Commencement 2013

Heavy rains and the threat of thunderstorms did not dampen the spirit of the graduates at Montgomery County Community College’s 46th Commencement ceremony held on May 23, 2013.

Held under a massive tent at the Central Campus in Blue Bell, students of the largest class in history—1,513 graduates total—ignored the soggy ground and humidity and instead focused on completing their goal of walking across the stage.

The class of 2013 included a diverse, talented group of students, ranging in age from 16 to 79 years, with 27 international students from 15 different countries and 22 veterans. Together, they earned a total of 1,535 associate’s degrees and certificates.

Student speaker Hilda Hynes, a communications major, reminded her fellow classmates that reaching this milestone was not something they accomplished alone. Rather, it was the collective support of the campus community of faculty, staff and administrators, as well as their families and friends, that ensured their success.

This year’s keynote speaker, Drexel University President John A. Fry, encouraged the students to think like an “entrepreneur,” in the broad sense of the word.

“You can cultivate entrepreneurship as a habit of mind and an approach to life,” he said. “Just as you’ve learned through practice to study effectively, to write well, and to think critically, you can learn a set of lifelong skills that will help you pursue innovation in everything you do.

Those skills include thinking creatively, taking calculated risks and always looking and acting ahead. The world desperately needs entrepreneurial skills in every activity, in every organization, in every challenge. So whatever you do next, approach it like an entrepreneur.”

During the ceremony, Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, presented the 2013 Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award, posthumously, to Dr. Ryan Johnson, Assistant Professor of History. His wife, Kate Johnson, accepted the award on his behalf.

President Dr. Karen A. Stout concluded the ceremony with these words of advice to students: “Each of you is a trailblazer. By investing in your education and persevering through challenges, you set an example for generations to come. The next steps on your journey will bring new beginnings and new opportunities. And you have already earned some of the greatest graduation gifts of all—ones that surpass the value of the degree itself—to assist you in life. These gifts include a thirst for learning, a vibrant spirit of inquiry, the courage to live your life with creativity and passion, and the thrill of knowing just how much is really possible.”

“On behalf of everyone at Montgomery County Community College, I wish each and every one of you a bright future filled with happiness and success as you set out to pioneer your trail. Congratulations to the Class of 2013!”