Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology

The Elaine and John Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology

Educating ethical, human-centered leaders in emerging technology spaces.

Through the Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology—which was made possible through a generous gift from the estate of alumna Elaine Oberkotter Harmon ’59 and her husband John—students are afforded an array of opportunities to advance their understanding of how technology is used in their field. This real-world experience, combined with the subject matter expertise gained in the classroom, ensures students graduate prepared to be technically competent leaders in their profession.

What sets us apart?

Hands-on experiences through internships, corporate site visits, and expert speaker events
A human-centered approach to technology, ensuring graduates lead with ethics and innovation
Support for women in technology while fostering an inclusive community for all

Supporting the Advancement of Women in Technology
The Harmon Center’s work is built upon Cedar Crest’s legacy as an undergraduate women’s college. While the Center, and academic programs it oversees, support students of all gender identities, our work is grounded in the belief that empowering women to be leaders in technology benefits everyone.

Preparing Leaders in Technology in All Fields

No matter what career path you choose, technology skills are essential. In addition to the technology-specific programs the Center oversees, The Harmon Center ensures technical competency persists through all academic programs—ensuring every Cedar Crest student graduates with the technical knowledge and experience needed to be a leader in their industry.

Learn about Harmon Center Academic Programs

Computer Science

With optional Artificial Intelligence concentration

Traditional Undergraduate

Adult Undergraduate

Cybersecurity

Traditional Undergraduate

Adult Undergraduate

Data Science

With optional Artificial Intelligence concentration

Traditional Undergraduate

Adult Undergraduate

The Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology values:

Connects technical expertise with emerging opportunities to form community-driven solutions and cultivate digital equity.
Through industry partnerships, hands-on innovation, and critical and creative thinking in the liberal arts and sciences, the Center provides students with the technical acumen and professional knowledge needed to excel.
Delivers programs that drive equitable change and bridge gaps to advancement through mentorship and collaboration.

Join Us and Explore What’s Next

The Harmon Center brings the Lehigh Valley community together through events and programs focused on technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Advisory Council

Robin Allen

Senior Director: Vertex Inc.

Learn More About Robin

Gloria Bell

Board President: Philly Startup Leaders

Learn More About Gloria

Rhoan Boucher

Chief Customer Officer: Aurora Flight Sciences

Learn More About Rhoan

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Director of Customer Success: ET&T

Learn More About Merjan

Lia Castner

Data Science Major: 51��

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Cheryl Fisher, SHRM

Chief Human Resources Officer: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation

Learn More About Cheryl

Jennifer Grell, MS, RN

Chief Nursing Informatics Officer: St. Luke’s University Health Network

Learn More About Jennifer

Floria Lamarre

Director of Cyber Defense: The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC)

Learn More About Floria

Terence (Terry) O’Neil

Chief Information Officer: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network (GSRN)

Learn More About Terry

Bill Pittenger, MBA

Managing Director of Technology Operations : FGS Global

Learn More About Bill

Yvonne Santiago

IT Senior Director of Business and Operations: St. Luke’s University Health Network

Learn More About Yvonne

Harmon Center in the News

51�� Recognized for 16th Consecutive Year in U.S. News Best Colleges Rankings

For the 16th consecutive year, 51�� has been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2026-2027 rankings, earning recognition across several categories, including social mobility, regional universities, private colleges, and nursing. Published annually, the U.S.…

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

51�� 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…

Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: 51�� Hosts Tech & Talent Summit

On March 30, industry and academic leaders convened at 51��’s Tompkins Center for the College’s inaugural Tech & Talent Summit. Presented by ADVANCE at Cedar Crest and the Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology, the Lehigh Valley Tech & Talent: Building Tomorrow’s…

51��’s Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology Establishes Advisory Council to Drive Innovation & Inclusion

The Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology at 51�� has taken a bold step forward in preparing students to meet evolving workforce demands and closing the gender gap in technology with the launch of the Harmon Center Advisory…

Empowering Women, Leading Change: 51��’s Enduring Commitment

At Cedar Crest, Women’s History Month is more than just a celebration–it’s a reflection of our commitment to empowering women and preparing them to lead in every field. From groundbreaking advancements in technology education to fostering leadership in business and…

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