Hundreds of Hawks Earn Degrees and Certificates at CSM’s 67th Commencement

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) celebrated the Class of 2026 during its 67^th Commencement as hundreds of graduates crossed the stage to embark on new academic and professional journeys.

Family and friends filled the CSM La Plata Campus to cheer on the graduates and celebrate their accomplishments. CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson opened the ceremonies applauding the graduates’ dedication and resilience, and the foundation they established for a bright future.

“You grew in strength and confidence, and you discovered that the power to overcome lies within you,” Wilson said. “That kind of strength and determination will take you farther than you can ever imagine.”

The Class of 2026 included 1,190 graduates who received a total of 1,514 degrees and certificates. The youngest member of the graduating class was 15, and the oldest graduate was 72.

“Each one of you represents determination, growth, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible,” Wilson said.

CSM Faculty Senate President George Bedell spoke to the graduates about the importance of lifelong learning and reflected on the many ways the students inspired their professors.

“We get so much back from you, and I would like to thank all of you for enriching our lives by helping your teachers keep learning,” Bedell said. “As you leave here, remember that lifelong learning isn’t just a bit of jargon. It is a way of living your life, but you must choose to embrace it.”

Markala Pharr earned her Associate of Arts in Psychology and was selected as the student speaker for the School of Liberal Arts. As the daughter of a military service member, Pharr spent much of her life moving to new cities. She began her journey at CSM as an Early College student, earning her high school diploma and certificate while finding a sense of community.

“For possibly the first time, I didn’t just move through a place, I became a part of it,” Pharr said.

Inspired by her grandmother, whom she remembers for her kindness and service to others, Pharr reenrolled at CSM to earn her psychology degree. She encouraged the graduates to follow their own paths, no matter what they look like, and to always step up to help others.

 “You never truly know the impact you have on someone, so always choose to show up,” Pharr said. “To my fellow graduates, I want you to remember that no two journeys look the same. Your journey is yours alone, and that is exactly what makes it so meaningful.”

Pharr is studying psychology at the University of Maryland Baltimore County with hopes of becoming a psychology researcher and professor.

Kaleb Bennett earned his Associate of Science in Engineering and spoke to the School of STEM and Professional Studies graduates.

After earning a bachelor's degree in animation in 2017, Bennett enrolled at CSM to pursue his dream of working in the aerospace industry. Though returning to school came with challenges, he said the experience pushed him to grow. He urged the graduates to embrace difficult moments, because those experiences are where transformation begins.

“You chose to keep learning, to get better day after day, and smile in the face of challenges,” Bennett said. “That is what got you here today. As we leave, I hope you carry that with you. The circumstances put before us in life are often out of our control, but our power lies in how we choose to react. I know that we will have to rely on the lessons learned here at CSM to guide us into the future toward our goals.”

Bennett will attend the University of Maryland in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering.

Loren Eiland shared a similar message of perseverance and growth to the School of Health Sciences. A Navy veteran, Eiland earned Associate of Science in Nursing. She spoke about the unexpected turns her life has taken, including discovering her dream of becoming an ER nurse while attending CSM. Eiland said that with each new turn, she built confidence and grew stronger.

A mother of two young children, Eiland is modeling the power of perseverance and showing her children that they can pursue their dreams no matter what. She encouraged the graduates to do the same.

 “As we take this first step together as the next generation of healthcare heroes, I want you to promise yourself that you will continue to grow and learn,” Eiland said. “Keep growing in your field, keep striving to provide the highest-quality care to your patients or clients. This degree is not the end of our learning; it is the beginning of new responsibility.”

Eiland is now working as an ER nurse and plans to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing.

Closing the ceremony, Wilson encouraged the graduates to carry the lessons they learned at CSM into the next stage of their lives.

“Congratulations Class of 2026,” Wilson said. “Move forth boldly, always act justly, and lead with humility and heart. We are so very proud of you and cannot wait to see what your bright futures will hold.”