Greenville Technical College celebrates graduates at commencement
May 8, 2026
Commencement for Greenville Technical College graduates was held at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Thursday, May 7 at 2 p.m. Included were 340 participants, 5 military veterans, 168 graduates with a GPA of 3.4 or higher, and 25 graduates with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Nine dual enrolled students, taking high school and college classes at the same time, graduated.
Two earned Associate in Science degrees, and one earned a University Transfer certificate. Three earned certificates in industrial Electricity, and three earned certificates in welding and robotic technology.
Additional students have graduated but did not participate in the ceremony with 1,393 awards projected this semester and an expected 1,216 unduplicated graduates. Combined with 1,216 students who graduated in the fall, this year’s total class exceeded 2,600 graduates.
Two students were honored for academics and community service at Commencement with President’s Awards: Alexandra Manzo and Amanda Mlinar.
Some students are the first in class to raise their hand and deliver answers. Alexandra Manzo does that and more, excelling in class and lending a hand anytime volunteers are needed for campus events. Serving as vice president of her Respiratory Care class, she has earned a 3.97 GPA and participated in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. While her academic performance is stellar, she also assists the program and the college by welcoming prospective students at School of Health Sciences open house events, serving as a tour leader for the Prisma Health Center for Health & Life Sciences, and mentoring her classmates and those in the cohort behind her. In the community, Alexandra works as a respiratory therapy assistant at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, providing compassionate care in neonatal and pediatric settings. She also regularly volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House, supporting families during critical times. Alexandra’s department head writes that she consistently chooses to show up, volunteer, and serve – whether for her department, her college, or her community. This, Jaime Cox writes, makes her not only an outstanding student, but also a remarkable human being whose actions leave a lasting, positive impact on everyone she encounters.
When Amanda Mlinar enrolled in college straight out of high school in 2008, she was full of dreams and aspirations. During her first semester, however, she met her now husband, and they soon started a family. Needing to help support her growing household, she left school and began working full-time. Intending to return when the time was right, college was on pause for 14 years. Finally, in 2022, the mother of two re-enrolled part-time at GTC to pursue a degree in business management. As she graduates, her sons – now 13 and 16 – have watched her carry her school backpack everywhere, from practices to games, events, and vacations, so that she could master the curriculum and earn a 3.9 GPA. Nine years ago, Amanda assumed an entry-level role with the Family Caregiver Support Program with the Area Agency on Aging. Over time, she has been promoted to Program Manager, leading a team that provides support for seniors and their family caregivers. As she studies, works, and parents, Amanda has also given back to the community through volunteer service with Upstate Warrior Solution, a church food pantry, and more. College as an adult, Amanda says, isn’t easy, yet she has made it look that way while balancing classes with work and family, bringing her best to each aspect of her life.
