The Board of Trustees celebrates each student's incredible accomplishments on this important day. We also congratulate the families and friends who have supported our graduates in their studies along the way.
Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The power of education extends beyond developing the skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to community-building and reconciliation. We are steadily and surely introducing education that enables our children to make the most of their similarities and common goals, while appreciating the strength in their diversity. A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, you have something very special.
As graduates of the College of Southern Maryland, you are something very special. You are now empowered to be the change you would like to see in the world. Congratulations graduates!
- CSM Board of Trustees, Jay W. Webster, Chair; Shawn Coates, Vice Chair; Dr. Maureen Murphy, CSM President and Secretary/Treasurer; Kenneth W. Abell; Sonja M. Cox; Jose M. Gonzalez; Samuel C. Jones; Christy Lombardi; Cordelia S. Postell; and Dr. John W. Roache
Dear Graduates,
It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you on your graduation from the College of Southern Maryland!
Your graduation is a testament to your remarkable perseverance and marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. In a year that has been so challenging for students, each and every one of you made sacrifices in your pursuit of knowledge and higher learning. Reaching this important milestone will open doors as you pursue the dreams you have worked so hard to achieve.
On behalf of the State of Maryland, I extend my most sincere congratulations, and I wish you the very best in your future endeavors.
- Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Jr.
To the Class of 2021:
Congratulations on graduating from the College of Southern Maryland. You all have faced individual and collective challenges which may have increased and taken unexpected forms during the coronavirus pandemic.
Your accomplishments are a testament to your hard work, dedication, and resilience. The lessons you have learned in adversity, perseverance, and flexibility will serve you well as you continue your education, embark on new careers, and adventures that will help shape your future. Remember to embrace every challenge as an opportunity to live a richer life, and make your mark in the world. Allow this experience and your success motivate you to move forward with the next chapter of your lives. Take the time to savor and celebrate this accomplishment. I wish you the very best for the future, and go Hawks!
- Maryland Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford
Let me join in congratulating you on your achievement as you graduate from the College of Southern Maryland and enter a new chapter in your life. Despite the challenges of a global pandemic and all of the complications it posed, you persevered and completed your academic program. I am proud of you and hope you see this triumph as encouragement for your continued success to come.
Your parents, teachers, administrators, and fellow classmates join you in celebrating this great milestone. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Graduates, the future belong to you. Good luck in your journey. Wishing you all the best and with kindest regards, I am sincerely yours.
- U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer
Congratulations Class of 2021!
You should be proud of the accomplishments that you have worked so hard to achieve. In addition to gaining valuable skills and expanding your intellectual curiosity, you have grown as individuals and as members of the College of Southern Maryland community.
I can assure you that your parents, family members, friends, professors, instructors, coaches, counselors, and all those who have stood with you over the years are beaming with pride.
It would be an understatement to say that the last year has been difficult for our country. Through the hardship, we also have witnessed resilience, strength and kindness in the face of this public health and economic emergency.
My hope for every one of you is that our current crisis helps you better understand how we all are interconnected, and how what you do as an individual can have a tremendous, positive impact on the world around you.
Thank you, College of Southern Maryland Class of 2021! We need your leadership!
Go Hawks!
- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin
Congratulations to the great Class of 2021 on your graduation from the College of Southern Maryland! Today is a big achievement that’s made all the more impressive and inspiring by your perseverance throughout this pandemic. The past year has been filled with unexpected obstacles, but each of you has forged ahead and overcome. Maryland needs strong, determined leaders like you, and I’m excited to see all of the great things you’ll accomplish in the years ahead. I’m cheering you on, and I look forward to partnering with you to tackle the challenges in front of us as we work to lift our communities and build a stronger Maryland and a stronger country, together.
- U.S. Senator Chris VanHollen
Congratulations to the Class of Spring 2021 on your graduation from the College of Southern Maryland. It is an honor to recognize you for your hard work and this great achievement. I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors!
- Maryland State Senator John "Jack" Bailey
Congratulations to the Class of 2021! You all have shown incredible determination by completing your degree programs during such a difficult and uncertain time. The pursuit of education is one that many do not fulfill due to the challenges that they may face. You all endured, persevered and came out victorious in your mission to obtain your degrees and certifications. I have received many updates about the wonderful initiatives of CSM students, including the 2020 CSM Student Life team’s distribution of more than 8,000 pounds of food through Mobile Hawk Feeder events to those in need. These initiatives have supported the mission of our county and helped to rebuild the fabric of our society. I charge all of you to follow every future goal that you encounter with the same level of grit that you learned here at CSM. Congratulations and farewell as you go on to change the world.
- Maryland State Senator Arthur Ellis
Congratulations! As you move forward in this uncertain time, your education should give you the solid ground you need to gain your footing. Step lightly to not tread on others; but step firmly enough that others do not tread on you. I wish you success as your new journey begins.
- Maryland State Delegate Brian Crosby
I would like to send a special congratulations to the College of Southern Maryland Spring Class of 2021. Each of you have just completed a remarkable accomplishment. Graduating college during a pandemic shows that each of you have a resiliency and determination that will lead you to amazing places. You are our next generation of leaders and I cannot wait to see the amazing things that you do!
- Maryland State Delegate Debra Davis, Esq.
Congratulations on your incredible achievement! I want to recognize the incredible effort you have put forth in order to accomplish attaining your degrees. This is a very momentous occasion, and as such I hope that you take pride in this time in your lives. I wish you the best within all future endeavors you each set your minds and your hearts towards.
- Maryland State Delegate Rachel Jones
Sincerest congratulations to the 2021 graduates of the College of Southern Maryland. You are to be commended for this phenomenal achievement and completion of your stated goals during these challenging times. Your degree/certificate represent keen dedication, commitment to hard work, and incessant advancement to achieving your goals. Please continue to pursue excellence and best wishes for the future.
- Maryland State Delegate Edith Patterson
My sincere congratulations to the Spring Graduates of the College of Southern Maryland! You have diligently completed your degree/certificate and deserve the highest recognition. Your perseverance is honorable and your accomplishments are awe-inspiring. With your degrees/certificates, I encourage you to make a difference wherever you go. Be a positive influence to those around you. Stay focused and eager. Let this be a stepping stone to greater things. You have proven that whatever you put your mind to is achievable. Once again, congratulations and I look forward to seeing the impact you will have in your communities and in this world.
- Maryland State Delegate Susie Proctor
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners extends heartfelt congratulations to all graduates for this admirable achievement. We know you have been anticipating this day for years, and despite the challenges of COVID-19, you have successfully navigated these unique times and shown great perseverance.
Be proud not only for what you have accomplished, but for your commitment, effort and resolve. Those qualities will continue to help you through all the challenges that will come your way on your future endeavors.
We could not be more proud. May the future bring you further success.
- Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, Earl Hance, President; Steven R. Weems, Vice President; Mike Hart; Thomas "Tim" Hutchins; and Kelly D. McConkey
We wish you the best as you celebrate this educational milestone and move forward toward new life challenges, goals, and opportunities. Congratulations to the 2021 College of Southern Maryland graduates on your outstanding achievement! May all your dreams be fulfilled.
- Charles County Board of Commissioners, Reuben B. Collins, II, Esq., President; Bobby Rucci, Vice President; Gilbert Bowling, III; Thomasina Coates; and Amanda Stewart
Congratulations on this important milestone in your academic career. Your graduation is a celebration of the hard work you have invested in your future. One day, historians will look back at this time and note that during one of the most challenging moments in American history, you, the graduates of the Spring Class of 2021, were among an elite group of people who persevered and faced a pandemic head-on. Not only did you meet all that came your way, but you triumphed resoundingly.
As you go forward with your academics or go directly into the workforce, please take with you the knowledge that you have the grit, the character, and the education to do anything you choose.
Congratulations on a job well done!
- St. Mary's County Commissioners, James "Randy" Guy, President; Eric Colvin, Michael Hewitt, Todd Morgan, and John O'Connor
Congratulations Graduates! I am so proud of your accomplishments and even more proud that you are part of our community here! Never stop learning!
- Eric Colvin, County Commissioner, District 1, St. Mary's County
The Commissioners of Leonardtown acknowledge the hard work it takes for students to reach their educational goals working towards gaining knowledge and insight into a particular field of study or finding new avenues of enrichment.
We applaud all the graduates as you accomplish your graduation goal. Education is the key to putting your knowledge to the test as you apply all your newly learned expertise towards new goals, be it a new job, a promotion, a career change or enriching your life with a new talent.
The Mayor and Town Council of the Town of Leonardtown congratulate the Class of 2021
- Commissioners of the Town of Leonardtown, Dan Burris, Mayor; Tyler Alt, Nick Colvin, Christy Hollander, J. Maguire “Jay” Mattingly IV, and Mary Sladen
A huge congratulations to all the Spring 2021 graduates. Many of you are graduates of St. Mary's County Public Schools whom I have known since your kindergarten days. This is just the beginning of having your many professional, personal, social, and community dreams fulfilled. As Dr. Seuss said, "You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So .... get on your way!" Best wishes.
- St. Mary's Board of Education, Member Mary M. Washington
Congratulations on your achievements. Today marks the completion of a personal goal and the start of your next adventure, both accomplished during a pandemic. Engage in your future and use your education to improve yourself and those around you. As a graduate of the College of Southern Maryland, I hope you will measure your success by putting great value on your entire experience as a Hawk!
Today is a day to celebrate both the successes, as well as the trials and risks, that made you academically, emotionally, and mentally stronger. These lessons will serve you well as you enter into the next chapter of your life.
Being a college graduate is something that no one can ever take away from you because it was earned, not given. Enjoy your day and the many successes that will follow you in your future!
- Dr. James D. Fielder, Secretary, Maryland Higher Education Commission