The Monday Minute with Dr. Williams | Montgomery College, Maryland

May 19, 2025

Congratulations to our graduates! This is a milestone moment—and one that reflects your vision, your tenacity, and your incredible talent. As you celebrate this week, take a moment to thank the people who helped make this possible: your families, your friends, and the dedicated MC faculty and staff who supported you every step of the way. They are forever part of your story. As you step into your next chapter, whether you’re transferring, stepping into a new career, or doing both—we are cheering you on. And as you move forward, consider how you can inspire others to follow in your footsteps. For those still on your journey here at MC, now’s the time to registernew window for summer and fall classes and keep the momentum going.

Top Transfer Scholarship Awarded to Two MC Students

Congratulations to Danae “Samantha” Flores-Tene and Rodin Ruiz, who have each received a prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarshipnew window—they are two of only 90 recipients nationwide. Samantha is a Macklin Business Institute scholar and serves as vice president of the Rockville chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She has contributed to the Advocate student newspaper and recently placed second in the Raptor Tank Business Pitch Competition. Rodin, whose journey from Honduras shaped his interest in the humanities, excelled in honors courses in the Renaissance Scholars Program, enhancing his passion for the humanities. Active in the Latinx theater community, Rodin had an original play produced at the 2024 Capital Fringe Festival. Samantha and Rodin can use their scholarships for tuition, books, and living expenses upon transfer. This transformative scholarship empowers exceptional community college students to earn their bachelor’s degrees with remarkable support.

Honoring Student Success and Academic Achievement

If you’re joining us for Friday’s commencementnew window, you can find all the details on our website. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! And to the 461 students receiving the Harry Harden Excellence Awardnew window—congratulations! Your accomplishments have been truly outstanding, and we look forward to honoring you and your hard work at this afternoon’s ceremony.

Celebrate Faculty and Staff Excellence

In addition to celebrating our graduates, this is a time of year for saluting faculty and staff. Their dedication, innovation, and passion for students is what makes the College what it is. We celebrate accomplishments and special awards at our Celebration of Excellencenew window on Wednesday in Globe Hall at the Germantown Campus. I look forward to seeing you there. It is also in virtual format for those who are unable to join us in person. I hope you also take advantage of the many Professional Week meetings and activities happening this week.

Have a wonderful week!

With Raptor Regards,
Dr. Jermaine F. Williams signature
Dr. Jermaine F. Williams
President
@DrWilliams_MCnew window

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