PGCC Ignited by Month Filled with Celebrations
Article by: Tabresha B. Langham
For Immediate Release
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LARGO, Md. (Oct. 30, 2018) – Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) has been in celebration mode the last couple of weeks of October. On Friday, October 19, the college celebrated its 60th anniversary at the biennial Partners for Success Gala, and the following day, October 20, PGCC President Dr. Dukes and a team of faculty and staff competed and won the Generation Hope Pancake Battle. Things didn’t slow down there. On Tuesday, October 23, the college held its annual College Professional Development and Enrichment day. Last, but not least, on Friday, October 26, the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) recognized Dr. Dukes as the Northeast CEO of the year. Dr. Dukes was also up for the national award, which was presented the same day.
The Partners for Success Gala brought together partners and friends from the region, including MGM National Harbor and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, both of whom were honored during the presentation portion of the gala. The late David H. Hillman of Southern Management Corporation was also honored; Ronald T. Frank, president and COO of Southern Management Corporation, accepted the award. The celebratory dinner and party included a surprise tribute to Dr. Dukes, whose family flew in from around the country for the 10th anniversary of her inauguration as PGCC president.
The Generation Hope Pancake Battle was a success for Dr. Dukes and PGCC faculty and staff. The team used a sweet potato recipe from Chef Edward Whitfield, who teaches culinary classes at the PGCC Culinary Arts Center that opened early this year. Dr. Dukes competed against other education celebrities, including Montgomery College president, Dr. DeRionne Pollard. The pancake battle concluded with a family-friendly brunch and raised funds to support Generation Hope’s college completion and early childhood success programs.
College Professional Development and Enrichment Day brought together faculty and staff from the main campus, as well as the college’s five degree and extension centers. The day began with a state-of-the-college address from Dr. Dukes, and concluded with various workshops ranging from professional development to personal well-being. Dr. Dukes also awarded the President’s Medal, an honor presented to an outstanding college employee, to Nancy Grinberg, program director at the Laurel College Center.
On Friday, October 26, Dr. Dukes attended the ACCT Annual Awards Gala, where she was nominated for the National Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award. The award recognizes a CEO who demonstrates commitment to excellence in advancing the community college movement. Earlier this year, ACCT recognized Dr. Dukes as the Northeast CEO of the year.
About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 40,000 individuals annually, the college is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.