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

Data Science
With optional Artificial Intelligence concentration
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.
Robin Allen
Senior Director: Vertex Inc.
Gloria Bell
Board President at Philly Startup Leaders:
Rhoan Boucher
Chief Customer Officer: Aurora Flight Sciences
Lia Castner
Data Science Major: Cedar Crest College
Cheryl Fisher, SHRM
Chief Human Resources Officer: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation
Jennifer Grell, MS, RN
Chief Nursing Informatics Officer: St. Luke’s University Health Network
Floria Lamarre
Lead Associate Principal of Security Assurance : The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC)
Terence (Terry) O’Neil
Chief Information Officer: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network (GSRN)
Bill Pittenger, MBA
Managing Director of Technology Operations : FGS Global
Yvonne Santiago
IT Senior Director of Business and Operations: St. Luke’s University Health Network
Harmon Center in the News
Empowering Women, Leading Change: Cedar Crest College’s Enduring Commitment
Empowering Women, Leading Change: Cedar Crest College’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…
Read More
Beverly Magda, Ph.D., Appointed as Founding Director of Cedar Crest College’s Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology
Beverly Magda, Ph.D., Appointed as Founding Director of Cedar Crest College’s Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology
Cedar Crest College is excited to announce the appointment of Beverly Magda, Ph.D., as the Founding Director of the Elaine and John Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology and the Harmon Endowed Professor for Leadership in Technology, effective October 2024. …
Read More
Cedar Crest College Addresses Technological Advancement with Innovative Technology Center
Cedar Crest College Addresses Technological Advancement with Innovative Technology Center
In a time of rapid technological change, Cedar Crest College is poised to lead with the new Elaine and John Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology. Part of a bold vision to transform technology education, the Center will integrate technology…
Read More
Empowering Women, Leading Change: Cedar Crest College’s Enduring Commitment
Empowering Women, Leading Change: Cedar Crest College’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…
Read More
Beverly Magda, Ph.D., Appointed as Founding Director of Cedar Crest College’s Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology
Beverly Magda, Ph.D., Appointed as Founding Director of Cedar Crest College’s Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology
Cedar Crest College is excited to announce the appointment of Beverly Magda, Ph.D., as the Founding Director of the Elaine and John Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology and the Harmon Endowed Professor for Leadership in Technology, effective October 2024. …
Read More
Cedar Crest College Addresses Technological Advancement with Innovative Technology Center
Cedar Crest College Addresses Technological Advancement with Innovative Technology Center
In a time of rapid technological change, Cedar Crest College is poised to lead with the new Elaine and John Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology. Part of a bold vision to transform technology education, the Center will integrate technology…
Read More