LSC-Montgomery’s Class of 2015 graduation ceremony set for May 8

THE WOODLANDS, Texas– Congratulations to Lone Star College-Montgomery’s Class of 2015, who will be recognized for their achievements at the college’s commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8, at 6 p.m., at The Woodlands Church-Fellowship Campus.

LSC-Montgomery has more than 850 students earning their associate’s degree or a certificate this year, and approximately 350 of those students are expected to attend the commencement ceremony.

Graduates at the ceremony will hear from Dr. Mark Marotto, associate professor and director of choral activities at LSC-Montgomery, and Gabriela Ramos-Mata, a class of 2015 graduate.

Dr. Marotto currently heads the choral-vocal area of LSC-Montgomery, conducts the chamber singers and concert choir, and teaches musicianship. Dr. Marotto has lived and worked in five countries throughout Europe and North America. He has served as artistic director for a summer choral festival in Switzerland, conducted a number of ensembles, directed musical theatre productions, and founded the “Voices of Hope” concert charity. Dr. Marotto completed his doctorate in choral conducting at the University of Michigan, holds a master’s degree from the National Music University of Bucharest, Romania, a bachelor’s degree in music, summa cum laude, from Duke University and has worked with a number of prominent conductors.

Mata, a native of Bend, Oregon, and a 2013 graduate of The Woodlands High School, served as a member or officer in nine different student organizations while attending LSC-Montgomery, including the Student Government Association, Transfer Student Organization, Women’s Awareness Safety and Prevention Club, tennis team and the Lone Star Right to Life Organization. She attributes her accomplishments to Christ, who gave her the strength and motivation to succeed and help her embrace the little things in her life. Mata plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising at Abilene Christian University and work in the marketing sector.

“Giving the commencement speech is such an honor,” Mata said. “Coming to LSC-Montgomery was the best thing that could have happened to me. I have developed so much intellect and faith here, and anywhere else I would not be as involved as I am. Involvement is key, so my advice to others is not to be afraid to just take that next step and do it.” Dr. Rebecca Riley, interim president of LSC-Montgomery, will preside over the ceremony.

"Graduation is the culmination of so many dreams for our students," said Riley. "For some, it is the entryway into a career; for others, it is the first step toward a bachelor's degree. And for many graduates, they are the first in their family to receive a degree beyond high school. It's emotional--and it's very special."

The Woodlands Church-Fellowship Campus is located at One Fellowship Drive in The Woodlands, approximately one mile west of the LSC-Montgomery campus.

For more information about the commencement ceremony, please visit www.LoneStar.edu/graduation-Montgomery.

LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273-7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.