Ervin’s Message to MC Graduates: ‘Do Good and Be Nice’ (Video)

“Do good” and “be nice” were among the tips Valerie Ervin, former Montgomery County Councilmember and current director of the Center for Working Families, gave graduates of Montgomery College during her commencement speech to the class of 2014.

Ervin talked about how she got her start in public service and how her persistence and education helped her attain her goals.

See Ervin’s speech in its entirety here:

Ervin’s policy accomplishments include raising the minimum wage, expanding universal prekindergarten, establishing the nation’s first countywide food recovery network, increasing childcare subsidies, improving childhood nutrition, expanding universal breakfast programs, and developing models for closing the achievement gap.

She served as chair of the Montgomery County Council’s Education Committee, where she was an advocate for Montgomery College and its mission to provide postsecondary educational opportunities to students who are often the first in the families to attend college.

The commencement ceremony also featured speeches by four graduating students who have been selected as the College’s Board of Trustees Scholars. The scholars, who earn an award for future tuition or educational costs, represent each of the three campuses and Workforce Development & Continuing Education.

This year’s Board of Trustees Scholars are:
Casey Barry, Workforce Development & Continuing Education Apprenticeship Scholar
Lisa Baughman, Germantown Campus Scholar
Lacey Hornkohl, Rockville Campus Scholar
Samuel Damesa, Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus Scholar

Honorary Degrees were awarded to:
Judithe A. Clark
Gustavo Torres
Dr. and Mrs. Adi Shmueli
Valerie Ervin
For more information about commencement, visit the Montgomery College website here.

About Valerie Bonk

Valerie Bonk is a multimedia reporter and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media (MCM).

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