The Monday Minute with Dr. Williams

February 16, 2026

This week, we celebrate the transformative impact of a Montgomery College education and the spirit of community service that defines us. From alumni achieving remarkable milestones to stories that inspire and connect us, these moments reflect what is possible when opportunity is paired with preparation and support. We also continue our commitment to serving our community through meaningful initiatives that make a difference in people’s lives. I am grateful for our students, alumni, faculty, and staff who demonstrate every day that MC is a place where potential becomes reality and where we lift one another up.

Alumnus Becomes Youngest Engineering Graduate At UMD
MC alumnus Alim Saidkhodjaev has become the youngest graduate of the University of Maryland’s Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering program at age 19. Alim began at Montgomery College through the dual enrollment program while attending Northwest High School and completed his associate’s degree in 2023. He transferred to UMD as a junior, excelling in hands-on projects, research, and advanced technical training. Today, he serves as a research engineer at Euclid Techlabs, contributing to projects with the U.S. Department of Energy and NASA. His journey highlights how Montgomery College accelerates academic momentum and launches students into exceptional career pathways and prepares students for high-demand careers.

Podcast’s New Season Celebrates Latinos In STEM
Our Video and Multimedia team has launched season two of Eleva Tu Futuro new window, an award‑winning Spanish‑language podcast highlighting individuals who elevate their lives through Montgomery College. This season features Latinos in STEM and opens with alumna and bioengineer Viviana Bentley. A Colombian immigrant who arrived with limited English, Viviana began her journey at the College, where faculty mentorship and hands‑on research led to internships at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Her story reflects the power of access, belonging, and academic support.

Winter Spirit Night Honors “Coach G” And Raptor Pride
Winter Spirit Night brought together students, employees, alumni, families, and supporters for an exciting basketball doubleheader and a heartfelt tribute to a coach who has inspired generations of Raptors. Women’s basketball head coach Tarlouh “Coach G” Gasque was honored for surpassing 300 career wins new window—a milestone that reflects her years of mentorship, discipline, and belief in her players’ potential on and off the court. Former student athletes returned to celebrate the coach who shaped them as competitors and leaders. Adding a special touch, mechanical engineering student Bryan Sanchez designed a custom trophy in the Fab Lab, highlighting the powerful connection between academic learning and athletic excellence. Winter Spirit Night reminded us that championships are built not only in wins, but in the lasting impact of coaches and students who lift one another higher.

With Raptor Regards,
Dr. Jermaine F. Williams signature

Dr. Jermaine F. Williams
President
Facebook | DrWilliamsMC
Instagram | @drwilliamsmc

February 16, 2026

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