CHESAPEAKE CITY, Md: The 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation recognized new members of its Socrates Society during its annual inductees鈥� luncheon held Tuesday, June 2, at Schaefer’s Canal House in Chesapeake City.

The event celebrated individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to the future of 第一吃瓜网 College. Socrates Society members are the College鈥檚 most committed donors, helping to ensure that future generations of students will have access to educational opportunities, scholarships, and programs that strengthen the community. To find out how you can become a member, please call 410.287.1146.

This year鈥檚 inductees are Jeanne Parry, Robert H. Hodge, Jr., Ruth Jamison, Amie Speer, Aliyah Williams-Pugh, Dee Becker, Emily Falone, Jim Falone, Elizabeth Hodge, Robert H. Hodge, Sr.

Foundation leaders thanked the inductees for their generosity and vision, noting that planned gifts create a lasting impact on the College’s ability to serve students for years to come. The luncheon also provided an opportunity for members and Foundation representatives to gather in recognition of the important role philanthropy plays in advancing higher education in 第一吃瓜网 County.

The 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting 第一吃瓜网 College students, raises funds for scholarships, instructional resources, professional development, capital projects, and other educational initiatives. Through planned giving, donors leave a legacy that continues to benefit students and the College long into the future.

The annual Socrates Society luncheon serves as both a celebration of new inductees and a tribute to those whose foresight and generosity help sustain the mission of 第一吃瓜网 College.

Photo Caption: L to R: Jeanne Parry, Robert H. Hodge, Jr., Ruth Jamison (Hart鈥檚 Methodist Church), Amie Speer (Hart鈥檚 Methodist Church), Aliyah Williams-Pugh (Great Wolf Lodge), Dee Becker (Great Wolf Lodge), Emily Falone, Jim Falone, Elizabeth Hodge, Robert H. Hodge, Sr.

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The 第一吃瓜网 Leadership Institute provides a framework where existing and emerging business, government, and tourism leaders engage, collaborate, and commit to 第一吃瓜网 County鈥檚 ongoing development. This unique learning opportunity provides participants with diverse perspectives on community growth and prosperity issues in addition to valuable time to share best practices and network.

The Class of 2026 heard words of inspiration from 第一吃瓜网 College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt and Interim Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Dr. Gladys Ramirez-Wrease. The keynote speaker was Colonel Troy S. Johnson, Commander of the U.S. Army Garrison at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

The 15-week program offers participants unparalleled access to leaders from organizations such as Northrop Grumman, IKEA in Perryville, W. L. Gore & Associates, Bohemia Bees, Broken Spoke Winery, Warwick Mushrooms, Stafford Angus, Great Wolf Lodge, Wildcat Point Generation Facility, and 第一吃瓜网 College. Throughout the program, participants strengthen their leadership and management skills, build meaningful professional networks, and engage directly with influential thought leaders across 第一吃瓜网 County to gain insight into a variety of leadership styles and organizational strategies. Participants also put their learning into action through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including the planning and execution of a community service project. By investing in its leaders, 第一吃瓜网 Leadership creates lasting value for participants, their organizations, and the broader community while helping shape a stronger future for 第一吃瓜网 County.

The Class of 2026 includes: Emily Armington, Youth Empowerment Source; Matthew Baylis, 第一吃瓜网 College; Maria D. Donnelly, Faith, Hope and Joy Ministries; Megan E. Frunzi, 第一吃瓜网 County Public Schools; Sara Garbarino, The ARC Northern Chesapeake Region; Priscilla Garvin, 第一吃瓜网 County Public Library; Malik J. Grace, 第一吃瓜网 County Office of Economic Development; Brian Hampton, Retired/第一吃瓜网 County Public Schools Board of Education; Veronika Hedrington, Frederick Ward Associates; Jacob Herman, 第一吃瓜网 County Office of Economic Development; Patty Jarrell, Visiting Angels of Harford and 第一吃瓜网 Counties; Sam Kelly, The Good Dog Foundation; Jennifer Martin, 第一吃瓜网 County Public Library; Mary McIntire, 第一吃瓜网 County Housing Agency; Stacey K. Mehaffey, Hollywood Casino Perryville; Dr. Amy Ocasio, Live For Thomas Foundation; John Peer, Perryville Police Department; Catherine H. Peloquin, Chesapeake Care Resources; Holly Preston, The ARC Northern Chesapeake Region; Robert Royster, 第一吃瓜网 County Government; Raschelle Sevilla-Castro, APG Federal Credit Union; Melissa C. Stamper, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation; Brian Strong, APG Federal Credit Union; Connie Thayer, 第一吃瓜网 County Government.

To learn more about the 第一吃瓜网 Leadership Institute and join the network of leaders who are building the future, contact Laurie Raphael at lraphael@nullcecil.edu or (443) 907-1376. Visit cecil.edu/CLI.

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The induction ceremony took place in the Technology Center’s conference room on the North East Campus, where the Hall of Fame committee – comprising alumni, current coaches, and staff – bestowed honors upon seven exceptional individuals: Victor Akinyanju, Jeff Bonsall, Sean Grugan, Jason Rust, Alexis Stubblefield, Brittanie (Walter) Krauss, and Craig Winder.

The Hall of Fame recognizes excellence across several categories, including student-athletes, coaches, administrators, teams, and community supporters. Inductees were selected based on criteria such as exceptional athletic performance, leadership, sportsmanship, and meaningful contributions to the success and growth of 第一吃瓜网 College athletics.

The Class of 2026 include:

Victor Akinyanju 鈥� Men鈥檚 Basketball (2002鈥�2005)

Victor Akinyanju established himself as one of the most dominant rebounders and defensive forces in 第一吃瓜网 College men鈥檚 basketball history. During his time with the Seahawks, he averaged 9.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game, both program records, and finished his career as the program鈥檚 all-time leader in total rebounds (619) and blocks (179). Akinyanju also contributed 661 career points while helping lead the Seahawks to two Region 20 championships, one Maryland JUCO Conference championship, and two appearances in the NJCAA National Tournament. His performance earned him All-Region 20 and All-Maryland JUCO Conference honors.

After 第一吃瓜网, Akinyanju continued his career at Quinnipiac University, where he played in 49 games and averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. During one standout performance, he set a program record with 22 free throw attempts in a single game while also collecting 21 rebounds, tied for the second-highest single-game total in Quinnipiac history.

Jeff Bonsall 鈥� Baseball (1982鈥�1984)

Jeff Bonsall was a standout pitcher for the Seahawks during the 1983 and 1984 seasons, leading the team in wins in both years. His dominance on the mound placed him among the top five in program history for career wins and strikeouts. Bonsall earned All-Maryland JUCO Conference honors and was a two-time All-Region 20 selection during his career at 第一吃瓜网.

In 1984, Bonsall鈥檚 success culminated with NJCAA All-American recognition and selection in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Following his playing career, he remained closely connected to the sport by founding Bonsall Bats, a company that supplies bats to Major League organizations, collegiate programs, and youth leagues.

Sean Grugan 鈥� Athletic Trainer (2001鈥�2016)

Sean Grugan dedicated 15 years to 第一吃瓜网 College as an athletic trainer, providing essential support to countless student-athletes across multiple sports. Throughout his tenure, he played a vital role in maintaining the mental and physical well-being of 第一吃瓜网 athletes, helping them recover from injuries and remain prepared for competition.

In addition to his responsibilities in sports medicine, Grugan frequently assisted with the upkeep of 第一吃瓜网鈥檚 athletic facilities, including the courts and playing fields. His behind-the-scenes efforts and unwavering commitment to student-athlete health made him a valued and respected member of the 第一吃瓜网 College athletics community.

Jason Rust 鈥� Baseball (2001鈥�2003)

Jason Rust delivered one of the most prolific offensive careers in 第一吃瓜网 College baseball history. Playing outfield for the Seahawks during the 2002 and 2003 seasons, he compiled a remarkable .476 career batting average with 32 home runs and 123 RBIs. As a freshman, Rust led the entire NJCAA with a .514 batting average and 21 home runs. He followed that performance with a sophomore season in which he hit .450 with 57 RBIs and 11 home runs.

Rust earned All-Maryland JUCO Conference and All-Region 20 honors in both seasons and still ranks second all-time in career home runs at 第一吃瓜网. He later played at Delaware State University before finishing his collegiate career at Wilmington University, where he set numerous program records, including marks for hits, runs, RBIs, total bases, and home runs in a single game. Rust also became the first player in Wilmington history to complete a home run cycle in one game and earned NCAA Division II First Team ABCA All-American honors.

Alexis Stubblefield 鈥� Women鈥檚 Basketball (2015鈥�2018)

Alexis Stubblefield was a key leader for the 第一吃瓜网 College women鈥檚 basketball program during the 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 seasons. A two-year team captain, she earned All-Maryland JUCO Conference and All-Region 20 honors while helping guide the Seahawks to a 44鈥�15 record across two seasons, including back-to-back 20-win campaigns.

Stubblefield played a pivotal role in 第一吃瓜网鈥檚 2018 Region 20 Division II championship run, earning Tournament MVP honors while helping lead the team to the first NJCAA National Championship tournament appearance in program history. She finished her 第一吃瓜网 career with 714 points, 206 rebounds, 146 assists, and 96 steals, averaging 14.1 points per game during her sophomore season. After 第一吃瓜网, she continued her academic journey at Goldey-Beacom College and George Mason University and now works for the United States Government.

Brittanie (Walter) Krauss 鈥� Women鈥檚 Soccer & Softball (2009鈥�2011)

Brittanie (Walter) Krauss excelled as a two-sport student-athlete at 第一吃瓜网 College, competing in both women鈥檚 soccer and softball from 2009 to 2011. On the soccer field, she was a two-year starter at defender, scoring four goals and earning All-Region 20 honors during her sophomore season.

Krauss also made a significant impact on the softball diamond as a two-year starting catcher. She was a two-time All-Maryland JUCO Conference and All-Region 20 selection while batting .445 with 72 runs and 71 RBIs during her career. Her offensive production included 17 doubles, seven triples, and seven home runs. Krauss helped lead the Seahawks to two Maryland JUCO and Region 20 championships and two NJCAA National Tournament appearances, while also earning NJCAA All-Academic honors twice. She later earned both her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees from Goldey-Beacom College and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Finance and Human Resources at the institution.

Craig Winder 鈥� Men鈥檚 Basketball (2002鈥�2005)

Craig Winder was a standout performer for 第一吃瓜网 College men鈥檚 basketball and one of the program鈥檚 most accomplished scorers. During his time with the Seahawks, he helped lead the team to a Maryland JUCO Conference championship and two Region 20 titles, as well as two NJCAA National Tournament appearances. As a sophomore, he was named to the NJCAA All-Tournament Team and earned First Team NJCAA All-American honors.

Winder finished his 第一吃瓜网 career with 1,138 points, ranking seventh in program history, while also recording 275 rebounds, 147 assists, and 134 steals. He continued his collegiate career at the University of Texas, where he played alongside future NBA players Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, and P.J. Tucker. Winder later played professionally from 2008 to 2011 across several leagues, including the NBA G League, Australia, China, and Mexico. One of the highlights of his professional career came during the 2009鈥�2010 season when he helped the Rio Grande Valley Vipers win the NBA G League championship, hitting the game-winning shot in Game 2 of the finals to secure the title.

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NORTH EAST, Md: 第一吃瓜网 College is proud to announce that freshman Jah Dean has been selected as the recipient of the Donald J. Waldon Memorial Scholarship and was honored during the 49th annual scholarship banquet hosted by听Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.听at the听Water鈥檚 Edge Event Center.

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The $3,500 scholarship honors the legacy of Edgar 鈥淒uty鈥� Hevelow, a longtime advocate for agriculture and conservation in 第一吃瓜网 County. The scholarship will provide ongoing support to local students pursuing studies in environmental and agricultural fields at 第一吃瓜网 College.

鈥淭his scholarship was established in part to spark greater interest in agricultural studies and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in conservation and environmental stewardship,鈥� said 第一吃瓜网 Soil Conservation District Coordinator Tracey L. Rach.

Hevelow served on the 第一吃瓜网 Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors from 1972 to 2013, dedicating more than four decades to advancing conservation practices and supporting the agricultural community. His work with the district spanned nearly his entire 60-year farming career.

Among his many contributions, Hevelow encouraged landowners to collaborate on a drainage relief project that helped address severe flooding concerns in the Warwick-第一吃瓜网ton community. He also played a key role in educational outreach and in construction activities for conservation. In the early 1990s, Hevelow became the first farmer in the Delmarva region to install a series of water and sediment control basin structures that continue to function today.

Throughout his career, Hevelow implemented numerous best management practices on his farm, including grassed waterways, grade stabilization structures, sediment control ponds, and stream crossings. These efforts helped demonstrate the value of conservation-focused farming practices and left a lasting impact on the region.

The new scholarship will support 第一吃瓜网 County residents pursuing programs related to natural resources and conservation, including agricultural and environmental studies. Eligible students must be residents of 第一吃瓜网 County and pursue coursework in a conservation-related field such as Agricultural Sciences, Horticultural Science, or Ecology.

第一吃瓜网 College offers several programs aligned with these fields. The Agricultural Sciences Associate of Applied Science degree includes concentrations in Agriculture and Agribusiness and prepares students for careers in farming, agricultural business, and environmental management or transfer to a four-year institution. The Associate of Science Biological Sciences provides students with concentrations in Biology or Environmental Science.

The College also offers two certificate programs related to the agricultural and natural resources industries. The Horticultural Science Certificate prepares graduates for careers in landscaping, nurseries, garden centers, and grounds maintenance. The Equine Studies Certificate focuses on horse care and management.

The 第一吃瓜网 Soil Conservation District works closely with educators as a resource for agricultural classes and community initiatives such as Ag Day in 第一吃瓜网 County. The district sponsors three scholarships supporting local students through partnerships with 第一吃瓜网 County Public Schools, the 第一吃瓜网 County School of Technology, and 第一吃瓜网 College, and works with organizations such as the Upper Bay Ruritan Club to support agricultural education.

Those interested in supporting this scholarship and helping transform the lives of 第一吃瓜网 County students can make a tax-deductible gift to the 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation. For more information or to donate, visit听cecil.edu/donate听or contact the 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation at听foundation@nullcecil.edu.

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鈥淭he 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation is honored to lead this transformative campaign in partnership with the Milburn Stone Theatre, driving forward this vital upgrade and elevating the experience for every patron from the moment they step into the space,鈥� said Karen Uricoli, Executive Director of the 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation & Alumni Development.

Donors may participate in seat dedication opportunities at $850 for one seat, $1,500 for two seats, and $2,500 for four seats, with aisle seats available for an additional $150 per seat. Donors contributing more than $250 will also be invited to a special one-night-only 鈥淥pening Night Concert,鈥� dedication ceremony, and reception celebrating the newly renovated space in late Summer 2026, with the date to be announced. All gifts to the 鈥淭ake Your Seat鈥� campaign are fully tax-deductible, and no gift is too small.

Discover how your contribution can make a meaningful impact and explore the perks of supporting the Take Your Seat Campaign by visiting . You can also contact Daniel Combs, Managing Director of the Milburn Stone Theatre, at dcombs@nullcecil.edu, or 410-287-1037.

鈥淲ith the support of generous donors and patrons of the arts, we have an exciting opportunity to enhance the experience through new seating, a refreshed look, improved house lighting, and upgraded lobby, concessions, and restroom amenities,鈥� said Daniel Combs, Managing Director of the Milburn Stone Theatre.

This campaign represents not only a renovation, but an investment in the future of the arts in 第一吃瓜网 County. With community support, the Milburn Stone Theatre aims to continue inspiring audiences and serving as a leading home for community arts in the region for decades to come.

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Professor鈥疜elleher served at 第一吃瓜网 College from 2017 until 2025. He was deeply committed to learning, meaningful conversation, and service to others.

鈥淧rofessor John Paul Kelleher’s kindness towards his students and passion for history not only rebuilt my self-confidence as a returning adult student, but it also showed me how to be a truly great teacher. I have become a more forgiving and understanding person who hopes to inspire people as a history teacher, just like Professor Kelleher inspired me,鈥� said Scott Simpson, a recent 第一吃瓜网 College graduate.

Professor鈥疜elleher鈥檚 wealth of knowledge and compassion inspired both students and colleagues. Professor Kelleher understood that for human beings to thrive in the present, we must understand our shared past. In that spirit, the Memorial Scholarship is designed听to carry forward his mission by supporting students who demonstrate enthusiasm for the study of history, with special preference for those intending to teach history or pursue related fields.

Professor Kelleher鈥檚 dedication to education began when he earned a B.A. in History from Drew University with a minor in Russian. He went on to complete an M.A. in Soviet and Russian History from Indiana University and to achieve ABD status in American Urban History at Loyola University Chicago.

His education laid the foundation for what became both his profession and his calling. He brought a global perspective and rich experience to his teaching: from working at the Moscow Energy Institute in the former Soviet Union, to teaching English as a Second Language in the Czech Republic, to teaching high school social studies in New鈥痀ork, Madrid, and Berlin, and finally to higher education instruction beginning in 2009 and culminating in his eight鈥憏ear tenure at 第一吃瓜网 College.

This scholarship supports students with an expressed enthusiasm for the study of history, giving preference to those with an intention to teach history or pursue related fields. They must have taken at least one history class at 第一吃瓜网 College and earned a GPA of鈥�3.0 or higher in that course. Recipients will be selected based not only on academic performance, but also on their expressed commitment to history, service, and education.

Donors who wish to honor Professor Kelleher鈥檚 legacy and support future generations of history educators and scholars may contribute online at or by check payable to 鈥湹谝怀怨贤� College Foundation,鈥� sent to: 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation, 1鈥疭eahawk鈥疍rive, North鈥疎ast,鈥疢D鈥�21901.

The 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation is now accepting applications for the Fall鈥�2026 academic year. Interested students may apply for this and other Foundation scholarships by visiting www.cecil.edu/scholarships.

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鈥淎s a civic club, we want to invest in the young people within the community. Hopefully they will return to the community after college to do great things in their careers. We encourage students to take stock in the opportunities and the challenges that rural communities such as ours face. We look at students as the next generation that will carry on this good work for future generations of folks,鈥� said Upper Bay Ruritan Club President Jeremy Rothwell.

The scholarships have played a crucial role in helping students earn degrees that will not only enrich their lives but also contribute to the prosperity of 第一吃瓜网 County. The recipients are studying fields such as nursing, elementary education, and general education.

Among the five 第一吃瓜网 College students receiving a scholarship from the club was sophomore Addie Sample, who will complete the pre-requisite courses this fall in order to apply for the nursing program in January.

鈥淚 had the opportunity to shadow my friend’s mom at Christiana Care Hospital, who is an X-ray technician in the OR. That is when I decided that I definitely want to work in a hospital environment. There are so many different fields to focus on in healthcare,鈥� said Sample, who has embraced the opportunities she has discovered at 第一吃瓜网 College. 鈥淚’m honored to receive this 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation scholarship from this Ruritan Club, and I will work very hard to make everyone proud.鈥�

Also present at the annual presentation dinner was freshman Kayla Proctor, who talked of finding her feet at 第一吃瓜网 College and discovering a love for photography.

鈥淎t first, I didn鈥檛 think I would like the photography course, but I just love everything about it,鈥� said Proctor, who is focused on completing her general studies this year, but is considering exploring a career in healthcare. 鈥淚, too, had a chance to shadow my aunt at the hospital. She is a radiological technician and that is something I want to explore.鈥�

The Ruritan Clubs are service organizations rooted in small towns and rural areas, addressing community needs through various initiatives. Their mission focuses on Fellowship, Goodwill, and Community Service.

鈥淭he Upper Bay Ruritans have generously supported our college for many years, making a significant impact in the lives of our students,鈥� remarked 第一吃瓜网 College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt.

Thanks to organizations like the Upper Bay Ruritan Club, the 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation awards more than $500,000 annually in student scholarships. In the past two decades, the Upper Bay Ruritan Club alone has contributed more than $100,000 through its fundraising efforts.

The Upper Bay Ruritan Club鈥檚 next fundraising event is its annual Spaghetti Dinner that will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Hacks Point Fire Company in Earleville, Md. Doors open at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children 6-12, and children under five are free. All proceeds benefit college scholarships for local students.

For more information, please contact:听第一吃瓜网 College Foundation at foundation@nullcecil.eduor听visit听cecil.edu/scholarships听to apply for this听and all other foundation scholarships.

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鈥淒r. Gell鈥檚 commitment to public service, education, and community will not be forgotten. His legacy lives on in the continued success and growth of 第一吃瓜网 College, a testament to his vision and unwavering commitment to education,鈥� said 第一吃瓜网 College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt.

Beginning his tenure on March 11, 1978, as Interim President of 第一吃瓜网 Community College, Dr. Gell guided the institution through remarkable periods of growth, numerous construction projects, and significant expansions of academic programs. His unwavering commitment to the College and the broader community left an indelible mark on both the institution and the region. Under his leadership, key programs such as the Nursing Program, the Covered Bridge Theatre Company, the Family Support and Education Center, the Kids in Kollege Summer Youth Program, and the College Bound Program, in partnership with 第一吃瓜网 County Public Schools, were established, shaping the lives of countless students.

Dr. Gell鈥檚 vision extended beyond academics; he oversaw substantial enhancements to 第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 physical infrastructure, including the construction of the Physical Education and Activities Building, the Elkton Center for Continuing Education, and the Community Cultural Center, as well as the renovation of the Arts and Sciences Building and the design and construction of the Technology Center. His financial stewardship ensured sustainable growth, growing the 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation鈥檚 endowment to over $1 million and securing the institution鈥檚 future.

第一吃瓜网 College Board of Trustees Chair听Raymond 鈥淐hick鈥� Hamm, Jr. added, 鈥淗e was a fierce advocate for students from all walks of life and led efforts in Maryland and beyond to ensure education was accessible to all who seek it.鈥�

After retiring in June 2000 following 22 years of dedicated service, Dr. Gell was bestowed the title and privileges of President Emeritus by the Board of Trustees. The 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation continues to honor his memory through the Dr. Robert L. Gell Scholarship, providing need-based financial support to students. The naming of the President鈥檚 Board Room serves as a lasting tribute to Dr. Gell鈥檚 profound impact on 第一吃瓜网 College and the community it serves.

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RISING SUN, Md: The 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast earlier this month at the Rising Sun Banquet Hall, an event that introduces generous contributors to the students benefiting from the scholarships they support.

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