Released: May 1, 2024
Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 at the William C. Witter Fitness Education Center
Santa Fe Community College will celebrate 70 students who successfully completed their High School Equivalency (HSE) in the Adult Education, Academic and Career Education (ACE) program at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 at the William C. Witter Fitness Education Center, 6401 Richards Avenue. SFCC Financial Aid Director Harrison “Harry” Rommel, Ph.D., who began his academic journey by earning a GED at SFCC, will provide the keynote address. The Student Speakers are Arysbet Pinera and Susana Talavera.
Harrison “Harry” Rommel, Ph.D., SFCC Financial Aid Director
Harrison “Harry” Rommel, Ph.D., Keynote Speaker
Harrison “Harry” Rommel, Ph.D., is the Financial Aid Director at Santa Fe Community College. Prior to joining SFCC, Dr. Rommel served as the Academic Finance Director at the New Mexico Higher Education Department where he oversaw the finances of New Mexico’s public institutions and financial aid programs, including the creation of the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.
Prior to entering public service, Dr. Rommel studied physical chemistry and contributed to the development of organic light emitting diode materials, also known as “OLEDs” in televisions and phone screens today. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, magna cum laude, from the University of New Mexico and a doctorate in Physical Chemistry from the University of Washington. In addition to his role as SFCC’s Financial Aid Director, he teaches Chemistry and studies accounting at Central New Mexico Community College with the goal of becoming a certified public accountant. But perhaps most importantly, Dr. Rommel began his academic career at SFCC more than 30 years ago when he earned his GED from the Adult Education Division in 1993. He is humbled and honored to return and serve the college that began his career.
Arysbet Pinera, Student Speaker
Arysbet Pinera, 21, represents the best of Adult Education. She participated in the Integrated Education Training (IET) program to simultaneously complete both her GED and Nursing Assistant Certificate. Arysbet plans to pursue an associate degree in Nursing at SFCC with the goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. She said, “having twins has been a rewarding yet challenging experience for me. The demands of caring for two toddlers can be overwhelming at times, but the Adult Education program has been a big help for me. The program offered me the help I needed, from access to childcare services to career opportunities, allowing me to focus on my personal growth and career development.”
Susana Talavera, Student Speaker
Susana Talavera Is a 56-year-old mother of five who was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. She came to the U.S. 32 years ago to seek a better life for her family. She had been out of school for 40 years when she came to SFCC. She demonstrated a great deal of persistence and in March she completed her GED in Spanish. She said, “It is never too late to start studying. If I can do it, you can do it.”
The SFCC Academic and Career Education (ACE) program helps students prepare for their High School Equivalency (HSE) credential as well as college and career upon completion of their HSE. Students prepare for the GED or HiSET exams to fulfill requirements for the HSE set by the state of New Mexico. The Integrated Education Training (IET) Program at SFCC provides students with career pathways for automotive maintenance and light repair, facilities maintenance technologies, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Phlebotomy. Students work toward attainment of an entry level credential while learning job-related skills, and strengthening their reading, writing, and math abilities.
Santa Fe Community College celebrates its 40th Anniversary as the pathway to success for individuals and the community. SFCC provides affordable, high-quality programs that serve the academic, cultural, and economic needs of the community. The college welcomes over 10,000 students per year in credit, noncredit, workforce training, personal enrichment, and adult programs.
A “Best for Vets” and a “Military Friendly” school.
Visit sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1000.
Follow us: Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
