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Cedar Crest College Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology

Allentown, PA (06/17/2026) — Cedar Crest College celebrated a milestone on Tuesday, June 16, with a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of renovations for the Elaine & John Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology.

The Center, located at 2859 College Drive in Allentown, will provide an innovative learning environment where Cedar Crest students can develop the technological and leadership skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. It will also serve as a regional hub for businesses and organizations seeking to strengthen their approaches to technology strategy and workforce development.

Attendees included Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, members of the College's Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, members of the Harmon Center Advisory Board, and members of the Harmon family.

Dr. Robert Wilson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, opened the ceremony before introducing Cedar Crest College President Elizabeth Meade.

"Today we celebrate the realization of a vision rooted in generosity, opportunity, and innovation-and the belief that Cedar Crest students deserve every possible pathway to leadership in a rapidly changing world," said President Meade.

The Harmon Center was made possible through a generous gift from the Estate of alumna Elaine Oberkotter Harmon '59 and her husband, John.

"The groundbreaking of the Harmon Center marks more than the start of a renovation project," said Dr. Beverly Magda, founding director of the Elaine & John Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology. "It represents opportunities for students to build the skills and confidence to lead in technology, for industry and education to collaborate on workforce needs, and for innovation to strengthen our regional economy."

As part of the initiative, Cedar Crest has expanded its academic offerings with undergraduate majors in Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Computer Science, along with Applied AI integration opportunities launched in Fall 2025. These programs are available to both traditional undergraduate students in the College for women and learners in the coeducational School of Adult and Graduate Education.

"The technology sector shapes our economy, healthcare systems, governments, and communications, yet women continue to be underrepresented in many of the careers defining our future," said President Meade. "The Harmon Center is a statement of purpose. It is our declaration that women belong at the forefront of technological innovation-in laboratories, data centers, cybersecurity operations, software development teams, boardrooms, startups, and every place where the future is being imagined and built."

"The students who will learn here will help shape the future of technology. Together, we are opening new doors and preparing the next generation of women leaders to lead with innovation, ethics, and purpose," concluded President Meade.

About Cedar Crest College

Cedar Crest College has been empowering women to smash glass ceilings and achieve their educational goals since 1867. Today, the College continues to open the doors to opportunities for its diverse student body, both in the undergraduate women's college and in the co-ed School of Adult and Graduate Education. Located in Allentown, Pa., Cedar Crest is ranked by U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 Best College Rankings as #16 in Social Mobility, is among the top 100 colleges and universities in the region, and is ranked by Newsweek among the top 28% of all colleges nationwide for benefiting women.

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A rendering of the Elaine & John Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology

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