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COMMUNITY A Celebration for Largest Graduating Class Ever HCC graduated the largest class of students in its history at the 47th annual commencement ceremony in May 2018. More than 1,365 students were candidates for graduation, and the number of students receiving associate degrees and certificates has increased steadily year after year. This sustained growth is attributed to the college's strategic focus on student success and completion. Mary Ann Scully, chief executive officer of Howard Bank, delivered the commencement address. Graduating student Anya Welsh provided the student perspective in her remarks at commencement. Another highlight was the presentation of $1,000 Awards for Academic Excellence to students Ye Hie "Joy" Cho and Amy Green, who graduated with perfect 4.0 grade point averages. The Howard Community College Educational Foundation provided these awards to assist with their further education. At the ceremony, HCC also conferred honorary degrees on Dr. Mary Ellen Duncan, president emeritus of HCC; Greg Kahlert; and Elizabeth Rendón-Sherman for their service to the college and the community. Fall 2018 | Pathways 13 National Recognition for Equity in Programs and Services The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) presented Howard Community College (HCC) with one of its highest honors—the Charles Kennedy Equity Award—at its 2018 Leadership Congress. The award recognizes exemplary commitment by a community college governing board and chief executive officer to achieving equity in the administration and delivery of the college's education, programs, and services. The award also honors leadership in setting policies that promote and enhance opportunities for institutional diversity, inclusion, and equity. The college has had a diversity plan in place for nearly 30 years, and a committee of employees reviews and updates the plan annually. Additionally, each budgeted staff member and full-time faculty member participates in at least two diversity educational sessions each year. Campus Abuzz with Grant-Funded Bee Hive A bee hive has the campus buzzing with excitement, thanks to a grant from the Honeybee Conservancy/Anthophilous that funded a hive, beekeeping kit and suit, and bees. Professors from the culinary program are serving as the bee caretakers for this collaborative initiative that will eventually be used to pollinate an on-campus vegetable garden. The goal is to get enough honey for use in culinary classes and at the HCC Food Pantry, which helps combat food insecurity among students.