Carroll Community College

On Wednesday, May 29, graduating students will participate in Carroll's 20th Commencement Ceremony at McDaniel College at 1 p.m.

In 2013, Carroll celebrates 20 years as an independent community college.

“We would not be where we are today without our wonderful students,” said college President Dr. Faye Pappalardo. “They have been instrumental in helping the college to become a distinguished center of learning in Carroll County. I sincerely congratulate the class of 2013 on their achievement.”

A recent survey of students who applied to graduate shows that 52 percent, who responded, plan to transfer as a full-time student. Towson University is the leading transfer university among those who indicated that they will study full-time. Fifty-two percent of survey respondents said they plan to be employed full-time and of these students, the expected place of employment for 55 percent is Carroll County.

Judy Coen, former dean, department chair and faculty member, is the ceremony's speaker. From 2007 to 2010 she served as Carroll's dean of the Division of Business, Mathematics and Sciences.

Her educational background includes a combined Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Ohio State University. Coen worked at Catonsville Community College before Carroll gained its independence, giving her a unique perspective into the history of the college. Currently, Coen is retired and resides in Kennebunk, Maine.

Student speaker, Anna Cook, majored in Business Administration at Carroll. She is also president of the Student Government Organization. Cook works part-time while juggling her college responsibilities. She plans to study culinary arts and hospitality after graduation, and would like to own her own bakery one day.

Carroll graduate John Jayman will receive the President’s Academic Excellence Award, a monetary scholarship presented by the president at Commencement.

The award recognizes a graduating student who has achieved a 4.0 G.P.A., earned at least 45 credits at Carroll, and demonstrated a commitment to outstanding extracurricular activities and community service.

“John is an outstanding example of a student who is dedicated to his studies and who also finds time for activities outside the classroom. John is generous with his time when he is giving back to others in the community,” said Dr. Pappalardo.

“I am honored to receive such a prestigious award,” said Jayman. “This award culminates all of my efforts inside and outside of the classroom setting. Carroll has provided me with a strong foundation to succeed in all of my future studies.”