Students acknowledged the troubling economy but said their educational success and career choices would make things easier.
‘‘I’m going to stay optimistic. It’s going to get worse before it gets better,” said Landover resident Dion Fridie, who received a certificate in computer service technology.
Fridie, who works for the National Science Foundation, plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at University of Maryland University College in Adelphi. He said college degrees will give graduates an edge in the work force.
Glorious Pitt of District Heights graduated with an associate’s degree in business management and a certificate in human resources, and welcomed the encouraging message from Brown.
‘‘I’m very thankful that we have made it through in these tough times. Some people probably did have to give up, depending on their finances. I’m very thankful that even in hard times we can find a way,” Pitt said.
Malisha Cupid of Hyattsville said she is the first in her family to go to college and since her field of respiratory therapy is one with job growth, she is not worried about the economy.
‘‘I feel very proud. I’m very excited to be graduating from such a wonderful school,” said Cupid, who earned an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy.
The college celebrated other achievements, as well.
College President Charlene M. Dukes, in her first commencement as the college’s president, cited a litany of accomplishments, including that more than 85 percent of students passed their state board exams in nursing, nuclear medicine, health information, radiography and respiratory therapy.
‘‘I thank the students for soaring to heights that maybe even you didn’t think you could achieve,” Dukes told the graduates.
E-mail Megan King at mking@gazette.net.
