Commencement 2026

Campus News

May 18th, 2026

Garrett College celebrates 54th commencement

DeBaugh explains non-linear path that led him back to college

Ferris Bueller may not be real, but his message resonates with Liam DeBaugh.

“About a year ago, I was convinced college wasn’t for me, and now I’m standing before you giving this speech,” DeBaugh told those attending Garrett College’s 54th commencement Saturday morning. “So, trust me when I say the future can change a lot faster than you could ever imagine.”

The Annapolis resident spent less than nine months at Garrett College, but he went from an ineligible wrestler to a member of the President’s List with a 4.0 grade-point average who was selected by the Garrett College faculty to be this year’s student speaker.

“This wasn’t due to me becoming a good student overnight, but in large part was from the support and extreme knowledge I was blessed with from the amazing professors here at Garrett,” said DeBaugh, whose career goal is to teach history.

DeBaugh thanked Professor of Education Dr. John Taylor for ingraining “the principles of teaching . . . while still keeping each class period fun and engaging.” He lauded Assistant Professor of Mathematics Olivia Beitzel “who taught me everything involving confidence intervals and z-scores” along with the “most important thing – that I should probably open a Roth IRA pretty soon.”

DeBaugh also recognized Assistant Professor of English Tracy Reese “who taught me the importance of communication, gave me the tools to master it – and may have ghost-written this entire speech.”

DeBaugh noted that he, like many of his classmates, “didn’t quite have a linear path in my college journey.” He began at Frostburg State University and eventually took a gap year to work construction.

“My boss was a total jerk,” said DeBaugh, quickly adding, “I’m kidding, dad – please drive me home after this.”

During that gap year, he worked with young wrestlers – leading him toward Garrett College and a potential teaching future.

“Seeing the kids’ eyes light up when I showed them a new move and watching them laugh as we played different games, for the first time I sincerely felt fulfilled,” said DeBaugh. “This brought me to the realization that I wanted to become a teacher.”

DeBaugh – who has earned a wrestling scholarship to Ferrum (VA) College after finishing fourth in his weight class at the Gulf Atlantic District championships on the way to a national tournament berth – thanked GC head wrestling coach David Wingate “for taking a chance on me when not many other schools would.”

A host of graduates were recognized for their academic careers at Garrett College, including Marisa Perez, who was honored for highest grade-point average while completing at least 60 credit hours at Garrett College.

Ashley Martin was named the George C. Edwards Outstanding Transfer Student and Ariella Malfaro was recognized as the Wendell R. Beitzel Outstanding Career Student. The Dr. Stephen J. Herman Leadership and Excellence Award went to Travis Martin. Braeden Poorbaugh claimed the Dr. Lillian R. Mitchell Inspiration and Excellence Award.

The Female Scholar Athlete of the Year was awarded to Paola Chirino Ariza. Kyle Scofield was named the Male Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Garrett College also recognized four individuals who were chosen for emeriti honors, including three professors with a combined 114 years of service.

Retired Professor of Art Ron Skidmore was named professor emeritus along with two recently deceased faculty members, Professor of Adventuresports Michael Logsdon and Professor of Psychology Dr. Terry Kasecamp.

Ann Wellham, who was unable to attend commencement, was named Dean Emerita. She served as interim dean of academic affairs as well as dean of marketing and enrollment management during her 33 years at Garrett College.

Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president, noted some of the key statistics pertaining to the Class of 2026, including:

• 154 graduates, ranging in age from 17 to 56, with an average age of 22;
• An aggregate class grade-point average of 3.32 with 58 students graduating with honors;
• 54 percent of the graduates reside in Garrett County;
• 63 graduates attended with the support of the Garrett County Scholarship Program with a county investment of $263,965; and
• 60 graduates began their Garrett College career as High School Dual Enrollment students.