LA PLATA, Md., May 12, 2025 — The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) celebrated its 66th Commencement on Friday at the La Plata Campus, recognizing outstanding faculty, alumni, and supporters for their contributions to the college and community. Professor of Ceramics Alice Yutzy received the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award, Professor of Biological Sciences Margaret Bolton earned the Full Time Faculty Excellence Award, Kelly Robertson-Slagle was named the 2025 Distinguished Alumni, and Jacqueline and Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, along with Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, received the Trustees Distinguished Service Award.
The ceremony highlighted the recipients’ dedication to education, community service, and CSM’s mission. Each awardee was selected based on nominations from peers, students, or community members, reflecting their significant impact on the college and Southern Maryland.
Faculty Excellence Awards
Alice Yutzy, an adjunct ceramics professor since 2009, was honored with the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award for her transformative work in CSM’s ceramics program. Nominated by students and colleagues, Yutzy has inspired a diverse group of learners, from teenagers to octogenarians, through hands-on instruction in clay work, glaze making, and kiln management. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes patience and nurturing each student’s creative voice.
“I am most proud of imparting the love and joy of working with clay to my students,” Yutzy said. “It is always a joy to watch each student become acquainted with clay and eventually master basic techniques. Students of all levels in my ceramic classes at the College of Southern Maryland are a joy and an inspiration to teach. It has been my privilege to be their instructor.”
Professor Andrew Wodzianski, a faculty member for nearly 18 years, praised Yutzy’s foundational role in the art and humanities department. “Without Professor Yutzy there would be no ceramics program at the College of Southern Maryland,” Wodzianski said. He noted that four student works, acquired for CSM’s permanent collection, demonstrate the program’s success under her guidance. Students echoed this sentiment, with one writing, “I’ve learned so much and have found a new love for ceramics, which I couldn’t have done without your guidance.”
Yutzy also serves as the ceramics program coordinator, managing evening and daytime courses. “It has been my true honor to work in the Fine Arts Department at the College of Southern Maryland,” she said. “My colleagues have been a pleasure and a joy to work with.”
Margaret Bolton, a biological sciences professor for nearly 18 years, received the Full Time Faculty Excellence Award for her exceptional teaching and commitment to fostering a sense of belonging in her classroom. Nominated by peers and students, Bolton was recognized for her ability to inspire a love for science and medicine.
“I feel so humbled and honored to be receiving this award from my peers,” Bolton said. “I work hard to create a sense of belonging in my classrooms and labs by getting to know my students and letting them see the ‘authentic me’ when I teach.”
Bolton’s teaching approach includes learning every student’s name on the first day and tailoring her office hours to their schedules. By the third week, students submit letters detailing their academic goals, fears, and challenges, allowing Bolton to create personalized study plans. Her efforts have earned high praise. “She has definitely re-sparked my love for science and medicine,” one student said. Another noted, “She always goes above and beyond to help students understand the content, and she is exceptionally accommodating.”
“I would like to thank my family, friends, and CSM family,” Bolton said. “I would not be where I am today without your love and support. It really does take a village.”
Distinguished Alumni Award
Kelly Robertson-Slagle, a 1995 CSM graduate, was named the 2025 Distinguished Alumni for her leadership in economic development and continued support for the college. As director of Charles County Economic Development, Robertson-Slagle has driven initiatives to attract investment and foster business growth in Southern Maryland. She was the first woman appointed to this role in November 2021.
“As a regional economic developer, I’ve seen firsthand how CSM drives entrepreneurship, workforce development, and regional growth,” Robertson-Slagle said. “Supporting this impactful institution comes easy — because its influence is real, lasting, and deeply personal. To be recognized by such a transformative community partner is both an incredible honor and a truly humbling experience.”
Samantha Stratchko, chair of the CSM Alumni Committee, nominated Robertson-Slagle, citing her 25 years of experience and commitment to community service. “A lifelong resident of Charles County, Kelly exemplifies the values of leadership, service, and excellence that define the CSM community,” Stratchko wrote. Before her current role, Robertson-Slagle served as director of Calvert County’s Department of Economic Development and held leadership positions with the Maryland Small Business Development Center and the Maryland Department of Commerce.
Robertson-Slagle’s ties to CSM are personal and familial. She met her husband, Jeff, in a CSM math class in 1992, and both graduated in 1995. Their son, Tyler, earned an associate’s degree at CSM, while their daughter, Morgan, participated in dual enrollment. Her brother, Will, returned to CSM nearly three decades after starting to complete his associate’s degree. “That’s just one example of why I’m such a strong supporter of this incredible institution — CSM meets you where you are and offers opportunities at every stage of life,” she said.
Since 2012, Robertson-Slagle has served on the CSM Foundation Board of Directors and helped establish the Captain Billy Robertson Endowment Fund in memory of her grandfather. “Kelly continues to give back to the institution that helped shape her path,” Stratchko wrote.
Trustees Distinguished Service Awards
The Trustees Distinguished Service Award, CSM’s highest honor, was presented to Jacqueline and Dr. Freeman Hrabowski and Educational Systems Federal Credit Union for their exceptional contributions to the college. The Hrabowskis, through their Charitable Giving Fund, established the Dexter K. Bordes Scholarship Endowment in memory of their brother-in-law, who served on the CSM Foundation Board from 2019 to 2024. They have donated $100,000 to the CSM Foundation. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, president emeritus of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, also spoke at CSM’s first Master Leadership Class on January 29, 2025.
Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, a partner since 2005, has contributed $155,379 to the CSM Foundation. In November 2023, the credit union pledged an additional $100,000 to support student, faculty, and staff initiatives. Their partnership includes financial education seminars, mentorship programs, and sponsorship of events like commencement and faculty appreciation days. The credit union also funds a $3,000 annual scholarship, the Maurice Erly Professional Development Award, and the Warming Hearts and Hands event through its Support Education Foundation.
Background and Context
The College of Southern Maryland, founded in 1958, serves Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s counties, offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training. The annual commencement ceremony not only celebrates graduates but also honors individuals and organizations that advance the college’s mission of accessible education and community engagement. The awards presented reflect CSM’s commitment to recognizing excellence in teaching, alumni achievement, and community partnership, ensuring the institution’s continued impact in Southern Maryland.
