FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2017
Contact: Martha Parham
202-728-0200 x209
mparham@aacc.nche.edu
Community College Leader Honored by Prince George’s Community College
Largo, Md. — American Association of Community Colleges President and CEO Walter G. Bumphus was awarded an honorary associate degree from Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) in Largo, Md. The college presented the award at its 58th commencement ceremony held on May 25. Bumphus gave the keynote address at the event.
“It is an honor to be recognized by the leadership at PGCC,” Bumphus said. “To receive an honorary degree from one of the best community colleges in the nation is inspiring and I am proud to share this moment with the 1,100 students who have achieved their academic and career training goals here today.”
Led by Dr. Charlene Dukes, PGCC serves more than 40,000 students annually and has been recognized at the local, regional and national level as an outstanding college.
“Many years ago I worked at a neighboring college and became familiar with PGCC,” Bumphus stated. “Under the leadership of Charlene Dukes, this college has transformed into the state-of-the-art center it is today. Its amazing facilities and positive relationship with the community it serves is evidenced by the great accomplishments of the students I met during graduation.”
“I would like to thank both President Dukes and Board Chair Samuel Parker for this recognition. I would also like to congratulate them on the college’s most recent and notable achievements, including the $1.8-million in state funds to begin a Promise Program that will ensure that Prince George’s County students have access to higher education, as well as Charlene’s service to AACC as a board member and board chair. She has served this community and the nation well as a leader in higher education and continues to do so. I am proud and honored to be affiliated with PGCC.”
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George’s Community College provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers, to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds and goals. Serving more than 40,000 individuals annually, the college is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enables PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands.
About the American Association of Community Colleges
As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), delivers educational and economic opportunity for 12 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s nearly 1,200 member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all.