Southern Maryland college students earned significant academic achievements during the spring 2025 semester, securing degrees, academic honors, and professional opportunities across several prestigious institutions. From The University of Alabama’s commencement ceremonies to Troy University’s graduations and academic recognitions at Saint Francis University and Grove City College, students from the region demonstrated excellence in diverse fields such as aerospace engineering, nursing, accounting, and public administration.
At The University of Alabama, over 6,600 degrees were awarded during spring 2025 commencement ceremonies held May 2-4 at Coleman Coliseum. The university, known for its robust educational, social, and cultural programs, celebrated several Southern Maryland graduates. Jerrid Beckham of Dunkirk (20754) earned a Bachelor of Arts. Maria Derisavi of Great Mills (20634) received both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Administration. Zachary Powers of Hollywood (20636) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. Irulan Williams of Patuxent River (20670) also earned a Bachelor of Arts. These achievements highlight the university’s role in fostering academic and professional growth for Southern Maryland students.
Additionally, Olivia Ellison of Huntingtown, a University of Alabama student, joined the university’s Cooperative Education Program for the summer 2025 semester. Ellison is working with Hargrove Engineers + Constructors, gaining hands-on experience in her field. The program allows students to alternate full-time study with full-time employment related to their academic or career interests, maintaining full-time student status and earning competitive salaries while acquiring valuable job experience.
At Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pa., two Southern Maryland students were named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List, recognizing their academic excellence. Joaquim Cariaso of Leonardtown (20650), a nursing major, and Natalie Johnson of Waldorf (20603), an engineering-general major, achieved a quality point average of at least 3.500 on 12 or more credits with no incomplete grades. This honor reflects their commitment to rigorous academic standards and positions them as emerging leaders in their respective fields.
Troy University, with campuses in Troy, Dothan, Montgomery, and Phenix City, Ala., recognized students who completed graduation requirements during the spring 2025 semester and Term 4 of the 2024-2025 academic year. Southern Maryland graduates included Christopher Crawford of Chesapeake Beach, Ryan Houghtaling of Bryans Road, and others from the region’s teaching sites and online programs. Troy University’s flexible academic offerings, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, support a diverse student body, including over 14,500 students across its programs.
At Grove City College in Pennsylvania, Connor Senechal, a senior accounting major from California, Md., earned a spot on the Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester with a GPA between 3.40 and 3.59. This recognition underscores Senechal’s academic diligence and adds to the list of Southern Maryland students excelling at institutions nationwide.
As Southern Maryland students continue to graduate, earn honors, and gain professional experience, their contributions strengthen the region’s reputation for producing talented and driven individuals. The spring 2025 semester marked a significant milestone for these students, setting the stage for future achievements in their careers and communities.
