The Monday Minute with Dr. Williams

May 18, 2026

This week, Montgomery College celebrates the achievements and people that make our community extraordinary. From honoring the Class of 2026 at Commencement to recognizing outstanding faculty and staff at the Celebration of Excellence, these moments reflect the dedication and support that help our students succeed. Thank you for being part of a community that helps students discover their passions and unlock their potential to transform lives, enrich the community, and change the world.

Commencement Celebrates The Class Of 2026
Montgomery College will celebrate the Class of 2026 during two Commencement ceremonies later this week. An estimated 3,098 students are eligible to graduate this year, with 757 graduates expected to participate Thursday and 811 on Friday. This year’s class reflects the extraordinary diversity and determination of our students and the awesome faculty and staff who have supported them. Representing 111 countries by birth and a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, this class is amazingly diverse. Among the graduates eligible to earn degrees and certificates are 401 dual enrollment students who began their college journeys while still in high school. The oldest graduate is 87 years old, and the youngest is 15, illustrating that there is no single path to achievement and success at Montgomery College. As our graduates move forward—continuing their education, advancing in their careers, pursuing new opportunities, or balancing many of these paths at once—we proudly celebrate all they have achieved and all that lies ahead. Congratulations, Class of 2026.

Congrats To Presidential Academic Excellence Awardees
Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Presidential Academic Excellence Awards: Aly Vaca, Michael Desir, Kenia Ramirez, Karol Cachope Baron, and Rene Soto Flores. These students, representing disciplines across the arts, sciences, and workforce-focused programs, exemplify academic excellence, determination, and leadership. I also want to recognize this year’s runners-up: Mahnoor Asif, Muhammad Benjelloun, and Sthefania Ugaz. Their achievements reflect the talent, perseverance, and promise of Montgomery College students and the extraordinary outcomes made possible through their hard work and the support of faculty, staff, families, and peers.

Recognizing Faculty And Staff Excellence
Alongside celebrating our graduates, this week also provides an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary faculty and staff who make student success possible every day. At Wednesday’s Celebration of Excellence new window in Globe Hall on the Germantown Campus, we will honor employees whose dedication, innovation, and service strengthen our College community and help students achieve their goals. Their work advances our mission in meaningful ways and reflects what makes Montgomery College such an exceptional place to learn and work. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the people who help create extraordinary outcomes across our College.

With Raptor Regards,
Dr. Jermaine F. Williams signature

Dr. Jermaine F. Williams
President
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May 18, 2026

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