An estimated 2,148 students graduated— receiving 2,409 degrees and certificates— on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the 54th Commencement of Anne Arundel Community College.
About 600 graduates participated in the Commencement ceremony under the tent on the athletic practice fields on the Arnold campus. In 2015, a record 2,338 graduates completed 3,006 degrees and certificates. Retired U.S. Army Col. Kenneth O. McCreedy, Ph.D., gave the Commencement address.
This year’s valedictorian is Randolph Wilson Hall of Annapolis. He earned an Associate of Science degree in Computer Science-Management Information Systems and is continuing his education at Capitol Technological University. Hall also spoke at the Commencement.
Al-Fahad M. Al-Qadhi of Glen Burnie was chosen the 2016 Presidential Scholar. He earned an Associate of Science degree in Mathematics and will continue to study Mathematics at the University of Maryland College Park. The recipient of this honor is a graduate who completed an associate degree program within two years.
Leading the graduates are 12 student marshals:
•Juanita Cordova of Crofton earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Homeland Security Management-Intelligence Analytics.
•Stephanie Kristin Fruehling of Annapolis earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Addiction Counseling and an Associate of Applied Science
degree in Human Services.
•Michele Frances Jankowski of Glen Burnie earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management.
•Andrew W. McFarland of Bowie earned an Associate of Arts degree in Fine Arts- Game Art.
•Tracy Meenan of Ocean Pines earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Architecture and Interior Design-Interior Design Option.
•Linda J. Peery of Severn earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity.
•Alexandra L. Ryan of Pasadena earned an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration Transfer.
•Lauren Elizabeth Silva of Odenton earned an Associate of Science degree in Nursing Transfer.
•Nina Vivian Uchida of Severna Park earned an Associate of Science degree in Engineering Transfer.
•Ann Marie K. Weideman of Crofton earned an Associate of Science degree in Mathematics.
•Elizabeth Marie Wilkerson of Odenton earned an Associate of Science
degree in Business Administration Transfer.
•Randi Janine Willey of Millersville earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant.
The valedictorian, presidential scholar and student marshals are selected through interviews with students who earned a 4.0 GPA and took at least 50 credits at AACC. Not every qualified student chose to compete for these honors. In addition to the students’ mentioned, AACC recognized 628 students who graduated with honors.