stephens, Jr.
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media, User Experience concentration
What are your post-graduation plans? After graduation, I plan to continue with grad school at Harrisburg University and their Human-Centered Interaction Design program. I’ve started this program early, taking two courses on top of my undergraduate degree.
Outside of grad school, my goals post-graduation are to pursue ideas I have for creative projects and entrepreneurial ventures, and develop my skills as a UX designer/researcher and as a creative. My career goals are to become a creative director in the film and gaming space, so I plan to use the next few years to gain significant traction there with the skills and guidance I’ve had the privilege of receiving from Harrisburg University.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize? At Harrisburg University, I would love to give a huge thank you to staff and faculty members, Charles Palmer, Sa Liu, Anthony Ortega, Angela Britcher, Yuliya Goss, Emily Lupi, Julie Doxsee, Julie Denniston, Gregory Loring-Albright, Caleb Smith, Germaine Irwin, Wyatt Boyer, Derek Whitesel, Dave Schankweiler, Emily Mallis, Maria Thiaw, Vicki Villone, Nathan Aileo, Jason Vandenberghe, Madison Ellis, Kelly Griffith, Dawn Spaar, John McKnight, Megan Cackett, Kelly Boudreau, Libba Hockley, Thi Phung, Akeisha Belgrave, Richard Pitts, Nikki Borrell, Nayeem Islam, Malik Potter, Jordan Lentz, Christopher Mowl, Jillian Yeakel, Peter Silva, Rosalina Rivera, Lorelee Isbell, Scott Morrison, Jennifer Angstadt, Majid Shaalan, Clifton Emerson, Jr., Jenny Cheng, Lauren Edgell, Kayden Jordan, Michelle Luna Victoria, Jayme Keller, Brian Morris, Ross Delasin, and Stefano Scotto di Carlo.
I would like to give a huge thank you to my peers and fellow students, Erick Peña, Nicholas Mullen-Walsh, Jeremy Pizarro, Sarah Baker, Samuel Metz, Temiah Dixon, Ashley Bonnet, Alex Teeple, Khaliq Hatmal, Christopher Jones, Jourdan Carrero, Jacobi Jones, Anthony Lambert Watkins, Kyle Williams, Savanna Green, Kalen Davis, Catherine Guest, Michael Donar, Joshua Scott, Stephanie Mekhail, and Daniel Poe. It has been a privilege to be able to learn alongside you. I would also like to give a huge thank you to Luke Kempski, Mike Isbell, Robert Wood, Frank, Rowland, Brian Kelly, Traci Gallagher, Ryan Pudloski, Kelly Siepe, and to all of the phenomenal people at JPL who have provided me and Harrisburg University as a whole with endless opportunities to grow and excel as a student and a young professional.
I would love to say thank you to my father, Scott Stephens, Sr., for working day and night for me to succeed and prosper, for raising me to be the best person I can be, encouraging me to pursue my dreams. I want to say thank you to my family and friends back home for being a part of the village that continues to support me as I grow as a person. I want to give a huge thank you to Matt Damaskos and Christina Milano-Damaskos of Athlon, as well, for providing one the best hands-on work experiences I could ask for. Lastly, I want to thank HU for striving each day to make this university the hub for education and innovation that it is.
Kalen Davis
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Integrative Sciences, Biology concentration
What are your post-graduation plans? After graduation, I plan to get some experience in the healthcare and medical laboratory fields. I would like to then go on to pursue my PhD and work in medical research and development before continuing my education to earn my MD to work in patient care, ideally as a pediatric cardiologist. Along the way, I plan to travel, explore, and enjoy this journey as much as I can!
How has your time at HU helped you get to where you are now? My time at Harrisburg University has helped me to refine my future career plans and goals, as well as work towards pushing along my success with all the wonderful resources it gave me access to and all the staff it put me in contact with.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize? I would like to thank all of the professors, doctors, and staff that became a part of my journey, helping me to grow not only academically, but also personally in ways they might not even be aware of. I would also like to thank my family and friends who were there from the start and stuck with me through it all. I can’t wait to show them how far I can fly, through it all, with the wings of ambition and dedication they helped me to grow.
Bhavik Patel
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Sciences
What are your post-graduation plans? After graduation, I plan to begin my career in the IT and data field, ideally in a role such as a software developer or data analyst. I am also interested in gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions where I can apply my technical and problem-solving skills. In the long term, I aim to continue learning and growing in areas like data science and software development and potentially pursue advanced certifications or graduate studies.
How has your time at HU helped you get to where you are now? My time at Harrisburg University was truly a unique and rewarding experience that both challenged me academically and supported my personal and professional growth. Throughout my studies, I strengthened my critical thinking, research, and design skills through numerous projects and hands-on experiences, which helped me to build confidence in my abilities.
I also had the opportunity to engage in applied research that allowed me to address real-world problems and present my research in professional settings. These experiences have prepared me for the next steps I take after graduation.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize? I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my professors, advisors, and mentors at HU for their continued guidance and encouragement. I would also like to thank my family, friends, and peers for their continuous support throughout my academic journey.
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ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, nursing, cybersecurity, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link learning and research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Communications Manager for Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100×1724.
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