FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ACM student-athletes celebrate their graduation at the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony
held at Bob Kirk Arena on May 17, 2025
A Record Number of Student Athletes earn their Diploma
CUMBERLAND, Md. — On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Allegany College of Maryland proudly celebrated the
achievements of its graduating class during the Spring Commencement Ceremony held
at the iconic Bob Kirk Arena on the Cumberland campus. The event was a vibrant tribute
to academic and athletic excellence, with many student-athletes walking across the
stage to receive their diplomas, 32 in total.
The ceremony featured three student commencement speakers, including two standout
athletes: Moise Tefy (Men's Basketball) and Josie Shuke (Women's Basketball), who
delivered inspiring messages about perseverance, teamwork, and the power of community.
To re-watch, visit Allegany College of Maryland’s Facebook page.
Honoring Our Student-Athlete Graduates
Listed alphabetically by last name, here are the 32 student-athletes who graduated
this spring, along with their academic programs and athletic highlights:
- Dylan Adams – Baseball (BSB), General Studies Hit 7 home runs and drove in 30 RBIs;
*also briefly joined the MBB team during winter. Earned academic honors every semester.
- Nutrell Artis – Men's Basketball (MBB), General Studies Key member of the 2024 NJCAA
D1 Tournament team in Hutchinson, Kansas. Earned academic honors in two semesters.
- Carson Bradley – Baseball (BSB), Criminal Justice 2024–25 Outstanding Male Student-Athlete
of the Year. Earned academic honors every semester.
- Grace Burke – Women's Soccer (WSOC), Medical Admin Assistant Part of ACM's first WSOC
team in 20 years. Earned academic honors across multiple semesters.
- Shamaria Carr – Softball (SB), Applied Technical Studies
- Kayijah Cash – Women's Basketball (WBB), Business Administration Averaged 6 points,
2.5 assists per game, and shot 68% from the free-throw line.
- Cathy Cessna – Softball (SB), Women's Soccer (WSOC), Respiratory Therapy Recorded
9 doubles and 1 triple in softball. Earned academic honors every semester.
- Nkenge Durham – Men's Soccer (MSOC) General Studies Continued his soccer career with
Miami Dutch Lions FC.
- Alexis Heavner – Softball (SB) Spanish Earned academic honors every semester.
- Kiara Hill – Women's Basketball (WBB) Named to the MD JUCO Honorable Mention Team
and NJCAA Region 20 First Team.
- Timothy Jones – Baseball (BSB), General Studies Tallied 40 strikeouts and delivered
a standout playoff performance.
- Alex Kennell – Baseball (BSB), General Studies
- Nathaniel Klemm – Men's Soccer (MSOC), General Studies 2024 Soccer MVP; recognized
at both MD JUCO and NJCAA Region 20 levels.
- Nailevid Lorenzo-Lopez – Volleyball (VB), Business Administration Named to the MD
JUCO Honorable Mention Team.
- Ryanne Martinez – Softball (SB), Culinary and Hospitality Team captain and NJCAA Region
20 Second Team selection.
- Konner Pittman – Baseball (BSB), Business Administration Delivered a game-changing
play in the play-in game vs. Montgomery Rockville.
- Ryley Palumbo – Volleyball (VB), Nursing Earned academic honors every semester.
- Owen Pratt – Men's Soccer (MSOC) Team captain and recipient of the MSOC Valor Award.
- Tyler Serb – Baseball (BSB), Business Management Committed to Lock Haven University
to continue his baseball career.
- Trevor Shifflett – Baseball (BSB), Business Administration
- Josie Shuke – Women's Basketball (WBB), Dental Hygiene Academic honors every semester;
NJCAA All-Academic First Team, Region 20 Second Team, and All-MD JUCO Honorable Mention
as a freshman.
- Roman Smith – Baseball (BSB), General Studies
- Morgan Taylor – Women's Basketball (WBB), Arts & Sciences – Social Work and Psychology
NJCAA Region 20 Second Team selection as a freshman.
- Casey Tomasik – Baseball (BSB), Business Management
- Moise Tefy – Men's Basketball (MBB), Business Management Member of the 2024 NJCAA
D1 Tournament team in Kansas.
- Ariaya Walker – Volleyball (VB), Arts & Sciences – Physiology Earned academic honors
every semester.
- Emily Wilson – Volleyball (VB), Multimedia Decorated athlete with NJCAA Region 20,
MD JUCO, and tournament honors. 2024–25 Outstanding Female Student-Athlete of the
Year.
- Joel Wise – Baseball (BSB), Business Administration Headed to Lock Haven University.
Earned academic honors in multiple semesters.
- Jasmine Rodriguez – Women's Basketball (WBB), Arts & Sciences – Psychology
- Jaidee Guinn – Volleyball (VB), Phlebotomy
Graduation by Sport
Here's a breakdown of the number of graduates by sport:
- Baseball (BSB): 10
- Men's Basketball (MBB): 2
- Women's Basketball (WBB): 5
- Softball (SB): 4
- Women's Soccer (WSOC): 2
- Men's Soccer (MSOC): 4
- Volleyball (VB): 5
Founded in 1961, Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) has long been a cornerstone of
higher education in Western Maryland, offering a wide range of associate degree and
certificate programs across academic, technical, and health-related fields. With a
mission rooted in student success, community engagement, and lifelong learning, ACM
continues to empower students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational
and professional goals.
The Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony, held at the Bob Kirk Arena on ACM's Cumberland
campus, was a celebration of perseverance, growth, and achievement. The arena, named
in honor of legendary basketball coach Bob Kirk, provided a fitting backdrop for the
event, symbolizing the spirit of excellence that defines ACM athletics and academics
alike.
This year's ceremony was especially meaningful, as it highlighted the accomplishments
of student-athletes who balanced the demands of competitive sports with rigorous academic
programs. Their achievements reflect the college's commitment to developing well-rounded
individuals prepared to lead and succeed in their next chapters—whether in further
education, professional careers, or continued athletic pursuits.
As these 32 student-athletes join the ranks of ACM alumni, they carry forward a legacy
of determination, leadership, and community pride. The college community celebrates
their journey and looks forward to the impact they will make in the world.
In addition, headshots of most athletes can be found: acmtrojans.com
