"Show the World What Extraordinary Looks Like”: Nearly 3,100 Students Celebrated During Montgomery College Commencement Ceremonies

Montgomery College honored the Class of 2026 during Commencement ceremonies May 21 and 22, celebrating graduates whose achievements reflect the College’s mission to transform lives, enrich the community, and change the world. More than 1,500 graduates participated in the two ceremonies, representing an estimated 3,098 students eligible to graduate this year, including approximately 400 dual enrollment students earning college credentials while still completing high school.

In remarks to graduates and their families, Montgomery College President Dr. Jermaine F. Williams described the class as “transformation in motion,” recognizing students for balancing academic pursuits with work, family responsibilities, military service, and community leadership. “Our community—and our world—needs you,” Williams said. “We need your talent, your perspective, and your determination.”

The Class of 2026 reflects the diversity and talent that define both Montgomery College and Montgomery County. Graduates represent 111 countries and range in age from 15 to 87 years old. Approximately 27% of graduates identify as Hispanic, 24% as Black/African American, 18% as White, and 15% as Asian, with many other racial, ethnic, and multicultural identities represented throughout the class.

Graduates are preparing to transfer to four-year institutions, enter the workforce, advance in their careers, and pursue opportunities in fields critical to the region’s future, including biotechnology, business, cybersecurity, education, health care, and skilled trades. Their success reflects Montgomery College’s role as an engine of economic mobility and workforce development for the community.

Throughout the ceremonies, Williams encouraged graduates to embrace adaptability, lead with belonging, and recognize the impact they can have in their communities and careers.

“Because the Class of 2026 reflects the very best of Montgomery College,” Williams said.

Board of Trustees Academic Excellence Award recipients and student speakers Dalia Villeda De Garcia and Arsemawit Debassu reflected the resilience, determination, and sense of belonging that defined the Class of 2026. Villeda De Garcia, a secondary education major originally from Guatemala, shared how returning to Montgomery College after years of balancing work, family, and caregiving responsibilities reminded her that “persistence is key to success.”

She also credited the College’s student-centered approach for helping her continue her educational journey, noting, “The flexible learning options made it possible to balance school, work, and family.”

Debassu, a chemical engineering major graduating with a 4.0 GPA, reflected on overcoming self-doubt and discovering community through the support of faculty, advisors, and classmates.

“I thought I had lost my community,” she told fellow graduates. “Only to realize… this is my community. These are my people.” She added, “Because of the people I found here—the way they showed up for me, without ever making me feel like I didn’t belong.”

This year’s Board of Trustees Academic Excellence Award recipients also included Tanner Berhalter, who completed a five-year steamfitter apprenticeship program and represents Montgomery College’s workforce and skilled trades pathways; Lauren Lamken, an automotive technology major recognized for academic excellence and leadership in the automotive trades; and Frances Vallejos, a business major and entrepreneur graduating with a 4.0 GPA whose work has focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

Closing the ceremonies, Williams reminded graduates of the lasting impact they can have through their education and leadership. “You are adaptable. You are resilient. You are leaders,” he said. “Go forward—and show the world what extraordinary looks like.”