CSM Awards Exceptional Faculty, Alumni, and Supporters for Outstanding Service

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) presented awards of excellence to faculty, alumni, and supporters during the 67^th Commencement, recognizing their significant support to the college.

Each year, the college presents several awards: the Faculty Excellence Award, Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award, Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Trustees Distinguished Service Award.

Faculty Excellence Award

Digital Media Production (DMP) Professor Olaniyi Areke received the Faculty Excellence Award for his commitment to the program’s growth and student success. 

Areke has led the DMP program for ten years and has been instrumental in transforming the curriculum to promote career readiness. Under his leadership, several articulation agreements have been established with four-year institutions, as well as dual enrollment courses for regional high school students. The DMP program was ranked among the 2026 Best Colleges with Digital Communication and Media Degrees in Maryland by Niche, standing as the only community college to be recognized.

As he was presenting the award, Faculty Senate President Professor George Bedell said, “Under his stewardship, the program has grown significantly and has been recognized for its excellence. He is always dedicated to advocating for his program and his students.”

The Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award was presented to music instructor Dr. Mary Whitmore for her extensive musical knowledge and positive impact on her students.

In her three years at CSM, Dr. Whitmore assisted in revising the CSM music curriculum, which led to the creation of associate degrees in music and theater. She also serves as faculty advisor to the New Music at CSM student club, which has performed shows both on and off campus.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Dr. Whitmore has performed in the CSM pit orchestra for more than twenty years and continues to be an active member of the CSM Latin Ensemble and Solid Brass jazz band.

Music Professor Dr. Stephen Johnson recognized her expertise and the impact she has had on students’ musical education, noting that she sets an example both in the classroom and on stage.

“She has been a model for our students who perform with her both on and off campus,” Johnson said. “She is an excellent collaborator in CSM’s music program mission.”

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated success in their chosen field, a deep commitment to community, and continued connection to CSM. This year, that award was presented to Tiffany Barber ’00, executive director of Poiema Movement, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women rebuild their lives after addiction, domestic violence, homelessness, and incarceration.

Barber enrolled at CSM as a single mother of four children, uncertain about her place in higher education. After earning her nursing degree in 2000, Barber discovered a lifelong passion for serving others and inspiring positive change. She led a successful nursing career caring for patients across Southern Maryland before becoming executive director of Poiema Movement. Under her leadership, the nonprofit has expanded outreach and community support through El Roi House, which provides safe housing and support services for women and children as they work to rebuild their lives.

Barber continues to engage with CSM through the Nonprofit Institute, connecting with nonprofit leaders from across the region to learn and grow together.

CSM Foundation Board Chair Samantha Stratchko said Barber’s story is a testament to how connections, both to the community and resources, can change lives.

“She exemplifies the values we strive to instill in all of our students: leadership, service, and excellence,” Stratchko said. “Her story is a powerful example of the life-changing impact of a CSM education, and the extraordinary difference one alumna can make in the lives of others.”

Trustee Distinguished Service Award

The Trustee Distinguished Service Award is the CSM Board of Trustees’ highest honor recognizing extraordinary service to the college and those who made a lifelong impact on the CSM community. This year’s honorees are Lorraine Diana ’79 and Robert Guite, and Congressman Steny Hoyer.

Lorraine Diana ’79 and Robert Guite received this award for their philanthropic support and continued dedication to the CSM mission and its students. In 2025 Diana and Guite established the Lorraine Diana ’79 and Robert Guite Pathways to Possibility Fund with the largest donation in CSM history. Through this incredible gift, they will support students through nursing, engineering, and robotics programs, provide scholarship opportunities for students facing financial hardship, and invest in initiatives that promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Diana is a proud alumna of the CSM’s first nursing graduating class in 1979 and has dedicated her career to caring for patients across Southern Maryland. She serves on the board of the Maryland Academy of Advanced Practice Clinicians (MAAPC) and played a key role in building the organization’s lasting relationship with CSM. Through a $57,500 gift, MAAPC established the Future Nightingales Endowed Scholarship to support CSM nursing students and strengthen the regional healthcare workforce pipeline.

Board of Trustees Chair Sonja Cox presented this award and spoke about the tremendous impact it will have across Southern Maryland.

“Some legacies are built through accomplishments, others are built through service,” Cox said. “Robert and Lorraine have chosen to do both. Because of their generosity, students who may have once questioned whether college was possible are now finding not only access, but belonging, confidence, and a path forward.”

Congressman Hoyer was honored for his many years of dedicated support and advocacy on behalf of CSM.

Hoyer has been a champion for CSM for more than two decades, playing an instrumental role in securing over $1 million in direct federal funding to support college initiatives and establish programs addressing critical workforce shortages.

Hoyer helped to secure $550,000 for the Center for Health Sciences advanced instructional equipment, and $286,899 to support the Partnership for the Advancement of Construction and Transportation Training programs. In 2020, he also supported the college’s STEM and workforce development initiatives to strengthen career pathways and boost K-12 outreach.

Chair Cox presented the Trustee Distinguished Service Award, recognizing his unwavering dedication to education, innovation, and the opportunities for CSM students to succeed.

“He has always seen that funding is a means to open doors,” Cox said. “He sees more than the brick and mortar, he sees the people whose lives are forever changed within these walls. Mr. Hoyer is a steadfast believer in the mission of CSM, a place where everyone is empowered to succeed.”

Congressman Hoyer received an honorary degree from CSM in 2011 in recognition of his loyalty and support. Having served in public office since 1966, he will be retiring following the conclusion of the 119^th Congress in January.