CCBC Commencement Ceremony Set for Saturday

On Saturday, 819 graduates will walk across the stage beginning at 10:30 a.m. as part of the Community College of Baltimore County's commencement ceremony held at the Essex campus.

Collectively, the class - representing the Essex, Catonsville and Dundalk campuses -  earned 2,525 associate degrees and 482 certificates, a 21 percent increase over last year’s totals. Graduating student Christina Senita is this year’s commencement speaker and President’s Distinguished Graduate.

Having overcome many life challenges – from losing her mother and two siblings at a young age to enduring three difficult surgeries – Senita has always persevered. Despite many difficulties she has maintained her place on the Dean’s List every semester, served as the activities coordinator for CCBC’s Music association, tutored within the Music program and worked as a work study.

Currently pursuing a music career, Senita was discouraged early in life by her piano teacher who made her doubt she was capable of succeeding in any endeavor, especially music.

As an adult, she converted that negative voice into a positive one which allowed her musical talents to grow. On Saturday, Senita will receive her associate degree in humanities and social sciences with a concentration in music. 

A White Hall resident, she plans to continue her education at Towson University where she will seek a bachelor’s degree in music education.  

The increase in awarded degrees is in line with CCBC’s commitment to completion. Along with Maryland’s 15 other community college presidents, CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis signed a statewide pledge to substantially increase the number of community college graduates who earn degrees, certificates and other workplace certification by 2025.

These efforts coincide with those outlined by President Barack Obama to ensure an educated and globally competitive workforce and to produce the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.