Atlantic Cape Awards 748 Degrees at Commencement

MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College awarded 748 associate in arts, associate in science, and associate in applied science degrees at the school’s 51st commencement May 17. Lori Herndon, president and CEO of AtlantiCare, delivered the keynote address.
Dr. Barbara Gaba, president of Atlantic Cape, presented an honorary associate in science degree to Herndon, and honored former Atlantic Cape employee Robert Benner with a posthumous associate in science degree. Professor Keith Forrest was recognized for receiving the Faculty Member of the Year award for the fifth time, and Jody Davis was honored as the recipient of the Adjunct Teaching Excellence Award. Professor Emerita Louise Kaplan was also recognized by Gaba.
Diane Donio of Hammonton, member of the Atlantic Cape Foundation Board of Trustees, received the President’s Distinguished Foundation Board Member Award, which recognizes a current or past member of the board who has demonstrated leadership, advocacy, and support on behalf of the college and its students.
High honors student My Nguyen, of Atlantic City, who achieved a perfect 4.0 average, delivered the class farewell. She earned an associate degree in biomedical sciences. Nguyen said, “Atlantic Cape has provided us with the most beautiful experience. Now, it’s our turn to take this opportunity wherever we go. The journey ahead that’s full of astonishments is waiting for you to be explored, so grasp this moment in your heart, and carry it to the day you will become that one person who leaves a deep mark in the world. Also, even when facing the worst challenges in your life, recall how your attitude, your resilience, and your passion have led you through several obstacles to this proudest moment that we are sharing today.”
Student Government Association President Lidangela Guzman-Palcious, of Egg Harbor Township, also spoke to graduates. “Today I am standing here telling you that it does not matter what you will do next, as long as you will do something that makes you happy, makes you a better person and no matter what you do, you do it with love and a positive mindset.” 
Two recipients were selected for the 2018 President’s Distinguished Alumni Award, Raymond Davis, Class of ’92, of Egg Harbor Township, and Maria Mento, Class of ’77, of Ventnor. The award recognizes an Atlantic Cape graduate who has distinguished him or herself through professional, personal, public, or community-based accomplishments.
Meghan Clark, of Marmora, was elected by the student body to serve as alumni representative to the college’s Board of Trustees, and was recognized.
Dave Coskey, Board of Trustees chairperson, conferred and presented degrees to the graduates.
The list of graduates is available at www.atlantic.edu by selecting Atlantic Cape Community College Graduating Class of 2018 from the headlines. The list includes students who have or are expected to complete the requirements for an associate degree in the 2017-2018 school year.