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St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the National Public Honors College, 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, was selected to deliver 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.
Joanna Cleaver is a Marine Science and Environmental Studies double major. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa her junior year and received the Student Excellence Award in Marine Science. Joanna was heavily involved on campus, including being the Initiatives Coordinator for the Sustainability Club, a General Chemistry laboratory assistant, and a Kate Farm intern. She studied abroad in both Thailand and Australia and plans to continue her travels after graduation.
Summer LaRocco is an Asian Studies-English double major, with Chinese and Educational Studies minors. Summer is the Student Trustee, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Tau Delta, Phi Alpha Theta, and the Collegiate Chinese Honor Society. She has received the Chinese, Board of Trustees, and Asian Studies awards, the Margaret B. Marlay Award for English, and a Fulbright-Hays Fellowship. Summer will begin a Master’s in Public Administration at George Washington University in fall.
Hannah Lowry is a Biology major and English minor. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and the secretary of the BBB Biology Honor Society. Hannah received the Department Award for Excellence in Biology, and has worked at SMCM as a tutor, peer mentor, and research assistant for the Biology department. She plans to work in the clinical research field after graduation.
Cara McMahon is a Political Science major and part of Pi Sigma Alpha. Having previously served as the college's Schaefer Legislative Intern, and more recently interned for Maryland state Senator Katie Hester, Cara plans to pursue a career in law. Cara also works on campus as the Political Science Program Student Ambassador, and as a manager at the Daily Grind.
Meredith Nishiura is a Marine Science major and Music minor. She has received the Student Excellence Award in Marine Science and the Myron G. Marlay Award for Science, and while at SMCM, she was a tutor, teaching assistant, and the field research assistant for the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association. After graduation, Meredith plans to join the Peace Corps before pursuing graduate studies in marine biology.
Elsa Oates is a Psychology major and part of the Phi Beta Kappa honors society. While at SMCM, Elsa was President of Psi Chi, the International Honors Society of Psychology, President and co-founder of Psychology Club, Head TA for the psychology statistics courses, and student-lead in a directed research lab. After graduation, Elsa will be attending Towson University’s Counseling Psychology master’s program to pursue her goal of becoming a licensed clinical professional counselor.
