Commencement Ceremony Information
Date & Time
May 28, 2025
3 p.m.
Location
McDaniel College, Gill Center
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD 21157
Live Stream
The Commencement ceremony will be live streamed for family and friends who are unable to attend the event.
2025 Commencement Speaker
David (Dave) Bollinger
Dave Bollinger is a dedicated and influential community leader with more than 40 years of service on various boards for local organizations. He has served 23 years as a member of the Board of Trustees for Carroll Community College, with two terms as its Chair. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Public Service for his significant contributions to Carroll Community College. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being an honorary director of the Carroll Community College Foundation.
Formerly, he served as the Chair of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and has been awarded the prestigious Good Scout Award for his community service.
Dave is currently an active member of both the Carroll Hospital Board of Directors and serves as the Chair of the Board for the Carroll Lutheran Village Board of Trustees. For the past 27 years, he has served as the Chairperson of the Carroll Lutheran Village golf tournament, raising close to $2 million to support residents of CLV and earning him recognition from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
He presently serves as the President of Barnes-Bollinger Insurance in Westminster and operates a 172-acre beef cattle farm in Carroll County, continuing a multi-generational legacy in the region in both regards.
Dave is a graduate of Westminster High School and Salisbury University. He enjoys golf and traveling with his family. He was born and raised in Carroll County where he is proud to remain rooted with his wife, daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren.
Brooke Tober – 2025 Student Commencement Speaker
Brooke Tober is a proud non-traditional student and the first in her family to graduate from college. A member of the Tri-Alpha Honor Society and Alpha Beta Gamma for business students, Brooke is graduating with her associate’s degree in business management from Carroll Community College (Carroll).
Brooke’s journey to graduation is one of resilience, growth, and inspiration. After initially attending college directly after high school during a difficult time in her life, she stepped away from her education. Years later, a chance conversation with a Carroll staff member reignited her desire to return to school. That brief but powerful interaction led Brooke to apply and register just days before the semester began, marking a turning point that she now calls one of the greatest blessings of her life.
Throughout her time at Carroll, Brooke has embraced every opportunity to grow and give back. She serves as a Student Ambassador in the Admissions office, where she proudly shares the Carroll experience with prospective students. Her commitment to involvement and connection highlights her deep appreciation for the supportive and flexible environment Carroll offers to all students.
Outside of the classroom, Brooke balances full-time work as a Training Store Manager at Sally Beauty Supply and a part-time role as a Visual Merchandiser at Aerie. With 14 years of experience in customer service, she finds fulfillment in mentoring new employees and building meaningful relationships.
Above all, Brooke is a devoted wife of over ten years and a proud mother of two incredible children. Her family has been her greatest source of strength and encouragement, cheering her on through late nights, tough assignments, and moments of doubt. Together, they enjoy beach trips, lake days, and evenings on their patio, making s’mores and memories.
After graduation, Brooke plans to take time to give back to her family before continuing her education at Stevenson University. She is deeply honored to serve as this year’s Student Commencement Speaker and hopes her story encourages others to believe in second chances and the power of persistence.
Commencement Rehearsal
Date and Time: May 28, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.
At rehearsal, we will line up and practice. You will have an opportunity to pronounce your name for the Provost, have professional photos (single or group) taken by the photographer, enjoy a snack, and mingle with graduates and faculty.
Report to graduation by 12:30 p.m. for rehearsal. Please bring your Commencement garb with you and be on time. Pick up your name card. Line up in alphabetical order and wait for instructions from a Marshall. Pay attention if your card is marked with the wording “start new row.” After processing into the gym and taking your seat, you are to come to the platform on instruction from a Marshall. Please go to top of step and hand your name card to the Provost. Walk to the center of the platform to receive your diploma. Take the diploma in your left hard so you can shake hands with the President with your right hand (pause for a photo). Shake hands with the Chair of the Board of Trustees and continue off the platform. The photographer will take your picture and a Marshall will direct you back to your seat.
Reference the diagram below for you walking from your seat to the stage and back to your seat after receiving your diploma.
Recessional is in the reverse order as the processional, following the instruction of the Marshalls.
Video Release and Authorization
I hereby consent for the Board of Trustees of Carroll Community College and its employees, volunteers, successors, and assigns (hereinafter referred to as “the Board”) to record my picture and voice on photographs, films, audio, and video, to edit these recordings at the discretion of the Board, and to incorporate these recordings into movie and sound films or audio and videos, webcast, streaming, broadcasts (radio and television, including cable and satellite transmissions), programs, or otherwise, to use in any manner of media whatsoever, including unrestricted use for purposes of publicity, advertising, and to use my name, likeness, or voice in connection therewith. I hereby release the Board from any and all claims for damages for libel, slander, invasion of privacy or any other claim based on the use of the above-described materials. I further waive any rights conferred under federal copyright laws or any other rights I might otherwise have in the materials and the subsequent broadcast or commercial, educational, or other use by the Board. I understand that the recordings are the exclusive property of the Board and the Board owns all rights to these recordings regardless of the form in which they are produced or used. Further, I agree that I am not entitled to nor was I promised any compensation for the making of such recordings or their use. I have read and understood the contents of this Release, wherefore, I have applied for graduation.
Important Information
No tickets are needed for Commencement.
Commencement ceremony normally lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours.
Directions – From Route 31 East, turn left on Route 32/West Main Street. Cars will enter the Main Street Entrance near the stadium; all other entrances will be barricaded. All vehicles will follow a one-way traffic pattern. Graduating students are to park in General Parking. Please carpool if possible.
Designated handicap parking will be located in the rear of the Gill Gymnasium and limited to vehicles with state-issued handicap tags.
There is a designated drop-off area as well as the general public entrance on the backside of the gym. This is the closest and easiest entrance into the gym. Watch for signs.
Commencement garb ordering happens around March/April. Please pay attention to your Carroll CC email for any Commencement information. Ordering and pickup is handled by the Records Office. Garb pickup happens in early May. Details will be emailed to you about pickup.
You will indicate height and weight as you apply to graduate. The plus-size gown (given when you choose “over” for weight) will comfortably fit a bust/waist/hip measurement up to 72”. If you do not need this much width in the body, but your weight is slightly higher than the ranges listed, order the next gown length (e.g. instead of 5’3 – 5’5 and over 205 pounds, order size 5’6 – 5’8 and under 235 pounds). No specific graduation dress attire is needed underneath your graduation gown.
Regalia and garb prices and sizes are available here.
The Records Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. If you would like someone else to pick up your garb, you will need to provide written permission (including your signature) for him/her or reply to email announcement with information about your designee. You or your designee must bring a photo ID.
Please email records@carrollcc.edu if you are experiencing financial difficulties purchasing your Commencement garb.
Honor Cord: If you are not sure whether you may wear an honor cord, please check your GPA using Lynx Student Portal. Students with a 3.500 cumulative G.P.A. or higher as of March 1st may wear a gold cord during the ceremony. Latin Honors are only awarded to students in Associate Degree programs.
If you belong to Alpha Alpha Alpha (AAA), Alpha Beta Gamma (ABG), Alpha Delta Nu (ADN), Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), STEM Scholars (STEM), Pappalardo Honors (PAPP), Carroll Lynx Scholars (LYNX) or Delta Alpha Pi (DAP), you must see your honor society advisor to discuss that garb.
- AAA: April Stevens astevens@carrollcc.edu
- ABG: Kristen Maszarose kmaszarose@carrollcc.edu
- ADN: Dr. Christine Schlaerth and Jane Schroeder cschlaerth@carrollcc.edu or jschroeder@carrollcc.edu
- DAP: Joe Tatela jtatela@carrollcc.edu
- LYNX: Amanda DeRose aderose@carrollcc.edu
- PAPP: Amanda DeRose aderose@carrollcc.edu
- PTK: Sarah Star sstar@carrollcc.edu
- STEM: Jill Krebs or Jane Jones jkrebs@carrollcc.edu or jjones21@carrollcc.edu
Tassels are worn on the right side of the cap prior to the ceremony.
We encourage students to decorate their caps for the ceremony.
Graduates will be sent photo proofs by Grad Images. Information at www.gradimages.com or email giservice@gradimages.net.
To register for your ceremony photos and get a 20% discount, visit GradImages.com/Registration.
The photographer will also be available at McDaniel prior to the Commencement ceremony to take student photos.
You will receive a commemorative picture and congratulations letter from the President in a Carroll Community College diploma cover. You do not receive your actual diploma on Commencement day.
You will be emailed when your diploma is ready for pickup. August diplomas will be available in late August. December diplomas will be available in mid January. May diplomas will be available in early June.
Name, degree, and Latin honors (if applicable) appear on your diploma. Degree, major, concentration (if applicable), and Latin honors (if applicable) appear on your transcript.
Contact records@carrollcc.edu for information on obtaining a diploma reprint.
Graduates needing assistance prior to or during the ceremony may discuss their needs with the Records Office. Ceremony guests utilizing wheelchairs will be accommodated at the front of the auditorium. Please ask the ushers for direction—there is limited family seating in this area. The majority of guests should plan to sit in regular seating. Interpreters will sign during the ceremony. Interpreters will be located to the right of the stage.
If you know of family members graduating together, please email records@carrollcc.edu and let us know.
Congratulations on your accomplishments here at Carroll Community College! As a new Carroll Alumnus, you will automatically become a member of the free Carroll Alumni Association. If you do not wish to join, please email “opt-out” to alumni@carrollcc.edu. For information on the Carroll Alumni Association, click here.
Carroll Community College has three graduations, in August, December, and May, with all graduates invited to participate in the Commencement ceremony in May. August and December graduates participate in the following May Commencement ceremony.
- August graduation application deadline is August 1st.
- December graduation application deadline is December 1st.
- May graduation application deadline is March 1st for those participating in the May Commencement ceremony.
- May graduation application deadline is May 1st for those not participating in the May Commencement ceremony.
Regalia & Garb Purchase Information
Pricing
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Regalia (cap/tassel, gown, stole, and 10 graduation announcements) | $45 |
| Honor Cord | $10 |
| Additional Announcements (10/pkg) | $5.00 |
| Extra Tassel | $4.00 |
Sizing
| Height Range | Weight Range | Gown Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4’9″ – 4’11” (145 to 150 cm) | Under 175 pounds | 4’9 |
| 4’9″ – 4’11” (145 to 150 cm) | Over 175 pounds | P1 |
| 5’0″ – 5’2″ (152 to 157 cm) | Under 175 pounds | 5’0 |
| 5’0″ – 5’2″ (152 to 157 cm) | Over 175 pounds | P1 |
| 5’3″ – 5’5″ (160 to 165 cm) | Under 205 pounds | 5’3 |
| 5’3″ – 5’5″ (160 to 165 cm) | Over 205 pounds | P1A |
| 5’6″ – 5’8″ (168 to 173 cm) | Under 235 pounds | 5’6 |
| 5’6″ – 5’8″ (168 to 173 cm) | Over 235 pounds | P2 |
| 5’9″ – 5’11” (175 to 180 cm) | Under 265 pounds | 5’9 |
| 5’9″ – 5’11” (175 to 180 cm) | Over 265 pounds | P2A |
| 6’0″ – 6’2″ (183 to 188 cm) | Under 305 pounds | 6’0 |
| 6’0″ – 6’2″ (183 to 188 cm) | Over 305 pounds | P3 |
| 6’3″ – 6’5″ (191 to 196 cm) | Under 325 pounds | 6’3 |
| 6’3″ – 6’5″ (191 to 196 cm) | Over 325 pounds | P3A |
| 6’6″ – 6’8″ (199 to 204 cm) | Under 360 pounds | 6’6 |
| 6’6″ – 6’8″ (199 to 204 cm) | Over 360 pounds | P3B |
Further Questions?
For balance due questions, contact the Cashier’s Office at cashier@carrollcc.edu.