With interruptions for work and family, it took April Waskey 30 years to earn an associate's degree from Howard Community College.
Waskey, 49, of Ellicott City said she continued to pursue her degree because she wanted to take her career in a new direction, but also as an example to her 13-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter.
"I wanted them to know Mom's doing it, they're going to have to do it, too," she said.
A shared commitment to higher education drove 701 graduates to complete their course work at Howard Community College this year. The college's 37th commencement ceremony, held Friday under a tent on the Columbia campus, was an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments.
"We respect and admire your dedication to your dream, to your success," said Patrick L. Huddie, chairman of the college board of trustees, told the graduates.
Later in the ceremony, Huddie presented the first Senator James Clark Jr. medal to the family of Leola M. Dorsey in recognition of her contributions to the college, the county and the state as a supporter of education, civil rights and other civic issues. Dorsey, who died in February, was a trustee of the college from 1973 to 1987 and an active supporter in the years that followed.
Huddie also presented honorary degrees to Patrick and Jill McCuen, a couple who started a scholarship endowment for low-income single parents and displaced homemakers, bequeathed the Burrill Galleria space on campus and recently donated $1.2 million to the college's educational foundation.
As keynote speaker, Gov. Martin O'Malley praised the graduates' passion and commitment. He spoke of their shared belief in the dignity of individuals, a responsibility to advance the common good and the idea "that what we do in our own lifetimes does matter."
He said: "The thing that got you here today is belief in the future."
In conclusion, O'Malley urged the graduates to write the history of an America that is stronger, more healing, compassionate, greener and cleaner, diverse, welcoming and globally engaged, saying, "As you write that history, you will save the world."
Amena Ali, who was selected as the student speaker for this year's commencement, said her experience at HCC encouraged her to think big. She earned a degree in English and she plans to pursue a career in human rights law and help women in other countries.
