508 Candidates, Ages 19-62, Earn Degrees and Certificates
The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) honored 508 candidates for 465 degrees and 255 certificates during its 21st Winter Commencement Jan. 16 at the La Plata Campus. The degrees and certificates spanned 64 programs of study.
Of the students earning recognition, 133 were from Calvert County, 166 were from Charles County and 165 were from St. Mary’s County. The majority of degrees, or nearly 31 percent, were in the field of arts and sciences, nursing and general studies. General study transfers, emergency medical services – paramedic, advanced accounting and cybersecurity were the primary certificates awarded.
The graduates ranged in age from 19 to 62. Of the associate degree candidates, more than 18 percent graduated with honors.
“Every student who is graduating today has had to overcome challenges to get to this point,” said CSM President Dr. Maureen Murphy who offered the first of several congratulatory remarks to the graduates. “Limited finances. Medical problems. Juggling family or work responsibilities. No goal is achieved without some struggle, some challenge to get beyond.
‘Be a Doer, not a Dreamer’
Next, Faculty Senate President Dr. Sarah Merranko urged the graduates to ‘ditch the dream and be a doer, not a dreamer.’
(Read Merranko’s entire speech.)
CSM is no longer a place you ‘go to,’ it is now a place you ‘come from’
Executive Director for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division – or NAWCAD – Leslie D. Taylor
As keynote speaker, Executive Director for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division – or NAWCAD – Leslie D. Taylor talked about the power of learning and gratitude and the grace and growth that comes with success and failure.
“I was hired by the Navy for my engineering, math and physics skills and quickly began to connect with my work and just as importantly my colleagues,” she shared. “I learned quickly that nearly all things are done on a team and ‘likeability’ matters. Be the colleague who everyone wants on his or her team. Be the employee every boss wants to tap on the shoulder to do more and more, because they simply know that you not only have the skills, but that you can work with others.”
Taylor recommended the graduates actively seek out multiple mentors.
“It does not have to be the same person for every stage of your career,” she advised, “but it should be someone who knows you and your workplace. Allow your mentor to take the gloves off. Ask them to truly advise you on how to improve on not only the things you do well, but the things they see in you that might be career inhibiting.”
Taylor also reminded the graduates that before reaching the highest summits of success, Steve Jobs, and the inventor of Post-It Notes were either fired or failed.
“J.K. Rowling, who as an unemployed, single parent, and – as she said – ‘as poor as it is possible to be in modern Britain without being homeless’ – didn’t give up after being rejected by almost every major publishing company in the world,” she added. “Can you imagine never having read about Harry Potter?
Taylor told the students that “CSM is no longer a place you ‘go to,’ it is now a place you ‘come from.’
‘We Believed We Could, and We Did’
College of Southern Maryland Student Speaker Shekera Grayson escorts the procession to the graduation ceremony.
CSM Student Speaker Shekera Grayson, of Lexington Park, earned her AAS in business management and will be transferring to University of Maryland Global Campus in February to pursue a bachelor’s degree in management studies. A lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, she is a single mother of four children, ages 9 to 15 years old, and frequently volunteers with her church and the local chapter of the NAACP.
She takes pride in the five years it took her to earn her associate’s degree as well as certificates in business management, and basic and advanced accounting; and letters of recognition in business management and financial office assistant – while balancing life’s demands. In fact, she said the best part about her journey at CSM – and most difficult – was juggling her academic goals and her job as Medstar Medical Group Practice Manager with her personal life.
“My desire to learn, and set a good example for my children, kept me going,” she shared. “It was hard, but it was worth it.”
Her four children were on hand Thursday to cheer her on as she addressed her graduating class as the student speaker.
During her time at CSM, Grayson was the recipient of the CSM Alumni Scholarship, the Jane Hale Sypher Scholarship and the Eleanor Loretta Alvey Scholarship – all of which, she said contributed to her success.
‘Never Give Up on Your Dreams’
In 2018, everything about Kara Gilbert’s personal life was changing. The Prince Frederick woman shared that her marriage had ended abruptly and she was feeling “hopeless and broken” when she was extended the invitation by her employer – Exelon – to attend the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce Women 2 Women Conference being held at CSM’s Prince Frederick Campus.
Gilbert said she was assigned to a table with women of many backgrounds and careers and amongst them was CSM Special Project Director Lydia Williams.
Williams and Gilbert began a friendship that day that guided Gilbert to her classes at CSM and to a “Completers Grant” to assist her with tuition. Gilbert tackled her classes with fervor to obtain two AA degrees – one in arts and sciences and one in general studies, as well as earn a certificate to transfer to a four-year institution.
Youngest Graduate
Graduate Neko Ennis with mentors he credits for success – his instructor CSM Math Division Chair Dr. Stephanie McCaslin to his left and CSM Senior Photographer Val Nyce, who established the Nyce Annual Scholarship which he received.
Being one of the youngest to participate in commencement was nothing new for CSM’s youngest graduate Neko Ennis, 19, of Brandywine. He also graduated one year early from Thomas Stone High School in 2018 and as his high school valedictorian.
He said when he first graduated from high school, CSM was not his first choice for higher education. But today, he can’t imagine having attended anywhere else.
Ennis said he was able to explore his interests “affordably and quickly obtain a powerful degree which I have utmost confidence in.” The 2019-2020 CSM La Plata Campus Student Association president said he suggests CSM to every high school graduate in the area.
He shared that he is particularly thankful for two people at CSM for helping him succeed.
He said he also credits CSM Math Division Chair Dr. Stephanie McCaslin for his success.
The business administration major said he plans a career in finance after finishing his bachelor’s degree online while concurrently chairing the finance and accounting committee for Adax LLC, a WOSB focused on inclusive government contracting. Ennis also works as a student assistant in CSM Financial Aid Department.
Graduates receiving nursing degrees pose during the 2020 Winter Commencement.
Nursing Recognition and Career Changer
Adrien Seaton, 60, of Waldorf, left her career in finance 20 years ago to raise her children and didn’t think beyond her tasks at-hand about returning to the labor force until her father died about six years ago.
So four years ago, Seaton enrolled in the CSM nursing program with the goal of adding an associate of nursing degree to her bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Colorado.
She graduated with high honors Thursday and earned CSM Health Sciences Division “Academic Achievement in Nursing” for maintaining the highest GPA in her nursing class.
“I was actually really excited to hear this news,” she said. “I worked really hard.”
She credits the caliber of CSM’s other nursing students for keeping her motivated.
Alexandra Esser, 22, of Huntingtown, joined Seaton in receiving accolades when she was awarded the CSM Health Sciences Division Achievement in Nursing Award.
Esser graduated from Huntingtown High School in 2015 after participating in the Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) Career and Technology Education Program for nursing. CCPS and CSM have several articulation agreements in place to jump start higher education for students interested in pursuing either an associate degree (A.S.) or an associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree. Esser also worked at CalvertHealth in the cardiac unit where she said she met a lot of people who graduated from CSM and talked highly of the program – so attending CSM was always her plan.
Esser, together with classmates Leinna Haines and Anna Waller, created the “Scrub Network Program” at CSM last year to provide nursing students peer counseling.
Esser, who is currently working at Calvert Hospice, plans to attend the University of Maryland to advance her nursing skills and pursue a career in pediatric oncology.
CSM Board of Trustee Lois DiNatale
Lois DiNatale Receives Distinguished Service Award
The CSM Board of Trustees honored fellow trustee Lois DiNatale with the Trustee Distinguished Service Award. The honor recognized DiNatale’s service of two full terms from 2009 to 2019 and her continuous service currently until the new appointment is announced by the governor’s office.
Appointed in 2009 by then-Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley to serve as a CSM trustee, DiNatale became a valued trustee representing Charles County within the tri-county regional board.
She remains active in the community and many organizations have benefitted from her service including in her roles as a past president of the Optimist Club of Hollywood, board member and chair of a local Southern States Cooperative Advisory Board, and as a member of the Masons.
DiNatale earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in education from The George Washington University.
Latasha Gatling Receives Faculty Excellence Award
History Instructor Latasha C. Gatling receives the Faculty Excellence Award Honoring Adjunct Faculty.
Latasha C. Gatling was selected to receive the 2019-2020 Faculty Excellence Award Honoring Adjunct Faculty. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to teaching, professional development, the CSM mission and the community at-large.
Gatling is an adjunct professor, teaching history in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education Division since 2006. Described as a dedicated and innovative instructor, she was recognized by her colleagues for her ability to use multiple methods to engage students and she developed the college’s first hybrid history class.
“LaTasha has been, in every way, an asset the history program, eager to support our students and faculty,” wrote CSM Humanities Coordinator Dr. Christine Arnold-Lourie in Gatling’s nomination. “She has been with CSM for over a decade, during which time she has taught all five of our history survey courses, in every platform. Her work, however, has gone beyond simply teaching classes. She is a dedicated and innovative teacher, using multiple methods to engage students; I have observed her classes and her students are clearly learning and enjoying the work. I cannot think of a better recipient of this award.”
According to Merranko, a woman who had previously been a student of Gatling reached out to Gatling via email last fall and wrote:
Within the community, Gatling serves on the board for the Historic McConchie One-Room School, and has been a contributor to the Teaching Professors Conference as well as to the Association of Faculties for Advancement of Community College Teaching (AFACCT) conference. Gatling received her bachelor’s degree from Bowie State University and her master’s degree from Morgan State University. In addition, she has completed CSM’s Faculty Adjunct Certification Program, gaining Level III certification.
To view photographs of CSM’s 21th Winter Commencement, visit https://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/20jangrad.
To view photographs of CSM’s Nurse Pinning and Recognition Ceremony, visit https://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/20jannurrec.
For the listing of graduates, click here.
About CSM
The College of Southern Maryland is a regionally accredited community college that provides programs and services with a special focus on local workforce development to maintain and grow a healthy economy and community. CSM serves more than 24,000 credit and continuing education students at its campuses located in Hughesville, La Plata, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick, as well as a Higher Education Center shared with University of Maryland Global College in Waldorf and a Center for Transportation Training in La Plata. For information about CSM, call 301-934-7765 or visit www.csmd.edu.
The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) honored 508 candidates for 465 degrees and 255 certificates during its 21st Winter Commencement Jan. 16 at the La Plata Campus. The degrees and certificates spanned 64 programs of study.
Of the students earning recognition, 133 were from Calvert County, 166 were from Charles County and 165 were from St. Mary’s County. The majority of degrees, or nearly 31 percent, were in the field of arts and sciences, nursing and general studies. General study transfers, emergency medical services – paramedic, advanced accounting and cybersecurity were the primary certificates awarded.
The graduates ranged in age from 19 to 62. Of the associate degree candidates, more than 18 percent graduated with honors.
“Every student who is graduating today has had to overcome challenges to get to this point,” said CSM President Dr. Maureen Murphy who offered the first of several congratulatory remarks to the graduates. “Limited finances. Medical problems. Juggling family or work responsibilities. No goal is achieved without some struggle, some challenge to get beyond.
‘Be a Doer, not a Dreamer’
Next, Faculty Senate President Dr. Sarah Merranko urged the graduates to ‘ditch the dream and be a doer, not a dreamer.’
(Read Merranko’s entire speech.)
CSM is no longer a place you ‘go to,’ it is now a place you ‘come from’
Executive Director for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division – or NAWCAD – Leslie D. Taylor
As keynote speaker, Executive Director for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division – or NAWCAD – Leslie D. Taylor talked about the power of learning and gratitude and the grace and growth that comes with success and failure.
“I was hired by the Navy for my engineering, math and physics skills and quickly began to connect with my work and just as importantly my colleagues,” she shared. “I learned quickly that nearly all things are done on a team and ‘likeability’ matters. Be the colleague who everyone wants on his or her team. Be the employee every boss wants to tap on the shoulder to do more and more, because they simply know that you not only have the skills, but that you can work with others.”
Taylor recommended the graduates actively seek out multiple mentors.
“It does not have to be the same person for every stage of your career,” she advised, “but it should be someone who knows you and your workplace. Allow your mentor to take the gloves off. Ask them to truly advise you on how to improve on not only the things you do well, but the things they see in you that might be career inhibiting.”
Taylor also reminded the graduates that before reaching the highest summits of success, Steve Jobs, and the inventor of Post-It Notes were either fired or failed.
“J.K. Rowling, who as an unemployed, single parent, and – as she said – ‘as poor as it is possible to be in modern Britain without being homeless’ – didn’t give up after being rejected by almost every major publishing company in the world,” she added. “Can you imagine never having read about Harry Potter?
Taylor told the students that “CSM is no longer a place you ‘go to,’ it is now a place you ‘come from.’
‘We Believed We Could, and We Did’
College of Southern Maryland Student Speaker Shekera Grayson escorts the procession to the graduation ceremony.
CSM Student Speaker Shekera Grayson, of Lexington Park, earned her AAS in business management and will be transferring to University of Maryland Global Campus in February to pursue a bachelor’s degree in management studies. A lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, she is a single mother of four children, ages 9 to 15 years old, and frequently volunteers with her church and the local chapter of the NAACP.
She takes pride in the five years it took her to earn her associate’s degree as well as certificates in business management, and basic and advanced accounting; and letters of recognition in business management and financial office assistant – while balancing life’s demands. In fact, she said the best part about her journey at CSM – and most difficult – was juggling her academic goals and her job as Medstar Medical Group Practice Manager with her personal life.
“My desire to learn, and set a good example for my children, kept me going,” she shared. “It was hard, but it was worth it.”
Her four children were on hand Thursday to cheer her on as she addressed her graduating class as the student speaker.
During her time at CSM, Grayson was the recipient of the CSM Alumni Scholarship, the Jane Hale Sypher Scholarship and the Eleanor Loretta Alvey Scholarship – all of which, she said contributed to her success.
‘Never Give Up on Your Dreams’
In 2018, everything about Kara Gilbert’s personal life was changing. The Prince Frederick woman shared that her marriage had ended abruptly and she was feeling “hopeless and broken” when she was extended the invitation by her employer – Exelon – to attend the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce Women 2 Women Conference being held at CSM’s Prince Frederick Campus.
Gilbert said she was assigned to a table with women of many backgrounds and careers and amongst them was CSM Special Project Director Lydia Williams.
Williams and Gilbert began a friendship that day that guided Gilbert to her classes at CSM and to a “Completers Grant” to assist her with tuition. Gilbert tackled her classes with fervor to obtain two AA degrees – one in arts and sciences and one in general studies, as well as earn a certificate to transfer to a four-year institution.
Youngest Graduate
Graduate Neko Ennis with mentors he credits for success – his instructor CSM Math Division Chair Dr. Stephanie McCaslin to his left and CSM Senior Photographer Val Nyce, who established the Nyce Annual Scholarship which he received.
Being one of the youngest to participate in commencement was nothing new for CSM’s youngest graduate Neko Ennis, 19, of Brandywine. He also graduated one year early from Thomas Stone High School in 2018 and as his high school valedictorian.
He said when he first graduated from high school, CSM was not his first choice for higher education. But today, he can’t imagine having attended anywhere else.
Ennis said he was able to explore his interests “affordably and quickly obtain a powerful degree which I have utmost confidence in.” The 2019-2020 CSM La Plata Campus Student Association president said he suggests CSM to every high school graduate in the area.
He shared that he is particularly thankful for two people at CSM for helping him succeed.
He said he also credits CSM Math Division Chair Dr. Stephanie McCaslin for his success.
The business administration major said he plans a career in finance after finishing his bachelor’s degree online while concurrently chairing the finance and accounting committee for Adax LLC, a WOSB focused on inclusive government contracting. Ennis also works as a student assistant in CSM Financial Aid Department.
Graduates receiving nursing degrees pose during the 2020 Winter Commencement.
Nursing Recognition and Career Changer
Adrien Seaton, 60, of Waldorf, left her career in finance 20 years ago to raise her children and didn’t think beyond her tasks at-hand about returning to the labor force until her father died about six years ago.
So four years ago, Seaton enrolled in the CSM nursing program with the goal of adding an associate of nursing degree to her bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Colorado.
She graduated with high honors Thursday and earned CSM Health Sciences Division “Academic Achievement in Nursing” for maintaining the highest GPA in her nursing class.
“I was actually really excited to hear this news,” she said. “I worked really hard.”
She credits the caliber of CSM’s other nursing students for keeping her motivated.
Alexandra Esser, 22, of Huntingtown, joined Seaton in receiving accolades when she was awarded the CSM Health Sciences Division Achievement in Nursing Award.
Esser graduated from Huntingtown High School in 2015 after participating in the Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) Career and Technology Education Program for nursing. CCPS and CSM have several articulation agreements in place to jump start higher education for students interested in pursuing either an associate degree (A.S.) or an associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree. Esser also worked at CalvertHealth in the cardiac unit where she said she met a lot of people who graduated from CSM and talked highly of the program – so attending CSM was always her plan.
Esser, together with classmates Leinna Haines and Anna Waller, created the “Scrub Network Program” at CSM last year to provide nursing students peer counseling.
Esser, who is currently working at Calvert Hospice, plans to attend the University of Maryland to advance her nursing skills and pursue a career in pediatric oncology.
CSM Board of Trustee Lois DiNatale
Lois DiNatale Receives Distinguished Service Award
The CSM Board of Trustees honored fellow trustee Lois DiNatale with the Trustee Distinguished Service Award. The honor recognized DiNatale’s service of two full terms from 2009 to 2019 and her continuous service currently until the new appointment is announced by the governor’s office.
Appointed in 2009 by then-Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley to serve as a CSM trustee, DiNatale became a valued trustee representing Charles County within the tri-county regional board.
She remains active in the community and many organizations have benefitted from her service including in her roles as a past president of the Optimist Club of Hollywood, board member and chair of a local Southern States Cooperative Advisory Board, and as a member of the Masons.
DiNatale earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in education from The George Washington University.
Latasha Gatling Receives Faculty Excellence Award
History Instructor Latasha C. Gatling receives the Faculty Excellence Award Honoring Adjunct Faculty.
Latasha C. Gatling was selected to receive the 2019-2020 Faculty Excellence Award Honoring Adjunct Faculty. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to teaching, professional development, the CSM mission and the community at-large.
Gatling is an adjunct professor, teaching history in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education Division since 2006. Described as a dedicated and innovative instructor, she was recognized by her colleagues for her ability to use multiple methods to engage students and she developed the college’s first hybrid history class.
“LaTasha has been, in every way, an asset the history program, eager to support our students and faculty,” wrote CSM Humanities Coordinator Dr. Christine Arnold-Lourie in Gatling’s nomination. “She has been with CSM for over a decade, during which time she has taught all five of our history survey courses, in every platform. Her work, however, has gone beyond simply teaching classes. She is a dedicated and innovative teacher, using multiple methods to engage students; I have observed her classes and her students are clearly learning and enjoying the work. I cannot think of a better recipient of this award.”
According to Merranko, a woman who had previously been a student of Gatling reached out to Gatling via email last fall and wrote:
Within the community, Gatling serves on the board for the Historic McConchie One-Room School, and has been a contributor to the Teaching Professors Conference as well as to the Association of Faculties for Advancement of Community College Teaching (AFACCT) conference. Gatling received her bachelor’s degree from Bowie State University and her master’s degree from Morgan State University. In addition, she has completed CSM’s Faculty Adjunct Certification Program, gaining Level III certification.
To view photographs of CSM’s 21th Winter Commencement, visit https://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/20jangrad.
To view photographs of CSM’s Nurse Pinning and Recognition Ceremony, visit https://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/20jannurrec.
For the listing of graduates, click here.
About CSM
The College of Southern Maryland is a regionally accredited community college that provides programs and services with a special focus on local workforce development to maintain and grow a healthy economy and community. CSM serves more than 24,000 credit and continuing education students at its campuses located in Hughesville, La Plata, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick, as well as a Higher Education Center shared with University of Maryland Global College in Waldorf and a Center for Transportation Training in La Plata. For information about CSM, call 301-934-7765 or visit www.csmd.edu.