[music]
DR. POLLARD >> Dr. Harden had a true passion
for bringing together students of
all ethnicities. Today's event truly recognizes
and honors him and
embodies the college mission
of empowering students to change their lives
and then also
thereby enriching the life of our community
and as I look at this extremely
diverse set of students who are accomplished
who are determined, I know that Dr. Harden’s
vision is being carried out each and every
day in our classrooms, in our laboratories,
in our community engagement centers
and in so many other places that
Montgomery College operates.
JONATHAN JAYES-GREEN >> I loved my time
here at Montgomery College
because it became clear very
quickly to me that this is a place
unlike any other.
JUDITH MARTINEZ >> Montgomery College is a very
very special place
in this world especially.
A place where all are invited to thrive
and all are equipped to be fit for survival.
In a world where other institutions are weeding
out essential contributors in a race for survival
of the fittest.
MC has got it all figured out
as a place of inclusion.
[music]
DR. HRABOWSKI >> Just ten years ago
I got up in front of an
audience and said, “the time will come
very soon when you will have to comb your hair
before you answer your phone.”
and everybody laughed and
yet how many of you have Facetime now?
Right?
And so what am I saying? the world is changing
dramatically what makes you so special is
that you're learning how to think critically
DR. POLLARD >> You're brilliant.
you're strong and more importantly you have
beat goals for yourself
and we are so privileged
at Montgomery College to be a part of
your journey and a part of your narrative.
DR> BROWN >> These individuals have achieved
an outstanding 3.5 or higher grade point
average in both the previous two semesters
of the 449 students
meeting this rigorous criteria
149 have achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA
not one semester, but both semesters.
JONATHAN JAYES-GREEN >> Celebrate your
achievements in a big way because
you're not just celebrating yourself but
also the labor of love of those who
support you and love you
DR. POLLARD>> You represent the best
of what we do at Montgomery
College you are ambitious you are talented
and you have aspiration for your future.
JONATHAN JAYES-GREEN >> I have a sense
that you have some big goals
and dreams for yourselves and for all of us
and you have a responsibility to all of us
to pursue them.
DR. HRABOWSKI >> and there is the essence
of education.
You should just be smart enough right
now to know wow
I've got so much more to know so
the idea of continuing to learn is really important.
SADIQ ALI >> if you ever ask yourself
what can you do?
Then I want you to go back and ask yourself
the question what am I doing every single
day to build great relationships
with those around me?
What am i doing every single day to chase
experiences and not just stuff?
JUDITH MARTINEZ >> Look around you
107 nationalities under one roof
Take it all in because when I see
you I see not only a beautiful tapestry
of lived experiences
and inclusive excellence,
but also the future decision makers,
boardroom chiefs, and the
future of America.
SADIQ ALI >> We're gonna need some folks
behind us, some
young people behind us that truly believe
in what it means to be a servant leader.
DR. CAIN >> We need more
peacemakers, more healers, more
visionaries, more problem solvers.
We need you, the world needs you.
JUDITH MARTINEZ >> We expect nothing
short of extraordinary from each of you.
Why?
Because you're bright and exceptional.
Go forth and forge your path
because if it is to be, it is up to me.
As I stated in my opening
I'm no world-renowned anything
but one day I could
be and so could you.
Dare, Dream, Do