By Diane VanDyke

MCCC Director of Strategic Communications

Gray skies and soggy weather could not dampen the excitement of the graduates and their families as they gathered under a large tent for Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) 51^stCommencement ceremony on Thursday evening, May 17.

The ceremony was a time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2018.

“All of us at Montgomery County Community College are committed to the success of our students – it is the core of our mission,” MCCC President Dr. Kevin Pollock said. “Standing at 1,435 graduates who will collectively earn 1,448 degrees and certificates, the Class of 2018 is proof of that commitment.”

The class, ranging in age from 17 to 77, includes 112 Police Academy graduates, 39 Culinary Arts Institute graduates, 35 military veterans and 34 international graduates. Thirteen students graduated from the Honors Program, 294 graduates are members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and 16 graduates are members of Mu Alpha Theta (Math) Honor Society.

MCCC Board of Trustees Chair Rich Montalbano congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue their journey.

“As you cross the stage tonight, remember your graduation is just the beginning,” Montalbano said. “As you embark on your next chapter, we hope you know that your education extends well beyond the classroom and your career.”

This year’s Student Commencement Speaker Olivia Slupski, a Liberal Studies major from Gilbertsville, Pa., spoke about grit – the courage, backbone, spirit and fortitude that enables students, including herself, to overcome challenges and persevere.

“While all of us learned so much during our time here from our professors and peers, grit isn’t something we learned. Rather it’s the people here who have helped us tap into our grit and have given us the support system that we needed to be successful on this journey,” she said.

Slupski plans to transfer to a four-year university in the fall to major in both Biology and Psychology, with the goals of attending medical school and then law school. During her time at MCCC, she was an active member of the Beta Tau Lambda chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, serving as president. She also was named a member of the 2017-18 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team, receiving a full-tuition scholarship to continue her education.

 In addition to celebrating its graduates, the College presented Theater Assistant Professor Timothy Gallagher with the Pearlstine Award for Teaching Excellence for his exceptional service. Math Senior Lecturer Stephen Bartorillo and Economics Senior Lecturer Joseph Waldo received the Part-Time Faculty Teaching Excellence Awards sponsored by Barnes & Noble in recognition of their work.

 About Montgomery County Community College 
For more than 50 years, Montgomery County Community College has grown with the community to meet the evolving educational needs of Montgomery County. The College’s comprehensive curriculum includes more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as customized workforce training and certifications. Students enjoy the flexibility of learning at the College’s thriving campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown, at the Culinary Arts Institute in Lansdale, and online through a robust Virtual Campus.  

As an Achieving the Dream Leader College, the institution is positioned at the vanguard of national efforts to increase completion, improve learning outcomes, and remove barriers to access for students. The College also is recognized regionally and nationally for its sustainability leadership, work with military veterans, community service and service learning opportunities, and use of classroom technology. For more information, visit http://www.mc3.edu.