Carroll Community College Holds 31st Commencement Ceremony

Mary Kay Nevius-Maurer, Chairperson, Board of Trustees of the College, Gives Commencement Address

Westminster, MD─ Carroll Community College (Carroll) announces the 31st Commencement ceremony to be held Wednesday, May 22, at 3:00 p.m. at McDaniel College Gill Center.  Carroll’s class of 2024 has a total of 515 graduates earning degrees and certificates. 

“I am looking forward to congratulating every one of our graduates this year,” said Dr. James D. Ball, President Carroll Community College. “I continue to be humbled by our students’ perseverance and commitment to their studies. I know that diligence will carry them far in their future endeavors and community service activities.”

Eleven graduates are the first in their family to have attended college. While graduation is never guaranteed for any student, first-generation students have a steeper hill to climb than others in achieving their learning goals. Being the first in their family to graduate creates an immense source of pride and achievement for first-generation students and their families.

“My experience at Carroll has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Sean Olsson, a “first-gen” graduate at Carroll. “I have taken advantage of everything the school offers, and I feel as though I am an educated, well-informed, and better person because of Carroll. My family is very proud of me, and my dad tells me every day how proud he is of my accomplishments,” he said.  

Nine students who are dually enrolled in high school and at Carroll Community College will be graduating on May 22, 2024, prior to their graduation from high school in June 2024. The

hugely popular dual enrollment program has allowed qualified Carroll County Public School students to accelerate their education goal achievement by simultaneously earning high school and college credits at no cost to the student or their family.  

For the first time during the ceremony, we will have the presentation of workforce training certificate completers walk across the stage. These students will receive certificates in Registered Behavior Technician, Class A Commercial Driver’s License, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Animal Control.

Short-term credentials provide an immediate pathway to success for students and employers, bridging the gap between education and employment while meeting the urgent needs of industries.

 “Today, as we witness the culmination of dedication and hard work, we celebrate not just achievements, but the promise of a brighter future forged through these invaluable workforce training certificates,” said Kelly Koermer, Vice President of Continuing Education and Training. 

This year, Mary Kay Nevius-Maurer, Chairperson of Carroll Community College’s Board of Trustees, will be the commencement keynote speaker. Nevius-Maurer has more than 40 years of experience in public school education. She is in her seventh year on the Board and completing a two-year term as chairperson.

“I am honored to speak to this impressive group of students,” said Nevius-Maurer. “Commencement is not just a ceremony; it is a celebration of achievement, a moment where dreams take flight, and a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our graduates.”

The faculty and staff at the College work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure student completion and success.  

“Each of my professors is well-qualified in their field of study and excels in their line of work.  Carroll is the best decision to make if you want an excellent education at an affordable price and you want to stay local,” said Olsson.

This year, Dr. Ball selected Gavin Dalton and Maria Cardona Gomez to receive the President’s Academic Excellence Scholarship Award. Additionally, Gavin Dalton received the honor of delivering the Student Response at the Commencement ceremony on behalf of fellow graduates.

“I am so honored to be selected to deliver the Student Response at graduation,” said Dalton.  “At Carroll, I built a community of friends and became more involved at Carroll which helped me to learn so much and contribute more to the community and the College,” he said.

-END-

##Carroll Community College’s mission is Empowering learners. Changing lives. Building community. Carroll Community College (Carroll) provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community we serve. Carroll offers academic and career preparation leading to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and for direct entry into professional opportunities. Carroll Community College is located at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Md., 21157. Visit us on our website at www.carrollcc.edu.