Approximately 2,206 students will graduate with 2,366 degrees and certificates on Thursday, May 23, at the 57th Commencement of Anne Arundel Community College.*
College officials expect about 650 graduates to participate in three ceremonies at the Event Center at Live! Casino & Hotel, at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The college’s three valedictorians will address the graduates and guests. The valedictorians, presidential scholars and student marshals are selected through interviews with students who earned a 4.0 GPA and accumulated at least 50 credits at AACC. Not every qualified student chose to compete for these honors.
Mark Davis of Annapolis earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Architecture and Interior Design and is continuing his education at University of Maryland where he plans to enter the architecture program. He will speak at the 2 p.m. ceremony.
Ember Hannesson of Severna Park earned an Associate of Arts Teaching degree in Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education and is continuing her education at Towson University where she plans to enter the elementary education program. She will speak at the 7 p.m. ceremony.
Esther Kuhnert of Bowie earned an Associate of Arts degree in Arts and Sciences Transfer – Communications and Associate of Arts degree in Arts and Sciences Transfer – Liberal Arts and is continuing her education at Union University where she plans to enter the English program. She will speak at the 9 a.m. ceremony.
The presidential scholar recipients are graduates who completed an associate degree program within two years. Honorees this year are: Lars Kemp Bacwaden of Severn, with an Associate of Science degree in Nursing Transfer; Nicholas Hlavaty of Annapolis, with an Associate of Arts degree in Transfer Studies; and Heather Verdin of Severn, with an Associate of Arts degree in Transfer Studies.
Leading the graduates are nine student marshals:
In addition to these students, AACC recognized 652 students who are graduating with honors:
The faculty processional is led by the faculty grand marshal, chosen from among longtime faculty members who are retiring. This year’s faculty grand marshals are Richard A. Malmgren Jr. at the 9 a.m. event, Verna Robinson at 2 p.m. and Kenneth L. Wolf at 7 p.m.
Faculty marshals follow. At 9 a.m. they are Candice Hill, Ph.D., and Kentina Smith, Ph.D.; at 2 p.m. Laura Dozier and Joselle Gatrell; and at 7 p.m. Carlene Cassidy; Sarah Meinsler; Karen K. Phelan, Ed.D., and Shawn Wilson.
*The numbers of graduates, degrees and certificates are unofficial and usually change after all grades and appeals have been finalized.