Diplomas and Diversity

Montgomery College celebrated the class of 2024 (3,073 graduates) at its 77th annual commencement exercises on Friday, May 17, at the Rockville Campus Athletic Field.

Montgomery College President Jermaine F. Williams addressed 1,100 graduates from all three campuses plus the Workforce Development and Continuing Education program who participated in the ceremony: “You have discovered your passion. You have unlocked your potential. You will transform lives. You will enrich the community. You will change the world.”

Jenifer Tatiana Navas Morales, student speaker and Montgomery College Board of Trustees Academic Achievement Award winner, emphasized the support she received at MC. Born in El Salvador, she came to the United States with her family at the age of four. A DACA recipient with limited funds, she entered the workforce after graduating from Magruder High School. 

This year’s graduates represented 120 countries, mirroring Montgomery County’s diverse population.

“It was not until I began taking early childhood education courses through the Workforce Development and Continuing Education Division at MC that I was introduced to the world of opportunities this institution has to offer,” she said.

Navas earned a degree in early child- hood education/special education. She graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and will transfer to Towson University’s early childhood education program at the Universities at Shady Grove. 

In addition to Navas, four graduates received the Board of Trustees Academic Excellence award: Charles David Thompson (environmental horticulture and sustainable agribusiness); Joanee Catalina Dias (criminal justice); Monica Selena Escalante Escobar (electrical engineering), and Robert Donald Walsh (apprenticeship program/automotive technician).

For highlights, visit montgomerycollege.edu/ events/commencement/index.html.

Snapshot: Class of 2024
This year’s graduates represented 120 countries, mirroring Montgomery County’s diverse population. 

Nontraditional students comprised approximately one-third of the graduating class (over 35 years of age); 68% are MCPS high school graduates.