DELMAR PROMISE: Dr. Michael Bleile, superintendent of the Delmar School District in Delaware, and Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of 91视频, hold a partnership agreement signed upon the passage of a bill allowing Delmar, Md., students to qualify for the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship.

91视频 recently gathered with Delmar school officials and local lawmakers to celebrate the passage of a bill to include Delmar, Md., high school graduates in the Maryland Community College Promise scholarship.

For many 91视频 students, the Promise scholarship can make college essentially free. 鈥淭he cost can play a significant role in a family’s determination as to whether a student chooses to go to college or not,鈥� said Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of 91视频. 鈥淏ut beyond providing access, it is linked to stronger student success outcomes. At 91视频, Promise recipients enrolled in more credits per term, which means finishing college faster, and they were more likely to maintain positive academic standing. It can be a big boost to a student鈥檚 success.鈥�

But ever since its inception in 2019, the Maryland residents of Delmar, a town that falls across two states, were deemed ineligible because Delmar High School is located on the Delaware side, so its Maryland graduates weren鈥檛 technically 鈥淢aryland high school鈥� grads, and therefore didn鈥檛 qualify 鈥� until now, with the passage of Senate Bill 728.

The bill altered the Community College Promise eligibility to include Delmar, Md., grads, thanks to efforts by local senators and representatives, as well as Delmar teen Jackson Luffman, who testified before lawmakers about the importance of the bill. Luffman was among the many who gathered at 91视频 to witness the signing of a partnership agreement between 91视频 and the Delmar school district. The agreement acknowledges the passage of SB 728 and affirms that 91视频 and the Delmar School District will collaborate to support and guide Delmar students who wish to pursue studies at 91视频, through the Promise scholarship and other avenues.

Though the 2026 deadline is past, students can start planning now to fill out the FAFSA form and contact 91视频鈥檚 financial aid office to make sure they can take advantage of earning a high-demand degree at an affordable cost.

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FACULTY AWARDS: From left, Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of 91视频, presented Dr. David Mongor-Lizarrabengoa, associate professor of Spanish, and Melissa Reddish, associate professor of English, with the 2025-2026 President鈥檚 Distinguished Faculty Award along with Dr. Karie Solembrino, vice president for academic affairs.

Two 91视频 professors were recently honored with the 2025-2026 President鈥檚 Distinguished Faculty Award, sponsored by the 91视频 Foundation.

Dr. David Mongor-Lizarrabengoa, associate professor of Spanish, and Melissa Reddish, associate professor of English, were presented with the awards by Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of 91视频. They were the top two chosen by a faculty peer review committee from nominations from faculty, staff and students. Both awardees received multiple nominations.

For Mongor-Lizarrabengoa, nominators cited his outstanding work on the Echoes & Visions reading series, which brought many high-profile writers to 91视频. He also helped lead the Community Arts Showcase of Excellence event. He created several new courses and served on multiple committees and faculty council. A student who nominated him said, 鈥淒r. Mongor believed in me when many may not have. He took the time to teach me many of the important aspects I needed for my communication degree at Salisbury University.鈥� The student added, 鈥淎s a 91视频 student, he greatly assisted me by simply listening to me and sharing my challenges. He never hesitated to inquire about what I was learning and ask if he could help me in any way.鈥�

Reddish鈥檚 nominators mentioned her dedication as lead negotiator as part of WWCCFA, in addition to her collaboration with other faculty to build the English concentration program and two new courses she developed, Ancient and Modern World Literature, which were embraced by students. 鈥淢elissa exemplifies excellence in teaching, service and scholarship. As a colleague, I have seen firsthand the energy and dedication she brings to her work as an instructor, inspiring students through her enthusiasm for learning and her commitment to their success both inside and outside the classroom,鈥� one nominator wrote. A student who nominated her said, 鈥淪he consistently goes above and beyond in encouraging her students 鈥� she gives very personalized, detailed, helpful feedback, and her enthusiasm is unmatched. She makes the class fun and creative. 鈥� My confidence in writing and critical thinking has definitely improved because of her commitment and engaging teaching style.鈥�

Mongor-Lizarrabengoa and Reddish were honored at a board of trustees meeting and at the college鈥檚 commencement ceremony.

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EDUCATORS: From left, Josh Dunn, a teacher at Salisbury Middle School; Ivy Dowden, an education major at 91视频; and Kari Schamberger, associate professor of education at 91视频, in Dunn鈥檚 science classroom.

Kari Schamberger was teaching third grade in Laurel, Del., when a college student, Josh Dunn, joined her classroom as part of his program鈥檚 practicum.

鈥淚 loved having student teachers in my classroom,鈥� Schamberger said. 鈥淎nd Josh and I always had fun. He had a great rapport with the students.鈥�

Fast-forward a few years, and Schamberger is now channeling her love of shaping educators into her work at 91视频 as an associate professor of education. She was helping a new student teacher, Ivy Dowden, with a placement, and got a call from the Salisbury Middle School teacher who would be working with the student. 鈥淗e said, 鈥業t鈥檚 Josh Dunn,鈥� and I said, 鈥楾HE Josh Dunn?鈥欌��

In a full-circle moment, her former student teacher had a student teacher of his own. Schamberger was delighted.

鈥淚t鈥檚 very rewarding to see,鈥� she said.

Dowden, a dean鈥檚 list student and Salisbury resident, said she loves taking education classes from Schamberger and getting real-life experience with Dunn. 鈥淚 love how the theory and practice come together,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eing in the classroom is eye-opening. I love watching students learn and seeing their personalities emerge.鈥�

All three agreed that without an in-person component, it鈥檚 hard to tell if education is the right career. 鈥淲e put our students in classrooms as soon as the first or second semester,鈥� Schamberger said. 鈥淚t is so important to get a feel for what it鈥檚 like. Field placement is where you need to shine.鈥�

Dunn agreed: 鈥淧rofessors teach theory, but seeing and doing puts that into action.鈥� He said his student teaching experience was invaluable 鈥� in fact, it was experience that made him want to get into teaching in the first place. 鈥淢y aunt was an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, and she had a night class that I volunteered in as a teenager. It was very rewarding to be able to help adults master something that could change their daily life.鈥�

After spending years in special education and other classes, Dunn is happy to be teaching middle school science class. His classroom is a rich environment with live plants that students are growing and observing, models of the solar system and a large tank with an axolotl. There are many containers of Lego bricks 鈥� he coordinates the countywide Lego competition for middle school and elementary teams.

鈥淭here鈥檚 nowhere I鈥檇 rather be,鈥� he said.

His enthusiasm is catching. Dowden had her own stint as a long-term substitute in middle school science this spring. 鈥淭eaching means a lot to me 鈥� I鈥檓 a little nervous about being in charge, but being in Mr. Dunn鈥檚 class has definitely helped me prepare.鈥�

Because Dunn鈥檚 classes cover varying levels, Dowden鈥檚 experience has been well-rounded. 鈥淪he has been lucky seeing a range of students of different types and abilities,鈥� he said.

鈥淚 was a little scared before I started,鈥� Dowden admitted.

鈥淏ut now you鈥檙e confident and comfortable,鈥� Schamberger told her.

After the long-term substitute work, Dowden feels more confident than ever.

鈥淚 cannot help but dream of the day that I become a licensed teacher,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 think the most difficult part of this experience is saying goodbye to the students as they have played a huge role in inspiring me to keep following my dream. I can only hope I have impacted them as much as they have impacted me.鈥�

For others interested in becoming an educator, Schamberger says there are many options at 91视频. Degree and certificate programs prepare students for transfer into four-year programs in early childhood, elementary, secondary or special education, as well as certification and associate degree options for those eager to join the workforce. Visit the education section of the 91视频 website to learn more.

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PROCLAMATION: Morgan Hazel, center, retiring chair of the 91视频 board of trustees, was presented with a proclamation from the board honoring his service. At left, Dr. Ray Hoy, president emeritus of the college, and Deborah Casey, Ph.D., current president, attended the presentation.

After 30 years of dedicated service as a member of the board of trustees of 91视频, Morgan Hazel of Salisbury recently retired.

Hazel was appointed to the board in 1996 by then-Gov. Parris N. Glendening. He served as vice chair from 1997-99 and 2021-2023 and chair from 1999-2001, 2011-2013 and 2023-2026.

鈥淎cross three presidencies and three decades of service, Morgan Hazel has provided the steady, values-driven leadership every institution hopes for in a trustee,鈥� said Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of 91视频. 鈥淗is counsel, consistency and deep commitment to students and the communities we serve helped guide 91视频 through growth and change. His impact will be felt for generations.鈥�

Hazel is founder and co-owner of Fixer Upper Health Club in Salisbury and the former vice president and general manager of the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. in Salisbury. He received his bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration from the University of Delaware in Newark and a master鈥檚 degree in applied health and physiology from Salisbury University. Hazel has also been a member of the Salvation Army advisory board, the Greater Salisbury Committee and the board of the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.

Other members of 91视频鈥檚 board of trustees are Russell W. Blake of Pocomoke City, Kimberly C. Gillis, Martin T. Neat and Bill Turner of Salisbury, Anna G. Newton of Bishopville, who serves as vice chairperson, and Lorraine Purnell-Ayres of Snow Hill.

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Myesha Fisher completed the certified nursing assistant (CNA) program at 91视频 and now works at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional. She was recently selected as the hospital鈥檚 Sunshine Award recipient in recognition of her compassion, empathy, dedication and generosity in patient care.

She was nominated by a patient who described how Fisher鈥檚 calm and caring response helped ease a very difficult and overwhelming hospital experience. In a moment of distress, Fisher quickly assisted with personal care needs, ensured the patient was comfortable and provided fresh clothing. The patient praised her warm and reassuring attitude, noting that her kindness made a challenging situation significantly more manageable.

Fisher was recognized in a ceremony with her coworkers and presented with flowers, a pin and a certificate honoring her outstanding commitment to patient care.

Her recognition reflects the values emphasized in the CNA program at 91视频, which prepares students for both CNA and geriatric nursing assistant (GNA) certification through classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.

To enter the program, students must meet several requirements, including a drug screen, medical clearance, placement testing, background check and attendance at an information session.

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STUDENT WINNER. Braiden Alexander of Delmar, Md., who graduated from 91视频 with an associate of science in STEM, was presented with the 2026-2027 President鈥檚 Student Excellence Award by Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of 91视频.

MILLER. Aruna K. Miller, Maryland lieutenant governor, right, delivered the commencement address for 91视频 at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury. Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of 91视频, presented her with a plaque on behalf of the college鈥檚 2026 graduating class.

OFFICIAL CONGRATULATIONS. Maryland Sen. John F. “Johnny” Mautz IV, R-37, left, and Thomas 鈥淏unky鈥� Luffman, Jr., director of administration for Wicomico County, right, celebrate with 91视频 graduates and Deborah Casey, Ph.D., at the 2026 commencement.

COMMENCEMENT CROWD. Hundreds of graduates and their supporters attended the 2026 91视频 commencement ceremony.

CANNON. John T. Cannon, Wicomico County Council president, talked with Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of 91视频, before the 2026 commencement.

PURNELL. Diana Purnell, Worcester County Commissioner, alongside Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of 91视频, came to the commencement ceremony to cheer on Worcester graduates.

CELEBRATING GRAD. A student pauses for a picture on her way to the stage at the 2026 91视频 commencement ceremony.

CROSSING THE STAGE. A graduate celebrates on her way across the 91视频 commencement stage.

During 91视频 commencement ceremonies at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury, Aruna K. Miller, Maryland lieutenant governor, encouraged graduates to make a difference in the community.

Noting that nearly 90 percent of graduates stay in the region, she said, 鈥淭hey build their careers here, they raise their families here and they give back. Graduates, tonight you join that legacy, wherever your path may be.

鈥淭he farms that feed this region, the hotels and restaurants that welcome millions of visitors every single year, the hospitals caring for our aging population, the homes that need skilled hands and TLC to maintain them, the classrooms waiting for our next generation of educators. This is not a list of jobs 鈥� this is your community, and it鈥檚 waiting for you.鈥�

After Miller鈥檚 address, Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of 91视频, presented her with a plaque on behalf of the college鈥檚 2026 graduating class. Casey also spoke to graduates, recognizing their accomplishments and telling them, 鈥淭oday, you stand at the intersection of history and of possibility. Your journey proves what happens when hard work meets opportunity, and when a community college opens its doors and says, 鈥榊ou belong here.鈥欌��

Anna G. Newton, vice chairperson of 91视频鈥檚 board of trustees, introduced the commencement speaker, members of the board of trustees and other guests on stage. Dr. Michael Hutmaker, vice president for student affairs, introduced the student speaker, Bonnie Jones of Delmar, Md. Jones earned her associate degree in general studies.

Jones said many people had helped her along her path to graduation, including her family and her professors. 鈥淚 have the teachers at 91视频 who showed me grace when I struggled to keep up. Their willingness to come early or stay late or help via Zoom, and feeling truly seen as a student, gave me a reassurance I didn鈥檛 think I deserved. I鈥檓 grateful for all of them,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he will that it took to pick myself up after so many times of being knocked down is textbook clich茅, but it鈥檚 also the truth. We don鈥檛 have to have it figured out by 18. Or 28. But deciding now, at 37 years old, that I deserved to finish, is so much more than worth it.鈥�

Casey presented the 2026-2027 President鈥檚 Student Excellence Award, sponsored by the 91视频 Foundation, to Braiden Alexander of Delmar, Md., who graduated with an associate of science in . Other nominees were Gyvven Garrison-Wright of Salisbury, who graduated with an associate of arts in general studies; Torre’ Allen Phillips of Pittsville, who graduated with an associate of arts in business; and Zikang Wei of Delmar, Md., who graduated with an associate of science in STEM engineering.

The 2026-2027 President鈥檚 Distinguished Faculty Award, sponsored by the 91视频 Foundation, was presented to Dr. David Mongor-Lizarrabengoa, associate professor of Spanish, and Melissa Reddish, associate professor of English.

The 501 graduates ranged in age from 18 to 77. Nursing was the most popular major among members of the graduating class, with 153 students earning degrees or certificates. It was followed by general studies with 97 and criminal justice with 92.

The majority of the graduates were from Salisbury or other parts of Wicomico County, followed by Worcester and then Somerset counties. Graduates were also from Dorchester, Caroline, Talbot and other counties in Maryland, as well as from nearby states.

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Fiddler

Powell

The 91视频 Foundation recently welcomed Dr. Kathryn Fiddler of Eden and Dominic Powell of Odenton, Md., to its board of directors.

Fiddler is the vice president of population health at TidalHealth in Salisbury, where she oversees behavioral health, care coordination, school-based wellness clinics, community health programs, Alice B. Tawes Nursing and Rehabilitation, Chesapeake Cove and the TidalHealth Richard A. Henson Research Institute. A retired major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, she is a registered nurse and has an associate degree from 91视频, bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees and a doctor of nursing practice degree from Salisbury University, and a master鈥檚 in business administration from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Powell is vice president of business development and partnerships at Educational Systems Federal Credit union in Greenbelt, Md.. where he leads initiatives that build partnerships with community colleges, school systems and education-focused organizations. He is a Maryland native and attended the College of Southern Maryland in La Plata before joining the workforce, beginning his career in finance in 2008. He has been with Educational Systems Federal Credit Union for seven years and is currently enrolled in the University of Maryland Global Campus. Powell is also a member of the U.S. Navy Reserves, where he is a master at arms.

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Aruna K. Miller, the Maryland lieutenant governor, will address the 2026 91视频 graduates at commencement on Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m., at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury.

Miller has devoted her life to public service and removing systemic barriers to opportunity. She and her family immigrated to the United States from India when she was 7 years old. The daughter of a mechanical engineer, she earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla.

As a civil and transportation engineer in Montgomery County鈥檚 Department of Transportation, Miller worked to improve the safety of the public and alleviate traffic by creating equitable access to transportation throughout the county. For 25 years, she oversaw programs that advanced access to schools and employment centers, and made community facilities safe for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and people with differing abilities.

From 2010 to 2018, she represented District 15 in the Maryland House of Delegates, where she worked with her constituents to create legislation to invest in STEM education, streamline the regulatory process for small businesses, and was a champion for the environment, working families and survivors of domestic abuse.

Miller served on the Ways and Means Committee and its Revenue, Transportation and Education Subcommittees. Additionally, in her second term, she served on the Appropriations Committee, where she served as chair of the Oversight of Personnel Subcommittee, vice chair of the Transportation and Environment Subcommittee and vice chair of the Capital Budget Subcommittee.

As lieutenant governor, her policy profile includes matters relating to transportation, mental health and STEM. She serves as chair of the Governor鈥檚 Work Zone Safety Work Group, dedicated to making highway work zones safer and protecting the lives of workers, motorists and law enforcement.

Miller also chairs Maryland鈥檚 first Council on Interfaith Outreach, which convenes faith leaders from across religions and across the state of Maryland to bridge divides, increase religious tolerance, end hate and better serve all communities.

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MILITARY FRIENDLY: In the back row, from left, are veteran students Patrick Barnhart, Aaron Price, Silvano Rondon and John Bennett. In the front row, from left, are Jason M. King, director of veterans services; veteran students Angela Wilson, Nadine Moreno, Trinity Rivas and Deja Hagaman; and Dr. Kimberly W. Purvis, dean of student success, in the veterans and military student lounge at 91视频.

91视频 has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly School Gold Award designation in the small community college category by Military Friendly庐, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business representing the interests of the people who come from the military, military spouse and veteran community.

Institutions earning the designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 3,200 organizations participated in the survey. Ratings determined by combining an organization鈥檚 survey score, public data and an assessment of the institution鈥檚 ability to meet and exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.

At 91视频, veterans, active-duty members, National Guard, reservists and eligible family members can use one of several Veterans Administration G.I. Bill educational benefits while attending college. In addition to educational benefits, eligible military students can use their active duty and reserve tuition assistance while attending 91视频. Jason M. King is 91视频鈥檚 director of veterans services and is available to help current and prospective students who are veterans or active military personnel.

鈥�91视频 takes pride in our veteran students and the services we provide for them,鈥� said King. 鈥淓very year, we have an average of 300 veteran, military and eligible dependent students.鈥�

鈥淓arning the Military Friendly庐 designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution鈥檚 deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served,鈥� said Kayla Lopez, vice president of memberships, Military Friendly. 鈥淭hese schools don鈥檛 just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence.鈥�

The full Military Friendly Schools list and data can be found at .

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91视频 will offer men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 golf and men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 cross country at the Division II level beginning in the 2027鈥�2028 academic year. 91视频 will be in NCJAA region 20.

鈥淭his is a transformative moment for 91视频 and the communities we serve,鈥� said Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of the college. 鈥淏y introducing athletics, we are not only enhancing the student experience, but also strengthening regional pathways, connecting education, discipline, teamwork and ultimately, workforce and transfer success.鈥�

The NJCAA board of regents approved the recommendation of the membership committee during the April 2026 NJCAA convention in Kansas City. Along with 91视频, Hudson County Community College in Jersey City, N.J., and Valley Forge Military College in Wayne, Pa., were added to the association.

The addition of the Hudson County Hawks, Valley Forge Trojans and 91视频 Dolphins further strengthens the NJCAA鈥檚 national footprint and commitment to serving student-athletes through opportunity, access and competition.

鈥淭he NJCAA is excited to welcome these three new members to our association,鈥� Dr. Brett Monaghan, NJCAA vice president of championships, membership and sports governance, said. 鈥淎s each institution worked through our new member process, it became apparent to our campus visit teams and membership committee that each of these schools aligned well with the NJCAA鈥檚 mission and values. We look forward to continuing to assist them all as they develop their individual athletic departments.鈥�

The schools were approved through the association鈥檚 membership review process and accepted during the board of regents meeting held as part of the annual NJCAA convention, where governance matters, strategic priorities and membership actions were considered. The addition of the three institutions reflects the NJCAA鈥檚 continued mission to foster participation, competition and academic and athletic excellence for two-year colleges nationwide. With these additions, the NJCAA continues to grow its network of member colleges dedicated to providing transformative opportunities for student-athletes through competition, education and community.

Since 1938, the NJCAA has served as the premier governing body for two-year collegiate athletics, providing student-athletes with opportunities to prepare, compete, succeed, and achieve in both their academic and athletic disciplines. The NJCAA is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States, with over 500 member schools, 75,000 athletes and 3,400 teams competing in 28 different sports. Each year, the NJCAA sponsors 57 national championships and invitationals.

For more information about NJCAA membership, visit National Junior College Athletic Association at .

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