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Adams County resident Thomas Rooney has received HACC’s highest alumni distinction – the HACC 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award. This award salutes the achievements of outstanding alumni who exemplify the HACC “spirit” with their personal lives, professional achievements and community service, and who serve as an inspiration to other alumni and current learners.
Rooney received his bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College in 1974, then studied phlebotomy and paramedic training at HACC in 1996. He was selected as Preceptor of the Year by the HACC paramedic class of 2002.
As a nontraditional learner, Rooney said he was “worried that I was too old to go back to school. However, I felt immediately welcome.” In his opinion, HACC’s impact on the community is that it “offers a sense of hope and purpose.”
Working as a paramedic, Rooney was well known by hospital colleagues and distinguished himself as a dedicated and professional provider. He retired as a senior paramedic from Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital.
In his retirement, Rooney became a respected local artist whose watercolors depict buildings and vignettes from Gettysburg’s historic downtown and Gettysburg College.
During the tourist season, Rooney can be found in bustling downtown Gettysburg painting local scenes and interacting with visitors. He also donates his art to important community fundraisers.
Rooney is widely respected in the Adams County healthcare and art communities.
Rooney has exhibited his art at HACC’s Gettysburg Campus and has donated a piece to its permanent collection.
Rooney was instrumental in working with fellow Adams County citizens to launch the Gettysburg Green Gathering, a public festival to inspire and foster environmental stewardship.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.