LARGO, Md. (May 23, 2019) – Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) will confer 1,132 degrees and certificates for the 2018-2019 school year today at Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
This year marks the college’s 60th Commencement making it a special occasion not only for the students and their families but also a milestone for the college. Over the last 60 years, the college has established itself as a quality choice for affordable and convenient access to a higher education and rewarding careers.
The 2019 graduates’ stories are inspiring and rewarding, and exemplify the opportunities that are attainable when students choose to attend PGCC. Some students are first-generation college students who pursued their degree to make their families proud, others are seniors who committed many years to accomplishing their lifelong goal of graduating from college. Whatever their stories, they are all students whose hard work and dedication brought them to this point and created pathways to transfer to a four-year college and university, enter the workforce, and strengthen the community.
Leon Stevenson is graduating with his Associate Degree in Engineering. A high school drop-out, he pursued his GED and then enrolled at the college. His thirst for knowledge and problem-solving guided his pathway to degree completion at the college. Despite experiencing homelessness during his educational career at PGCC, he maintained a high GPA. In the fall, he will enroll at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he will continue his studies in engineering.
Belinda Anderson began her college career at PGCC in 2002. From then until now, she’s worked steadily towards her degree while serving as the matriarch of her family. In addition to working full-time while taking classes, she also cared for and raised four young children. Achieving her degree today is about making her family proud. Her parents instilled in her the importance of an education at an early age. Today, getting her Associate Degree in Criminal Justice is a momentous moment that she hopes will inspire her grandchildren to reach for the stars.
Destiny Barber is one of 20 students who received the Prince George’s County Scholarship and are graduating today. The Prince George’s County Scholarship gave these students the opportunity to earn a degree. Many would have struggled to afford college or would not have attended at all had the college and the county not partnered to start this scholarship program. In addition to offering financial assistance, Destiny said, “the scholarship has many amazing community service events that I participated in to add to my college resume.” The scholarship is about equipping students to succeed and preparing them to be leaders in their communities. Destiny plans to commit to serving and graduates today with an Associate Degree in General Studies.
Anne Loraine Santos enrolled at PGCC with little confidence and a determination to turn her life around. In high school, she never felt that she was good enough and often compared herself to her peers. She credits the college with changing her mindset and helping her evolve into the leader she has become. Also a Prince George’s County Promise Scholarship recipient, she worked hard to maintain the required GPA and accomplish her dream of working in animation and graphic design. She was once ready to forego college so that her parents could focus on sending her siblings to college, but today she will graduate with her associate degree and enroll at the University of Maryland, College Park, in the fall.
Darron Smallwood graduates today with an Associate Degree in Information Technology. He was on the Dean’s List for multiple semesters and obtained numerous federal government internships, including two at NASA. Darron is also a Prince George’s County Promise Scholarship recipient. In the fall, he will enroll at University of Maryland University College where he will continue his studies in Information Systems Management. He received the Maryland Completion Scholarship, which allows him to finish his bachelor’s degree for $12,000 or less.
There is no limit to what students can achieve at Prince George’s Community College. The class of 2019 leaned on and supported one another to ensure that their experience at PGCC would help raise the bar for future students. Today, they join a larger group of alumni who have moved on to become extraordinary in their careers and in their communities. For more PGCC graduate stories, view the college’s YouTube channel here.
About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 40,000 individuals annually, the college is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
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