Cecil College Class of 2020
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CECIL COLLEGE Virtual Graduation Celebration MAY 17, 2020 CLASS OF 2020 Own Your Future Prelude Kris Campbell, voice and guitar Ethan Scott, percussion Seth Tillman, voice and guitar Processional (Faculty and Staff Congratulations Video) Pomp & Circumstance The Star Spangled Banner Joel Alarcon, violin, Ben Banas, trumpet, Jennifer N. Campbell, piano J. Andrew Dickenson, guitar, June Dickenson-Suh, voice, Kevin Freer, cello Jonathan Luther, tuba, Megan Malone, bassoon, Hannah Rash, voice Brianna Sypolt, voice, Seth Tillman, voice, Makenzie Wiegand, voice Opening Remarks Dr. Mary Way Bolt Greetings Mr. Mark Mortenson, Board of Trustees Welcome Speaker Samaah Wahid Commencement Speakers - “Student Reflections” Lauren Nicole Guzman McKale Darin Williams Presentation of Awards Dr. Anne Edlin Musical Selection "We Will Soar” by J. Andrew Dickenson Joel Alarcon, violin, Eric Bostic, guitar, J. Andrew Dickenson, guitar, June Dickenson-Suh, voice and piano, Kevin Freer, cello Jonathan Luther, bass, Ethan Scott, drums, Joe Sharpe, voice, Makenzie Wiegand, voice Presentation of Candidates Dr. Christy Dryer Conferring of Degrees and Certificates Dr. Mary Way Bolt Closing Remarks Dr. Mary Way Bolt Recessional (Family and Friends Congratulations Video) Triumphal March Message from the President I am honored that you made Cecil College your higher education home and the place in which you dedicated yourself to become a successful student. During your time at Cecil College, you formed lasting relationships with a diverse and dedicated group of individuals who share your interest in learning. I am certain that included in those relationships are the College’s exceptional team of faculty, staff, and administrators who supported you throughout your educational journey and stood ready to continue their mentorship. In addition to recognizing your individual determination, I want to acknowledge the family members and friends who provided your encouragement and support along the way. Today we applaud your successes and congratulate you on achieving your goals. As a member of the Cecil College community, you will continue to have access to valuable tools and resources to create opportunities and achieve success through networking, career services, and educational programs. Our alumni make up an elite group who share not only a common past but a connection that extends far into the future. I am certain that the future is bright for each of you, and I urge you to keep your goals at the forefront of everything you do. Congratulations. I am proud of your accomplishments, and I am confident that you own your future! Dr. Mary Way Bolt Welcome Speaker Samaah Nawal Wahid Samaah Wahid will graduate with associate degrees in Elementary/Special Education and Early Childhood Education. She plans on continuing her education at Towson University on their North Eastern Campus with dreams of returning to Cecil County to teach in an elementary school in the community while earning a master’s degree. Samaah was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and moved around several times until her family settled down in Elkton in 2003, living most of her life, almost 17 years, in Cecil County. Samaah enjoys reading, baking, and teaching. She has volunteered at local elementary schools since she attended middle school and continues to do so. Samaah chose Cecil College because of the close location, small class sizes, and the high value of education for the small price. She felt that Cecil College was the right choice for her in giving her the confidence to continue her chosen career path due to the support from her classmates and professors. Student Speakers “Student Reflections” Lauren Nicole Guzman A proud New Jerseyan turned Marylander, Lauren Guzman started at Cecil College with just the intention of completing Aerospace Engineering. From participating in several STEM Nights to being a student speaker for Cecil’s Scholarship Breakfast, Lauren finds gratification as a Cecil Math Lab tutor. Now, with this new level of self-assurance, Lauren is also graduating with the following degrees: Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, General Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics. “I enjoy taking a moment to reflect on my accomplishments, as a member of the community and as myself. I look back and see an overwhelming difference in initiative, aspiration, and confidence,” said Lauren contently, “each time, appreciating my invaluable journey through Cecil College.” McKale Darin Williams McKale Williams is a Communications/Broadcasting major who plans to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in the field. A native of Torrance, Calif., and raised in Aurora, Colo., McKale resides in Middletown, Del., with his family. During his time at Cecil College, McKale worked with the admissions office and the marketing department to promote the institution while maintaining a 4.0 GPA in his freshman year. On top of his studies, he was a member of the men’s basketball team that placed third in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament. McKale plans to continue playing basketball at a four-year university. “Most people would say the study hall room was my second home. When I wasn’t busy with classes, basketball and the other activities I was involved, you would find me in the study hall.” Donald M. Thomey Outstanding Student Award The Donald M. Thomey Outstanding Student Award recognizes the student who is graduating with an Associate Degree, has the highest grade point average as of May, and has taken all of his/her course work at Cecil College. Quentin Tyler Fleetwood Quentin Fleetwood’s preconceived notions about higher education were challenged as he studied under and interacted with supportive faculty members in pursuit of an Associate of Arts in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. He would like to thank Dr. Jennifer Greenfield for her excellent leadership as head of the Education Department, and her wonderful support as a mentor in the field of education. Additionally, Quentin would also like to thank professors Chris Gaspare, Andrew Dickenson, Meredith Dillenger, and John Kelleher. Quentin has already begun his teaching career as a general music educator and substitute. During his time at Cecil College, Quentin was named to the President’s List for Academic Achievements every semester. He had the privilege of speaking at the Cecil College Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Breakfast in 2019. Quentin will pursue a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Wilmington University and plans to complete his master’s and potentially doctorate degrees along with a certificate in administration. Joel Hudson Joel Philip Hudson Jr. began his education at Cecil at the age of 15. The environment that the faculty provided proved instrumental in the continuation of his education. Joel found all of the professors in the Cecil Math, both encouraging and inspiring as he pursued of an Associate of Science in Mathematics. He appreciates everything that they have taught him over the past two years, and he is thankful for their dedication to teaching. Joel attributes much of his academic success to the excellent lessons provided by all of Cecil’s professors. Professor Nathanael Tagg provided him excellent writing advice, and Dr. Chris Castillo and Professor Brandie Biddy were mentors to him and answered many of his Math-related questions. Joel is a member of the Alpha Alpha Theta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, and he has achieved the President’s List for Academic Excellence every semester he attended Cecil College. He also is an avid chess player as well as a student of piano. Joel will pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics in the fall. He is unwavering in his Mathematical pursuits and plans to attain a Ph.D. in Mathematics eventually. Danielle Marie Mixon Danielle excels in her classes, produces high-quality work, and communicates mathematics clearly to others. Danielle serves as a tutor in the Math Lab, where she helps students with basic algebra through multivariable calculus. She has made a personal connection with all of her teachers beyond the classroom. She can (and does) walk into just about any math faculty office and strike up a conversation - sometimes even a discussion about mathematics. Her mathematical ability and her tenacity all distinguish her - both among her peers and among her seven siblings. Donald M. Thomey Outstanding Student Award Delana Kathryn Ringer The nursing faculty honors Delana for her outstanding academic achievement and her delivery of competent and compassionate nursing care during her enrollment in the nursing program. Delana is a member of Alpha Delta Nu, the honor society for associate degree nursing programs. She demonstrates many of the characteristics of a professional nurse: compassion, inquisitiveness, courage, perseverance, and application of innovative and thoughtful problem- solving to nursing. Andrew Terry Andrew will be pursuing his bachelor’s degree in accounting at Wilmington University this fall, with the ultimate goal of obtaining his professional CPA certification and licensing. Andrew’s professors and peers have witnessed his unwavering commitment to excellence. He has maintained his position on the President’s List each semester while also working in retail management throughout his college experience. When asked about his achievements, Andrew is quick to thank his parents for their guidance as well as his professors for providing an outstanding, challenging academic experience at Cecil College. Departmental Awards Department