Carroll Community College Holds 30th Commencement Ceremony

Garrett W. Hoover, President and Chief Operating Officer of Carroll Hospital,
Gives Commencement Address

Westminster, MD─ Carroll Community College (Carroll) announces the 30^th Commencement ceremony to be held Wednesday, May 24^th, at 3:00 p.m. at McDaniel College Gill Center.  Carroll’s class of 2023 has a total of 509 graduates earning degrees and certificates.  Of those graduates, 200 will participate in the ceremony at McDaniel.    

“I am looking forward to congratulating each and every one of our graduates this year,” said Dr. James D. Ball, President, Carroll Community College. “I continue to be humbled by the perseverance and commitment our students show in their studies, and I know that will carry over into their future endeavors and community service.”

This year’s Commencement speaker is Garrett W. Hoover, President and Chief Operating Officer of Carroll Hospital and Senior Vice President of LifeBridge Health. Hoover has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare. Prior to joining Carroll Hospital in 2020, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Corning Hospital in New York, one of five hospitals of the Guthrie Clinic.

During his time at Carroll Hospital, Hoover has helped the staff navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, which ushered in new protocols and technologies; oversaw the fruition of Vision 2020, including the addition of a new critical care unit, a new skilled nursing facility, and other campus improvements; and continued a strong focus on quality, financial performance, and the patient experience.

“I am honored to speak to this impressive group of students,” said Hoover. “Our partnership with the College is one that gives us a pipeline of well-trained healthcare professionals to join our team and provide high-quality care to the community. I know that Carroll graduates from all areas of study will be leaders in their chosen careers.”

This year the College will award the President’s Academic Excellence Award to two students, Tricia Ostendorf, of Taneytown, and Andrew Mombay, of Mt. Airy, who will also deliver the Student Response at Commencement.

Ostendorf will graduate with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree from Carroll with a 4.0 GPA. Thanks to the partnership the College has with Frostburg State University, she will complete her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing this December.

Her path to a nursing degree began from personal experience as a caregiver for her husband, who died in 2015 after a courageous fight against brain cancer. “His hospice nurse, in particular, made an enduring impression on me. Soon after his death, I knew I was called to make the same positive impact on other families that his nurse made on ours,” said Ostendorf.

The Carroll nursing program provided Ostendorf the opportunity to do her 120-hour practicum with BridgingLife Hospice, both in the field and at the Dove House inpatient unit. She hopes to eventually work as a hospice nurse after obtaining her bachelor’s degree. She appreciates the support she received from Carroll as she persevered throughout the program while raising her children and coping with the sudden death of her mother during her time at the College: “The faculty were so gracious and accommodating, helping me move forward during life events that could have derailed me,” she said.

Andrew Mombay is a dual-enrolled student at the College and South Carroll High School. He will graduate with an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree with a 4.0 GPA and plans to attend Brown University to earn his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering to continue his pursuit of becoming a doctor.

In addition to his academic achievements, Mombay has demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities, holding various roles at South Carroll High School, including President of the National Honor Society, the Student Government Association, the Class of 2023, as well as Founder of the Asian Student Union.  In addition, he found the time to learn about the mental crisis affecting youth and young adults, and that inspired him to construct a 250-square-foot meditation labyrinth in his community as a part of his Eagle Scout project.

“Andrew is an extraordinarily positive example of a student who inspires others to do more and be their best selves. He is an intellectual leader, a kind peer mentor, and a witty member of our learning community,” said Stacy Zell, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology, Carroll Community College.

“I am honored to receive this award and speak on behalf of my fellow students,” said Mombay. “Attending Carroll as a dual-enrolled student has given me the chance to build my academic foundation while also helping me gain an edge on my resume,” he said.  “I’ve always stood by the idea that education is non-linear, meaning that every person has a different educational path and should have the chance to explore what the educational system has to offer. My time at Carroll gave me a chance to find myself and my passions while offering a supportive environment. I wouldn’t trade my experience here for the world.”

“I can’t wait to see what Tricia and Andrew, along with the entire class of 2023, will contribute to our world. Their stories inspire me not only on commencement day but every day as they make a positive impact on their local communities,” said Ball.

PHOTO CAPTION:  Garrett W. Hoover, President and Chief Operating Officer of Carroll Hospital and Senior Vice President of LifeBridge Health, will deliver the Commencement Address at Carroll Community College’s 30^th Commencement ceremony.

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## Carroll Community College’s mission is Empowering learners. Changing lives. Building community. Carroll Community College (Carroll) provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community we serve. Carroll offers academic and career preparation leading to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and for direct entry into professional opportunities. Carroll Community College is located at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Md., 21157. Visit us on our website at www.carrollcc.edu