St. Mary’s College of Maryland graduated 400 students with Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Teaching degrees during an outdoor ceremony on the College’s Townhouse Green.
Alumnus Brandon Scott ’06, Baltimore’s 52nd mayor, delivered the keynote address. In his message, Scott told the Class of 2026 that his experiences at St. Mary’s College in the early 2000s shaped who he is today.
“I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that if I never bent that curve on Route 5 way back on August 31 of 2002, Brandon Scott the mayor would not exist,” he said. “I didn’t choose St. Mary’s. It chose me, and it was the best choice ever made for me in my life.”
Scott spoke of how St. Mary’s College turned his decision to one day become mayor of Baltimore into a determination and how the St. Mary’s Way — a commitment to thoughtful engagement, close community, and shared responsibility for learning and growth — stays with him in life.
“It is the St. Mary’s Way that I need you to take with you today as you drive on into the rest of your life,” he said. “Because now more than ever … the world needs the St. Mary’s Way.”
Scott also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, presented by St. Mary’s College President Rhonda Phillips and Board of Trustees Chair John J. Bell ’95.
The College’s newest alumni heard inspiring words of encouragement from President Phillips as she presided over her first St. Mary’s College commencement.
“I encourage you to remain grounded in what you have learned here, not only in knowledge, but in values,” she said. “Pay attention to the world around you. Contribute where you are needed. Lead with both determination and empathy. Remember that not everyone has had the same opportunities you have been given. Use your education to open doors for yourselves and for others.”
Chair Bell also shared remarks with graduates.
“I still remember what it felt like to sit where you are today, eager, uncertain, excited, and ready to begin whatever comes next,” he said. “Standing before the Class of 2026, I feel that same sense of optimism and possibility.”
Cara McMahon, one of six valedictorians for the Class of 2026, delivered the valedictory address. The other valedictorians are Joanna Cleaver, Summer LaRocco, Hannah Lowry and Elsa Oates.
“This school has taught us how to think, and how to take risks, and told us that we are capable of bold projects, and internships, and trips, and conferences,” McMahon said. “I think we’ll all walk away from our education here a little braver.”
In addition to celebrating graduates, two retiring faculty members were recognized during the ceremony: Professor of English Ben Click and Associate Professor of Chemistry Troy Townsend.
“Their combined 38 years of teaching are a testament to the passion and commitment with which our faculty approach their work,” Phillips said.
On the eve of commencement, the College’s Board of Trustees also recognized Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md., 5th) and the late Harry Weitzel, a former member of the board and past member of the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Foundation. The commencement was live-streamed on the College’s website, and that recording is now available for viewing.
The ceremony marked another milestone for St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the National Public Honors College located in St. Mary’s City. The institution continues to play a vital role in educating students from across Southern Maryland and beyond, many of whom return to the region as teachers, professionals and community leaders.
