MCCC celebrates the Class of 2026 during its 59th Commencement ceremonies

Dressed in caps and gowns, with smiles beaming as brightly as their futures ahead, the graduates of Montgomery County Community College’s Class of 2026 celebrated their Commencement during three ceremonies held on May 14 in the College’s Health Sciences Center gym in Blue Bell.

A total of 1,423 graduates collectively received 1,435 degrees and certificates, adding their names to a legacy that stretches more than six decades and includes over 90,000 Mustang alumni. The total number of graduates includes students who previously graduated during the summer and fall 2025 semesters, and spring 2026, along with Workforce Development graduates from the Municipal Police Academy and Massage Therapy program.  

Each ceremony began with a National Anthem performance by Jeslin Grace Mathew, Communication Studies Assistant Professor, before MCCC President Dr. Vicki Bastecki-Perez welcomed the graduates and their guests.

“Graduates, today we celebrate not only a milestone, but the countless experiences that brought you to this achievement,” she said. “Moments of determination, persistence, sacrifice, curiosity, and courage. Each of you arrived at Montgomery County Community College with a unique path, and together, you have shaped a community that is stronger, more vibrant, and more hopeful because of your unique presence.”

“As we look toward the future, know this: your individual journeys don’t end here,” she continued. “They become part of our shared narrative and enduring legacy—one that will continue to inspire, lead, and transform the future of this College and the communities you will go on to serve.”

The theme of the day’s ceremonies, she explained, was “One Herd. One Heart.”

“You are Mustangs,” she said. “You come from different backgrounds and experiences, each with your own unique dreams, yet you have moved forward together, supporting and learning from one another, and proving that when we function as one herd, with one heart, we are unstoppable.”

Following her remarks, MCCC Board of Trustees Chair Donald Lyons offered his congratulations to the class and told each of them to be prepared to face challenges in the future.

“Believe in your ability to grow beyond setbacks,” he said. “And never underestimate how far you can go when you refuse to give up. The world is ready for your impact. Go forward with confidence—and make it unforgettable.”

Dr. Celeste Schwartz, ’70, Chair of the Montgomery County Community College (PA) Legacy Fund, the official philanthropic arm of the College, said MCCC shaped her life in ways she never expected and she was grateful to celebrate the start of the graduates’ next chapter.

“I began exactly where you sit—excited, uncertain, and determined,” said Schwartz, who previously served as Vice President of the Pottstown Campus, Information Technology and Institutional Effectiveness. “Montco met me where I was and helped me grow into who I could become. A spark—my love for math and computers—launched my career at a time when few women were in the field. Instead of intimidating me, it inspired me. Montco taught me to step toward opportunity, even when you’re not sure you belong.”

The graduates’ journeys, she said, were just beginning and they would “always be a Mustang.”

Dr. Matthew Riddick, '08, Chair of the MCCC Alumni Board of Directors, welcomed the Class of 2026 to the Alumni Association.

“Today is not just a celebration of what you’ve accomplished—it is a milestone that marks your transition into something new,” he said. “You are now Montco alumni. You join a powerful and growing network of more than 90,000 graduates making an impact across the county, state and beyond.”

This year’s student speaker, Loujain Ahmed, 20, a Physical Sciences (AS) major, from West Philadelphia, imparted the importance of moving forward in the face of adversity to her classmates.  

“Let Montco offer you direction, and move forward keeping your momentum going,” she said. “That means challenging limits, imagining something greater, and facing those fears. I go forward with the confidence that every interaction, lecture, lab, bus ride, shaped who I am now. That is who we are. While our paths may be different, what unites us is this very moment, so let’s continue to lead for those who will follow, and to honor those who have made this possible.”

As a student, Ahmed, who is graduating with honors, was heavily involved on campus. Among the many clubs and activities with which she participated, Ahmed served as president of the Student Government Association, Astro Club and Muslim Students Association. She also served as vice president of the Debate Club and participated in organizations including the International Club and Montco Radio, as the host of “Heart to Headphones.” In addition, she interned at the Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown and further pursued her passion for astronomy through the Observational and Radio Astronomy independent study with Physics Associate Professor Kelli Corrado. Ahmed is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in physics, with a minor in astrophysics at Temple University.

The Montgomery County Commissioners Neil Makhija, Vice Chair, and Thomas DiBello each addressed graduates, congratulating them and sharing messages of inspiration for the next steps in their journeys.

Additionally, this year nine MCCC employees shared in a special milestone as their children reached graduation: Dr. Bastecki-Perez, MCCC President, whose son is Zayne Perez; Denise Bauer, Accounts Payable Accountant, whose sons are Justin and Nathan Bauer; Hedy Hinderliter, Advisor Assistant Professor, whose sons are Nicholas and Ryan Hinderliter; Kelly Lyles, Nursing Instructor, whose daughter is Sarah Lyles; Sandra O’Brien, Nursing Lecturer, whose daughter is Alexandra Fergus; Amy Vallette, Biology Senior Lecturer, whose son is Cole Vallette; Scott Vaughen, Math Assistant Professor, whose daughter is Danika Vaughen; Richard Kern, Math Assistant Professor, whose daughter is Abbigail Kern; and Monica Proffitt-Osborne, Criminal Justice Assistant Professor, whose godson is Blair Henderson.

As part of the Commencement tradition, MCCC also recognized faculty excellence. Each year, the College honors outstanding full- and part-time faculty members for their commitment to student success both inside and outside the classroom.

The 2026 Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award was given to Dr. Margaret Bryans, Professor of Biology and Biotechnology Program Coordinator. Bryans has worked at the College for 17 years. Her leadership in workforce development, industry partnerships, and grant-funded innovation recently earned her recognition as the 2025 BioBuzz Workforce Champion.

“In their nominations, students noted Dr. Bryans combines exceptional teaching with a genuine commitment to her students’ success,” said Dr. Chae Sweet, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs & Provost. “Students praised her engaging lecture-and-lab approach, her ability to make complex concepts interactive and thought-provoking, and the way she encourages students to think critically and creatively.”

The 2026 Barnes & Noble Part-Time Faculty Teaching Excellence Award was presented to Wendy Erhardt, English Senior Lecturer, who has taught at the College for 16 years. In their nominations, students noted that they found her class to be an “environment where students feel welcomed, encouraged, and challenged to grow,” said Sweet.

“Students,” she continued, “described her teaching as engaging, thoughtful, and highly interactive, emphasizing her meaningful feedback, approachable personality, and ability to make every student feel heard and valued.”

MCCC’s Class of 2026 includes 498 first-generation graduates, 114 Nursing graduates, 52 Municipal Police Academy graduates, 51 Education majors, 35 veterans, eight high school dual enrollment students and three All-Pennsylvania Academic Team scholars. The oldest graduate, Carolyn Lucas, is 76 years, and she received a Medical Coding Certificate of Completion (CC) and the youngest, Anne Huang, is 16 years, and she received an Associate in Arts Degree in Education in the Middle Years (4th-8th grades) (AA) and Secondary Education (AA). The programs with the largest number of graduates are Liberal Studies, Business Administration and Nursing.

*The statistics for the Class of 2026 are current as of May 12, 2026, when they were compiled for the program. The final statistics will be calculated after final grades are reported.