Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award 2009

Walter Kevin Hughes ’80 – Dep. Legislative Officer, Office of the Governor

After earning his A.A. in General Education from the College, Walter Kevin Hughes went on to earn a B.A. in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland in 1982, a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1985, and a doctorate in law (with honors) from University of Maryland’s School of Law in 1994.  Along the way he gained the necessary knowledge and skills to become an outstanding public servant, using his public policy experience in both the State General Assembly and the Governor’s Office to facilitate outcomes to enhance community college resources and greater access for students.

As senior staff to the Maryland House of Delegates Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Hughes, worked with the bill’s lead sponsor, Delegate Henry B. Heller ’62, to introduce and pass House Bill No.586 - Altering the Senator John A. Cade Funding Formula for the computation of State aid to community colleges and the funding formula for Baltimore City Community College beginning fiscal year 2008.  Previously, he had managed a summer hearing on community college resource needs before the House Ways and Means Committee, which set the stage for the said legislation. His work with the Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC) had enabled him to provide valuable advice to college administrators on the legislative process.  In addition, he has also worked on other public policy and legislative initiatives to support programs for English as a Second Language students and community college scholarships.

He currently serves as Deputy Legislative Officer in the state of Maryland Office of the Governor, a position where, to the great benefit of Maryland’s community colleges, he keeps himself attuned to their needs and those of the students they serve.