Commencement 2026
May 21 and 22 at 10 a.m. on the Rockville Campus Athletic Field
Access the ASL-interpreted Commencement recordings here: May 21 new window or May 22 new window.
Ceremony Program and 2026 Graduates
View the fullscreen program new window.
Download a PDF version (PDF, 
) of the program.
Ceremonies are assigned by academic program
View the ceremony schedules assigned by academic program.
Majors within Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and all Applied Technologies and Gudelsky Institute for Technical Education (GITE) Programs.
Accounting (certificate)-167
American Sign Language (AA)-608
American Sign Language (certificate)-220
Applied Geography (AAS)-344
Architectural Technology (AAS)-302
Art (AA)-618
Arts & Sciences - International Studies (AA)-152
Arts & Sciences - Music (AA)-054
Audio Production (certificate)-208A
Automotive Electrical Systems Specialist-162
Automotive Technology (AAS)-307
Building Trades Technology (AAS)-308A/B/C
Building Trades Technology (certificate)-263
Business (AA)-006
Business Analytics (AA)-620
Business Analytics (certificate)-267
CAD for the Building Professional (certificate)-203
Cartography/GIS (certificate)-184
Communication Studies (AA)-609
Computer Gaming and Simulation (AAS)-360
Computer Gaming and Simulation (certificate)-232A
Criminal Justice (AAS)-314
Criminal Justice - Arts and Sciences (AA)-617
Database Systems (certificate)-238
Digital Animation (AAS)-358
Digital Animation (certificate)-175A
Digital Media and Web Technology (AA)-615
Electronic Photography (certificate)-193
Engine Performance Specialist-160A
Environmental Horticulture (AAS)-361
Environmental Horticulture (certificate)-262
Ethnic Social Studies (certificate)-241
Food and Beverage Management (certificate)-055
General Studies - SSAH (AA)-611C
General Studies - HACL (AA)-611A
General Studies - INTG (AA)-611D
Geographic Education (certificate)-183
Graphic Design - General Graphic Design (AAS)-304B
Graphic Design - Illustration (AAS)-305
Graphic Design (AFA)-902
Graphic Design with Digital Tools (certificate)-239
Hospitality Management (AAS)-347A/B
Hospitality Supervision and Leadership (certificate)-233
Information Technology (certificate)-213
Interior Design (AAS)-306A/C
Interior Design (AA)-102
Interior Design (certificate)-266
Interior Design (certificate) Advanced-224
Interior Design-Introductory (certificate)-226
Management of Construction (AAS)-303
Management of Construction (certificate)-142
Media Production (AA)-614
Media Production (certificate)-260
Meeting, Conference, and Event Planning (certificate)-237
Music (certificate)-204
Paralegal Studies (AAS)-341
Performing Arts (AA)-613
Photography (AAS)-342
Photography Master (certificate)-196
Portrait, Fashion, and Photojournalism (certificate)-172
Powertrain Specialist-161A
Professional and Technical Writing (certificate)-261
Studio Art (AFA)-910
Teacher Education - Elementary Education/Special Education (AAT)-601A
Teacher Education - Elementary Childhood Education/Special (AAT)-604
Teacher Education - Elementary Childhood Education (certificate)-177
Teacher Education - Early Childhood Education Technology (AAS)-315
Teacher Education - Secondary English (AAT)-607
Teacher Education - Secondary Mathematics (AAT)-605
Teacher Education - Secondary Physics (AAT)-603
Teacher Education - Secondary Spanish (AAT)-602
Teacher Education - Secondary Chemistry (AAT)-610
Undercar Specialist (certificate)-163A
Video Production (certificate)-209A
Web Development (certificate)-231B
Women’s and Gender Studies (certificate)-259
Day 2: Friday, May 22, 10 a.m.
Majors within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences.
Advanced Personal Trainer (certificate)-191B
Behavioral Health (AA)-616
Bioinformatics (AS)-612
Biotechnology (AAS)-334
Biotechnology (certificate)-219
Biomanufacturing (certificate)-246
Cell and Gene Therapy (certificate)-268
Cisco Certified Network Associate + Security (certificate)-253
Cloud Computing and Network Technology (AAS)-355
Cloud Computing and System Administrator (certificate)-257
Computer Programming (certificate)-108
Computer Science & Technology - Computer Science (AA)-107
Computer Science & Technology - Information Systems (AA)-109
Cybersecurity (AAS)-356A
Cybersecurity for IT Professionals (certificate)-265
Data Science (AS)-416
Data Science (certificate)-256
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (AAS)-335
Emergency Preparedness Management (AS)-414
Emergency Preparedness Management (certificate)-249
Engineering Science - Aerospace Engineering (AS)-408
Engineering Science - Bioengineering (AS)-411A
Engineering Science - Chemical Engineering (AS)-406
Engineering Science - Civil Engineering (AS)-407
Engineering Science - Computer Engineering (AS)-409
Engineering Science - Electrical Engineering (AS)-402
Engineering Science – Fire Protection Engineering (AS)-403
Engineering Science - General Engineering (AS)-410
Engineering Science - Mechanical Engineering (AS)-404
Fire and Emergency Services Management (AAS)-346A
Fire and Emergency Services Management (certificate)-240
General Studies - STEM-611B
Health Information Management (AAS)-349A
Homeland Security (certificate)-258
IT Professional+ (certificate)-254
Java Developer (certificate)-250
Medical Coding (certificate)-218A
Nursing (AS)-400
Physical Education (AA)-619
Physical Education - Community Health (AA)-186A
Physical Education - Exercise Science (AA)-157C
Physical Education - Public Health Sciences (AS)-415
Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS)-300
Practical Nursing (certificate)-575
Radiologic Technology (AAS)-340
Science - Biological Science (AS)-412F
Science - Chemistry/Biochemistry (AS)-412D
Science - Environmental Science/Policy (AS)-412E
Science - Mathematics (AS)-412B
Science - Physics (AS)-412C
Surgical Technology (AAS)- 352
Transfer Studies (certificate)-234
Commencement Speaker
Dr. Jermaine F. Williams became the 11th president of Montgomery College on February 28, 2022.
Dr. Williams’ work in higher education has focused his energies on improving access for students, as well as retention, graduation, and post-completion success. He has paid special attention to mitigating institutional societal and racial inequities, strategically creating programs and policies that support historically underrepresented and/or marginalized groups. He has years of experience designing, managing, and enhancing institutional and statewide programs and initiatives that have yielded positive student outcomes.
Dr. Williams has been widely lauded for his inclusive leadership style and for building teams that create strategic programing and policies to improve student outcomes. His professional approach to student success is deeply rooted in equity-minded systems and data-informed analysis. Dr. Williams’ view of higher education as a public good informs his personal passion about enhancing access, completion, and post-completion success, goals that are shared across Montgomery College.
Having taught at two-year and four-year institutions himself for more than eight years, Dr. Williams has experienced higher education from the vantage point of faculty. Currently, he is a faculty member in Northeastern University’s Graduate School of Education. Before his appointment at Montgomery College, Dr. Williams served as president of Nassau Community College in New York. He has also served as vice president of student affairs at North Shore Community College in Massachusetts, and as the assistant vice president for access, transition, and success at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), a Hispanic Serving Institution in Chicago. Dr. Williams also held the role of assistant dean of academic development at NEIU. Prior to NEIU, Dr. Williams worked at the Community College of Philadelphia, a predominantly Black institution, leading several of their Achieving the Dream strategies as director of student success initiatives. He also held roles at Temple University in Philadelphia and St. John’s University in Queens, New York.
Dr. Williams received his artium baccalaureus in anthropology and sociology from Lafayette College, a master of arts in sociology from St. John’s University, a master of education in educational administration with a higher education specialization and a doctorate of education in educational administration with a higher education specialization from Temple University. He also holds certificates from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education for completion of the Seminar for New Presidents and Management Development Program. Dr. Williams was selected for the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s Rising Presidents Fellowship and New Presidents Fellowship for 2018–2019 and 2022, respectively. Advocating at the local and national level, he is a member of the American Association of Community College’s (AACC) Student Success Commission and the Association of Community College Trustees’ (ACCT) Advisory Committee of Presidents. He has served as a member of nonprofit boards and worked closely with Workforce Investment Boards, dedicated to forging partnerships that will help advance equitable educational opportunities.
Board of Trustees Academic Excellence Awardees
Liberal Arts and Education
MS. DALIA VILLEDA DE GARCIA is graduating with an associate of arts in secondary education with a focus in Spanish. A bilingual educator, ministry leader, and community advocate, Dalia brings a lifetime of service to her degree.Originally from Guatemala, where she worked as an English teacher and assistant prosecutor, she has spent decades building bridges across language and culture in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. As Hispanic ministry director at Christian Life Center in Ijamsville, she leads a group of approximately 80 Hispanic congregants, provides simultaneous interpretation during services, and coordinates translation of all ministry materials.
She has also volunteered extensively in Montgomery County public schools and spent ten years providing English-Spanish interpretation for Equipment Connections for Children, ensuring Spanish-speaking families had equitable access to adaptive equipment.
Dalia’s academic journey reflects a profound, enduring commitment to education, service, and community empowerment.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Health Sciences
MS. ARSEMAWIT MULUGETA DEBASSU is graduating with an associate of science in chemical engineering and a flawless 4.0 GPA, earning Dean’s List honors every semester. She received the Excellence in Organic Chemistry Award and the Frank L. Verwiebe Excellence in Physics Award.A Phi Theta Kappa member and winner of Ethiopia’s National Chemistry Competition, Arsemawit brings both exceptional academic discipline and a deep commitment to service.
Fluent in English and Amharic, she volunteers as a chemistry tutor for high school students in Hyattsville and continues to lead a fundraising initiative providing sanitary products to women in rural Ethiopia—an effort she founded to directly improve health, dignity, and school attendance for young women.
Arsemawit’s journey from Bahir Dar to Montgomery College reflects resilience, purpose, and an unwavering belief that education is a tool for transforming communities.
Business and Hospitality Management
MS. FRANCES VALLEJOS is graduating with an associate of arts in business and a perfect 4.0 GPA. A Dean’s List honoree, Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Beta Gamma member, and Raptor Tank finalist, Frances brings entrepreneurial vision and servant leadership to everything she pursues.Through the Southern Management Leadership Program, she has deepened her commitment to inclusive, empowering leadership, which she applies in her roles as a lead server at Kusshi Sushi and as a marketing intern at BlackRock Center for the Arts. Her ongoing entrepreneurial venture, Eternal Bloom, is an online marketplace supporting international artisans who create handmade, eco-friendly flowers.
Frances also leads the Student Activities Board’s Supplies Committee and volunteers with environmental and community service initiatives. A native speaker of both English and Tagalog, she exemplifies Montgomery College’s tradition of academic excellence and community engagement.
Applied Technologies and the Gudelsky Institute for Technical Education
MS. LAUREN LAMKEN is graduating with an associate of applied science in automotive technology, earning a place on the Dean’s List across multiple semesters.A Holley EFI Certified technician, Lauren has spent four years at Bruno’s Classic Muscle performing full vehicle restorations, custom wiring harnesses, engine replacements, and modern electronic fuel injection retrofits on classic cars. Her passion for the trade extends well beyond the shop—she founded Montgomery College’s Automotive Club, and serves as club president, creating an inclusive space where students of all majors connect over a shared love of cars.
Lauren is equally committed to community empowerment, teaching peers and community members how to perform their own vehicle maintenance and repairs. Inspired by her grandfather’s belief that education outlasts any material possession, she carries that philosophy into everything she does.
Apprenticeship
MR. TANNER BERHALTER is a skilled trades professional based in Northern Virginia with over a decade of hands-on experience in construction, equipment maintenance, and industrial operations.He is currently completing his steamfitter apprenticeship with The Bowers Group, a mechanical contractor based in the Washington, D.C. metro area. He has honed expertise in welding, pipe fitting, and precision fabrication across multiple certifications, including stick welding, TIG welding in carbon steel, and TIG welding in stainless steel.
Throughout his career, Tanner has demonstrated a strong commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork in roles spanning roofing supervision, trench safety, utility labor, and equipment rental operations. Known for his reliability and leadership, he has successfully managed teams and collaborated with branch management to deliver results on time and within standards.
As he transitions into journeyman status, Tanner brings a well-rounded, field-tested foundation ready for the next chapter of his trades career.
Liberal Arts and Education Outstanding Runner-Up
MS. KATELYN WASHINGTON is graduating with an Associate of Arts in communications. A Dean’s List honoree, Phi Theta Kappa member, and Renaissance Scholars participant, Katelyn pairs academic excellence with a remarkable record of service and creative leadership. She completed two levels of Montgomery College’s competitive Digital Storytelling Internship—producing original digital work, mentoring emerging interns, and partnering with faculty on curriculum design.Currently, she serves as a student researcher on a Princeton University-affiliated project, conducting interviews and receiving training in research ethics and methodology.
Her volunteer roots run deep: since 2015, she has served with Catherine’s Family and Youth Services, including as an assistant director and creative writing instructor at the organization’s summer camp, and has provided meals and essentials to families in need across the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., region.
Katelyn is a storyteller, mentor, and community builder in every sense.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Health Sciences Outstanding Runner-Up
MS. DANH HONG PHUC NGUYEN is graduating with an associate of arts in information systems and a perfect 4.0 GPA, earning Dean’s List honors every semester.An Honors Program scholar, Phi Theta Kappa member, and recipient of both the Renaissance Scholars and STEM Scholars scholarships, Danh has pursued a rigorous curriculum spanning programming, systems analysis, statistics, and applied calculus—complemented by honors coursework in philosophy, global humanities, and communication.
Originally from Hanoi, Vietnam, she serves as a peer tutor in C++ at the Ackerman Learning Center and as a student assistant in the Office of Student Life. Her research interests in artificial intelligence are informed by both technical expertise and ethical inquiry.
She embodies the belief that academic excellence is most meaningful when used to lift and empower the community around you.
Business and Hospitality Management Outstanding Runner-Up
MS. JESSICA BIRCH is graduating with an associate of arts in business, maintaining a remarkable 3.95 GPA while earning Dean’s List honors across multiple semesters.As a mother of three and an English-as-a-second-language learner, Jessica’s academic journey reflects extraordinary determination and faith. Beginning with foundational language courses in 2020, she steadily built her academic confidence through coursework in accounting, economics, sociology, cybersecurity, and business statistics.
Throughout her studies, Jessica has demonstrated consistent leadership—facilitating teamwork in group projects, contributing to positive classroom environments, and volunteering at her children’s school during field trips and educational activities. She credits motherhood itself as a source of her academic strength, with the organizational discipline and adaptability required at home directly fueling her success in the classroom.
Jessica aspires to use her business education to create meaningful opportunities for her family and community.
Apprenticeship Outstanding Runner-Up
MS. ANITA SMITH is completing her fifth-year apprenticeship with Steamfitters Union Local 602 this May. She has mastered pipefitting, steam systems, HVAC installation, refrigeration fundamentals, and system diagnostics.Upon graduation, she will make history as the oldest woman to complete any United Association apprenticeship and the first female to complete the service side of Local 602 in 15 years.
Anita’s journey is one of extraordinary reinvention—she served a decade in the U.S. Army, including two Gulf War tours, before spending 26 years in restaurant management as a general manager and regional training manager. When the COVID economy forced that restaurant’s closure, she embarked on a bold new chapter at age 51.
Now pursuing her Maryland Journeyman license, Anita actively mentors fellow apprentices and stands as a powerful symbol of what perseverance, courage, and lifelong learning can achieve at any age.
Other Ways to Watch and Follow
- YouTube Recordings: May 21 new window or May 22 new window
- YouTube American Sign Language (ASL) Recordings: May 21 new window or May 22 new window
- Social Media: Follow us on social media at #MCGrad2026
- Cable TV viewing on MCTV (in Montgomery County):
- Comcast Xfinity channel 998 (HD) or 10 (SD)
- Verizon Fios channel 10 (SD)
- RCN Astound channel 1059 (HD)
Social Media
Be sure to tag @montgomerycollege and use #MCGrad2026 in your posts!
Frequently Asked Questions
This year there will be two commencement ceremonies. Day one on Thursday, May 21 will focus on majors within Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and all GITE Programs. Day two on Friday, May 22 will focus on majors within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences.
Both will be under the commencement tent on the Rockville campus.
Graduates may claim three (3) guest tickets. One (1) additional ticket may become available in April. This additional ticket will be first come, first served until all available guest seats under the tent are reserved. Commencement tickets are required for all guests, including children, to sit under the commencement tent. Graduates will receive information on claiming their guest tickets in March.
Graduates may invite an unlimited number of guests to watch the ceremony livestream from three alternate viewing locations on the Rockville campus. Tickets are not needed to view from an alternate location.
Alternate viewing locations: Physical Education Center Small Gym (PE137), the Robert
E. Parilla Performing Arts Center (PAC), and the Theatre Arts Arena (TA). (map (PDF, ) )
Livestreaming is available for those who cannot attend in person. An American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation version is also provided.
- YouTube Livestream: May 21 new window or May 22 new window
- YouTube American Sign Language (ASL) Livestream: May 21 new window or May 22 new window
Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree.
Only students who have applied for graduation and have met the specific requirements
for their declared major in the fall of 2025 or the spring of 2026 may participate
in the commencement ceremony. The graduation application does not automatically register
you for participating in commencement. A separate registration process takes place
for qualified students who are interested in participating in the commencement ceremony.
If you have eligibility questions, please contact your campus coordinator:
Germantown: Adria Nichols, adria.Nichols@montgomerycollege.edu
Rockville: Sylvia Chen, sylvia.chen@montgomerycollege.edu
Takoma Park/Silver Spring: Marjorie Davis, marjorie.davis@montgomerycollege.edu
WDCE, Christina Segura and Andrea Daniels, christina.segura@montgomerycollege.edu and andrea.daniels@montgomerycollege.edu
To participate in the ceremony, you should be a summer or fall graduate or are qualified to graduate in spring that applied for graduation and received your eligibility confirmation. You will then be cleared to receive information to participate.
Open period for online graduation application: spring, October 2–February 15.
Fall of 2025 to spring of 2026 graduates will receive emails containing important information including deadlines, a link for in-person graduate participation, guest tickets, etc. in mid-March. Summer and fall graduates will be also be sent a letter via U.S. mail to the address on file to remind them to check their College email for important commencement updates.
The participation site will open on March 23, 2026. All eligible graduates will receive
an email with a link to indicate if they will be participating in person and to claim
your guest tickets. Graduates will have until April 26 to respond.
Virtual Graduate Rehearsal:
Tuesday, May 19, 11 a.m.
Watch via Zoom new window or YouTube new window
Commencement Guide (PDF, )
Regalia is required if you participate in person.
Graduates can purchase regalia (cap, gown, tassel), honor cords and rings from the Rockville campus bookstore or Herff Jones new window starting the end of March. They will also be available to purchase at the Grad Fairs on each campus.
Contact your campus coordinator for information about PTK stole distribution.
Germantown: Tom Chen, thomas.chen@montgomerycollege.edu
Rockville: Professor Sue Adler, sue.adler@montgomerycollege.edu
Takoma Park/Silver Spring: Dr. Kate Monzo, kathryn.monzo@montgomerycollege.edu
After certifications have been completed in the summer, you will receive correspondence regarding your diploma.
Diploma frames can be pre-ordered here new window, beginning at the end of March. You will also be able to place an order at one of the campus Grad Fairs in April.
Yes. Graduates will be able to purchase regalia, pick up their PTK stoles, meet with a Herff Jones representative to order rings, announcements, etc., order a diploma frame, meet with the Alumni office, and get a formal photo taken. There will also be other activities for graduates to participate in April and May. Check your College email frequently for graduate information.
- Germantown: Tuesday, April 14, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Takoma Park/Silver Spring: Wednesday, April 15, 11 a.m. –1 p.m.
- Rockville: Thursday, April 16, 1–4 p.m. Science Center Lobby **NEW LOCATION**
Interested in cap decorating during the Grad Fairs? Register here. new window
Complete and sign the Information Change Form (PDF, ) and submit to the College’s Office of Records and Registration for processing. For
more information visit Update Your Student Information.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Office of Special Events at events@montgomerycollege.edu. An events staff member will get back to you shortly.