Through campus involvement at Chesapeake College, Cianni Phillips stoked her desire to help others and developed the skills to be a strong leader and advocate.

Phillips received the 2025 John T. Harrison Award, Chesapeake’s highest student honor, at Commencement on May 21.

In her Commencement address, Phillips shared her own struggles and challenges as she worked to attain academic excellence, confidence and a sense of purpose. She spoke directly to classmates who faced similar challenges.

“Whether you’re graduating with honors or simply grateful to be graduating —know this, you did it. You belong. You matter. You are enough,” she told the Class of 2025.

Phillips, of Chestertown, graduated from Kent County High School as a Certified Nursing Assistant and immediately went to work as a paid caregiver.

“I didn’t have a plan to attend college. I just knew I wanted to help people in some way,” she said, adding that she entered Chesapeake College with plans to major in nursing, but later changed course.

Tackling challenges and overcoming obstacles have been part of the college journey, she said.

“I’m not one of those people who has always made straight A’s or someone who finds academic work easy. It’s never been that way for me, and part of my growth has been to accept that. An assignment that might take someone else 20 minutes might take me two hours. I’ve learned that’s okay,” she said.

Phillips, a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, is on the Dean’s List and has a 3.8 GPA.

“At Chesapeake, I learned that my passion is helping people and that there are many ways to do that outside of healthcare,” she said.
That passion to help others, she said, was fueled by her involvement of Chesapeake’s campus.

“I enjoyed connecting with other students, faculty and staff,” she said. “I learned how to advocate for others as a way to build community. I wanted everyone to feel a part of this campus.”

Phillips became a leader on Chesapeake’s campus as she worked on campus initiatives, organized events and led student organizations.

She served in the Student Government Association, was president of UHURU the Black Student Union, belonged to numerous student clubs, and served as the student representative on college committees. She was also a student worker in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, where she organized events such as Unity Fest.

“Cianni brought so much to Chesapeake College and to everyone who has the opportunity to work with her. Her dedication, empathy and sense of justice shine through her in everything she does. She is a true example of a leader and Chesapeake College is the better for her having been here,” said Director of First Year Experience Allie Silver.

Phillips will transfer to Coppin State University in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree. She plans to eventually earn a master’s degree in social work.

“I can’t believe I’ve made it this far,” she said. “But I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the people at Chesapeake who believed in me and helped me along the way.”