Howard Community College

A LOOK AT ALUMNI The Long and Winding road A meandering country road in Scotland inspired Paul McCartney to write his ballad, "The Long and Winding Road." The winding roads that existed throughout Howard County 30 years ago also inspired David Powell. "These old winding roads remind me of the twists and turns my life has taken," Powell says. Powell has been recognized as an HCC Distinguished Alumni for 2013/2014. He is the vice president and chief operating officer of the Federal Business Council, and an active community supporter. He serves as a board member for Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the Howard Hospital Foundation, and the Claudia Mayer Cancer Research Center, as well as a volunteer with the United States Cavalry and Armor Association and HCC's Commission on the Future. After graduating from Atholton High School, Powell's personal road took him to HCC. "I had no idea what I wanted to study, and no confidence in my academic abilities when I enrolled," he recalls. During his first semester, Powell's attitude toward his education took a sudden U-turn when a teacher told him he had a natural gift for math. "It was such a turning point for me," he says. "I knew my professor believed in me, so I believed in myself. My other teachers also spent time helping me get serious about my education. They made me understand why education was so important to me as an individual." After three semesters, Powell transferred to UMBC, where he majored in geography and earned a bachelor's degree. He subsequently took graduate classes at the University of Baltimore, Merrick School of Business. "Even though I went on to take many other courses, to this day the classes I remember most vividly are the ones I took at HCC because they were transformative for me." Powell's HCC classes were held in a small concrete building in what was then the campus. "Today I barely recognize the campus, it is so changed. One thing hasn't changed though, and that's the feeling you get that this is a place where learning is taken seriously." In his role as Distinguished Alumnus, Powell enjoys meeting with various groups of students, serving as a mentor, and answering their questions. "I picture myself a few decades ago when I was in their shoes, and although I certainly don't have all the answers, I always try to help. I warn them that life may be a long and winding road, but you really can 'get there from here.' When I'm out and about in the county doing business or attending sports events with my kids, I often bump into some of these students, and they tell me they remember what I said." Powell says he's traveled across North America and experienced many different communities, which has contributed to his appreciation for Howard County and the important role played by HCC. "The college is central to who and what we are as a county because we share a culture of lifelong learning. No matter what stage of your career or life you are in, you can improve your knowledge of most any subject at HCC." The HCC Distinguished Alumni of the Year award recognizes former students who have gone on to shine in the fields of academia, research, writing, business, and science. The college established the honor in 2001 and selects alumni who exemplify the HCC tradition of excellence and who have brought credit to the college by their personal accomplishments, professional achievements, or public service. 20 Howard Community College u HCC alum David Powell

• Cover