LA PLATA — The College of Southern Maryland held its 67th commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 on the La Plata campus, where 1,190 graduates received a total of 1,514 degrees and certificates.
Family and friends attended the event. CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson opened the ceremony by recognizing the graduates’ dedication. “You grew in strength and confidence, and you discovered that the power to overcome lies within you,” Wilson said. “That kind of strength and determination will take you farther than you can ever imagine.”
Wilson noted the range of ages among graduates, from 15 to 72, and emphasized their shared determination. “Each one of you represents determination, growth, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible,” she said.
CSM Faculty Senate President George Bedell addressed lifelong learning. “We get so much back from you, and I would like to thank all of you for enriching our lives by helping your teachers keep learning,” Bedell said. “As you leave here, remember that lifelong learning isn’t just a bit of jargon. It is a way of living your life, but you must choose to embrace it.”
Student speaker Markala Pharr, who earned an Associate of Arts in Psychology from the School of Liberal Arts, described her path. As the daughter of a military service member, Pharr moved frequently and began at CSM through the Early College program, earning her high school diploma and a certificate. She later reenrolled to complete her psychology degree, inspired by her grandmother’s example of service. Pharr will continue her studies at the University of Maryland Baltimore County with plans to become a psychology researcher and professor. “For possibly the first time, I didn’t just move through a place, I became a part of it,” Pharr said. She encouraged graduates to follow their own paths and support others. “You never truly know the impact you have on someone, so always choose to show up,” she said. “To my fellow graduates, I want you to remember that no two journeys look the same. Your journey is yours alone, and that is exactly what makes it so meaningful.”
Kaleb Bennett, who earned an Associate of Science in Engineering from the School of STEM and Professional Studies, spoke about returning to college after completing a bachelor’s degree in animation in 2017. He enrolled at CSM to pursue aerospace engineering. Bennett will attend the University of Maryland in the fall. He urged graduates to embrace challenges. “You chose to keep learning, to get better day after day, and smile in the face of challenges,” Bennett said. “That is what got you here today. As we leave, I hope you carry that with you. The circumstances put before us in life are often out of our control, but our power lies in how we choose to react.”
Loren Eiland, a Navy veteran who earned an Associate of Science in Nursing from the School of Health Sciences, described discovering her goal of becoming an ER nurse while at CSM. As a mother of two, she emphasized modeling perseverance. Eiland is now working as an ER nurse and plans to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. “As we take this first step together as the next generation of healthcare heroes, I want you to promise yourself that you will continue to grow and learn,” Eiland said. “Keep growing in your field, keep striving to provide the highest-quality care to your patients or clients. This degree is not the end of our learning; it is the beginning of new responsibility.”
Wilson closed the ceremony by encouraging graduates to apply what they learned at CSM. “Congratulations Class of 2026,” Wilson said. “Move forth boldly, always act justly, and lead with humility and heart. We are so very proud of you and cannot wait to see what your bright futures will hold.”
The ceremony highlighted pathways available through CSM, including Early College options for high school students, programs for veterans and career changers, and transfer preparation for four-year institutions. Graduates pursued fields in psychology, engineering and nursing, areas that align with workforce needs in Southern Maryland.
