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Among the 285 candidates for degrees and certificates at the College of Southern Maryland’s ninth winter commencement Jan. 17 were, from left, Debra Durant of La Plata with an associate in arts and sciences; John Dill of La Plata with associate degrees in arts and sciences, arts and humanities and art, and a certificate in general studies; and Loretta Desantis Preston of North Beach, with degrees in arts and sciences and in general studies.

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From a first graduation class of four in 1960, the College of Southern Maryland has celebrated more than 15,600 graduates in its 50-year history. “The College of Southern Maryland graduates represent the best of what this college is about. They are a diverse group—diverse in their backgrounds and in their educational goals, and diverse in where they are in their life span…I am inspired by you,” said CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried as he welcomed family and friends gathered to celebrate the 123 graduates who participated in the college’s first graduation ceremony of its 50^th anniversary year held Jan. 17 at the La Plata Campus.

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Three recipients of the St. Mary’s County Commissioners’ scholarships were among the graduates at the College of Southern Maryland’s ninth winter commencement Jan. 17. Created in 2005, the scholarships have benefited 65 St. Mary’s County students. Front from left are Angela Raley and Nicole Grabner-Greenfield who received associate degrees in nursing, and Tammy Bradburn who received an associate degree in arts and humanities. Rear from left are CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried, CSM Board Chair Jaime Raley, St. Mary’s County Commissioner President Francis “Jack” Russell and St. Mary’s County Commissioner Tom Mattingly.

St Mary's County Nursing Graduates

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Honored during the College of Southern Maryland’s ninth commencement were CSM Board of Trustees' Distinguished Service Award recipients Dianne McWilliams, center, and John McWilliams, right. The award was presented by CSM Board Chair Jaime Raley in recognition of community leaders who donate their time and resources in support of the college. The McWilliams were recognized for their family’s long-term commitment to the college. Mrs. McWilliams served on the college’s Board of Trustees in many capacities, including vice chair, from 1990 – 2000. Following her tenure, Mrs. McWilliams devoted herself to raising money for the St. Charles Children’s Learning Center which opened on the college’s La Plata Campus two years ago. Mr. McWilliams served on the college’s foundation board for nearly 10 years and helped plan many recognized college events such as the annual golf classic. The McWilliams with other family members established a family endowment, the McWilliams Nursing Education Endowment Fund, to help advance nursing and healthcare programs at the college.

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In recognition of the role that faculty play in the college’s continued success, the College of Southern Maryland’s first Faculty Excellence Award for part-time faculty was presented to Edith G. Carron, who teaches biological and physical science, during the College of Southern Maryland’s ninth winter commencement Jan. 17. Carron, who has taught part-time at CSM since 2003, was recognized for her commitment to provide students with a solid foundation in the sciences while encouraging them to explore the ever-evolving field of biology. Carron utilizes scientific reports and articles and develops mini-lectures and seminars on current biological issues relevant to student lives such as animal cloning, multi-drug resistant bacteria, West Nile Virus and Bird Flu to gain and maintain student interest.

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College of Southern Maryland winter commencement keynote speaker was St. Mary’s County Commissioner President Francis “Jack” Russell. “You will never forget the importance of this day and you should truly be proud of your achievement,” he said as he encouraged the graduates in the power of education, to believe in themselves, stay focused and create meaningful relationships.

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Harry Swank, 66, of Waldorf received his associate's degree in general studies: criminal justice during the College of Southern Maryland’s ninth winter commencement Jan. 17. Swank, who had previously worked in the fields of security and communication, including 20 years with the U.S. Coast Guard, said going to college was something he had always longed to do.

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Loren Santa Maria of Lexington Park was one of 79 residents of St. Mary’s County who received a degree or certificate during the ninth winter commencement of the College of Southern Maryland Jan. 17. He received his associate degree in emergency media services, with honors.

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Bimbola Okonkwo of Brentwood and Amy Overby of Great Mills await the announcement of their names by Vice President of Academic Affairs Timothy Keating during the College of Southern Maryland’s ninth commencement Jan. 17. Both received an associate degree in nursing, which represented the majority—19.9 percent—of all degrees presented.

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Yvonne Craig of La Plata was among 114 candidates for degrees and certificates from Charles County during the ninth winter commencement of the College of Southern Maryland. Craig received an associate in music with high honors.

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Michaela Kyselova, left, of St. Leonard accepts congratulations from CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried after receiving an associate of business administration with high honors and certificates in advanced and basic accounting. The degree was the third most-prevalent of the 277 degrees awarded, and the certificates were among the first and third most prevalent of the 85 certificates presented.