Summa Cum Laude at Skidmore, PhD at UIC: College Park Higher Ed Standouts

Below, find a roundup of the latest honors, degrees, and noteworthy accomplishments from College Park natives and residents in higher education. Descriptions are courtesy of the institutions named and/or students' family members. 

Skidmore College: Skidmore's Class of 2013, with 605 baccalaureate candidates, participated in the College's 102nd Commencement Saturday, May 18, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Margaret Abernethy of College Park received a BA degree Summa Cum Laude.

St. Mary's College of Maryland: St. Mary's College of Maryland announces that Charles Murray Sutherland of College Park graduated with degrees in anthropology and history. The ceremony, which took place on May 11, 2013, featured addresses from Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and President Joseph Urgo, who told the 450 graduating seniors to "draw on the inspiration of creative endeavor, critical response, and innovative collaboration" in the next stage of their lives.

University of Illinois at Chicago: Hongling Zhu of College Park earned a Ph.D in Anatomy and Cell Biology at the May 2013 Commencement of the UIC College of Medicine - Chicago.

Eastern Kentucky University: Eastern Kentucky University recognized 1,708 graduates at the conclusion of the Spring 2013 semester, including Jonathan P. Healy of College Park. Healy graduated with a EDD degree in Edu. Leadership/Policy Studies and was recognized at commencement ceremonies May 11. The keynote speakers that day were U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, former University of Kentucky President Dr. Charles Wethington and author/educator Silas House.