The College will award 189 associate degrees and 58 certificates. Some students will receive more than one degree or certificate. The top two degrees by discipline that will be awarded are registered nurse (57 degrees) and general studies (50 degrees). Students will also receive degrees in arts and sciences transfer, business administration transfer, business and commerce technology, computer information systems, education, electronics technology, law enforcement and corrections, and visual communications.

Forty-eight of the 58 certificates will be awarded in visual communications. Students will also receive certificates in business and commerce technology and computer information systems.

This year's commencement marks the first ceremony since the college changed its name on July 1, 2007, and students were given the option of having "Cecil Community College" or "Cecil College" imprinted on their diplomas. Only 14 of the 206 students chose Cecil Community College, while the other 192 requested diplomas with the name Cecil College.

Fifty-two percent of this year's class graduated from Cecil County high schools and 83 percent (171 students) are Cecil County residents. Sixty-two percent of the class (128 students) is 20 to 29 years old and 22 percent (45 students) is 30 to 39. Two students are less than 20 years old, 19 students are in their 40s, and 12 are in their 50s. Sixty-four percent of the 206 candidates are female (131 students).

Tickets for "Aida," which are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and $10 for children 12 and younger and groups of 10 or more, can be purchased by phone at 410-287-1037, at the Milburn Stone Theatre box office, or online at www.milburnstone.org. The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

The Gallery in The Milburn Stone Theatre is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by special appointment. It is also open during events in the Milburn Stone Theatre. The Elkton Station Gallery, at 107 Railroad Ave. in Elkton, Md., is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. For more information, call 410-287-1023.

Cecil College offers an arts and sciences transfer degree arts option with discipline tracks in pottery/ceramics, drawing/painting, and graphic design. The program helps students to prepare for transfer to four-year colleges, initial employment or career advancement in design, pottery, art education, art administration, fine arts production, exhibition and sales.

The 138,000-ton, 3,114-guest Explorer of the Seas offers more space for every passenger plus enhanced staterooms, expanded dining options and recreational facilities. Ship highlights include an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, inline skating, themed bars and lounges, Casino Royale, golf simulators, miniature golf, Adventure Ocean youth facilities, ShipShape Day Spa and Fitness Center, and a full-size basketball court. You can also take a walk down the Royal Promenade - Main Street U.S.A. right in the middle of the ocean.

Take advantage of the early booking, cruise-only rates from $749 per person for an interior stateroom and $1049 for oceanview, based on double occupancy. Interior promenade staterooms, balcony staterooms and suites are also available. All rates include shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, most meals, some beverages, most onboard entertainment, and a $50 tax-deductible donation per person to the Cecil College Alumni Association. Government taxes and fees are additional.

"This is a great opportunity to cruise on an amazing ship from a port close to home while helping to support the college." said Kelly Jackson, Cecil College development and alumni coordinator. Departing from Bayonne, the ship will head southeast on the Atlantic Ocean for a full day of cruising en route to Kings Wharf, Bermuda, where guests will have ample opportunity to explore thanks to an overnight docking of more than 30 hours on the island. One more full day on the ocean awaits the passengers as the Explorer of the Seas makes its return to the Garden State.

Although the ship offers a plethora of activities enabling you to be as active as you want to be, King's Wharf has something for everyone. Sample typical island food and stroll through the shops and museums of the Royal Naval Dockyard, an impressive military fortress built in 1815. Sail the clear waters of Hamilton Sound. Find quaint gems at the Bermuda Arts Center and Craft Market. If that's not enough, a snorkel park and water sport facility offer hours of activities to the adventuresome.

Reservations are being handled by Adam Kamras, Hill Travel Centre outside agent. To reserve your stateroom, or for more information, call 410-463-9803 or send an e-mail to akamras@comcast.net.

Below are basic guidelines published by the Center for Disease Control for our students and staff. These CDC measures include:

• Practicing good hygiene (e.g., keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer)
  
• Covering skin abrasions or cuts with a clean, dry bandage
  
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors that come in contact with bare skin
  
• Maintain a clean environment particularly around frequently touched surfaces.
  

For additional information on MRSA you may visit the Web sites below:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsal/DS00735

Cecil College is committed to the safety of our College and community. We will continue to keep you informed of any concerns and issues around this infectious disease.