Atlantic Cape Awards 748 Degrees at Commencement
05/17/2018 | Media Contact: Amanda McCullough | 609-343-4923
Atlantic Cape Community College awarded 748 associate in arts, associate in science and associate in applied science degrees at the school’s 51ST commencement, Thursday, May 17. Lori Herndon, president and CEO of AtlantiCare, delivered the keynote address.
Dr. Barbara Gaba, president of Atlantic Cape, presented an honorary associate in science degree to keynote speaker Lori Herndon, and honored former Atlantic Cape employee Robert Benner with a posthumous associate in science degree. Professor Keith Forrest was recognized for receiving the Faculty Member of the Year award for the fifth time, and Jody Davis was honored as the recipient of the Adjunct Teaching Excellence Award. Professor Emerita Louise Kaplan was also recognized by Dr. Gaba.
Diane Donio of Hammonton, member of the Atlantic Cape Foundation Board of Trustees, received the President’s Distinguished Foundation Board Member Award, which recognizes a current or past member of the board who has demonstrated leadership, advocacy and support on behalf of the college and its students.
High honors student My Nguyen of Atlantic City, who achieved a perfect 4.0 average, delivered the class farewell. She earned an associate degree in biomedical sciences. Nguyen said, “Atlantic Cape has provided us with the most beautiful experience. Now, it’s our turn to take this opportunity wherever we go. The journey ahead that’s full of astonishments is waiting for you to be explored, so grasp this moment in your heart, and carry it to the day you will become that one person who leaves a deep mark in the world. Also, even when facing the worst challenges in your life, recall how your attitude, your resilience, and your passion have led you through several obstacles to this proudest moment that we are sharing today.”
Student Government Association President Lidangela Guzman-Palcious of Egg Harbor Township also spoke to graduates. “Today I am standing here telling you that it does not matter what you will do next, as long as you will do something that makes you happy, makes you a better
person and no matter what you do, you do it with love and a positive mindset,” she remarked.
Two recipients were selected for the 2018 President’s Distinguished Alumni Award, Raymond Davis, ’92 of Egg Harbor Township, and Maria Mento, ’77 of Ventnor. The award recognizes an Atlantic Cape graduate who has distinguished him or herself through professional, personal, public or community-based accomplishments.
Meghan Clark of Marmora was elected by the student body to serve as alumni representative to the college’s Board of Trustees, and was recognized.
Dave Coskey, Board of Trustees chairperson, conferred and presented degrees to the graduates.
SEE PHOTOS FROM COMMENCEMENT HERE.