Midlands Technical College holds 2026 spring commencement
May 8, 2026
Midlands Technical College (MTC) held its 2026 spring commencement on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena.
This spring, 865 students were eligible for graduation, including 583 associate degrees, 27 diplomas, and 349 certificates. Among those students, 313 were dual enrollment, 227 received LIFE scholarships, and 107 received Veterans Affairs benefits.
This commencement is particularly special for School of Business student Ciara Wallace. Wallace graduated alongside her eldest foster daughter, a dual enrollment student from Midlands Middle College. Wallace earned an associate degree with a major in Digital Marketing, and her foster daughter earned a certificate in General College Studies.
Wallace said, “It feels phenomenal to have [my daughter] graduate beside me. She’s really excited and she didn’t think she could make it to this point. So, seeing her excited to be here, to reach this milestone, in spite of everything she’s been through, it’s just amazing.”
Wallace added, “She was actually my goddaughter. I became a foster parent, I used to say by accident, but I feel like it was on purpose. Her coming to transition and stay with me for the past two years, for her, it has definitely been a journey, and I’m just grateful to be able to see her grow in that process.”
Wallace also cares for the graduate’s younger sister, who is currently in the fifth grade.
Throughout Wallace’s time at MTC, she has been very involved in student life and leadership. She was president of the Student Advisory Board (SAB) and president of MTC’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society. She said, “I’ve loved my Midlands Tech experience. … And now that I’m done with the program, and I’m like, ‘no,’ I can’t come back. I have to tell myself that. I’m just really looking forward to transitioning and moving on and finishing my bachelor’s.”
On behalf of the SAB, Wallace delivered an address to her fellow graduates during the ceremony. “Today represents more than a milestone,” she said. “It represents resilience, focus, and every moment you chose to keep going, even when life was ‘life-ing.’ You showed up. You balanced work, family, early mornings, long nights, and responsibilities that most people will never see. And yet, you still decided your future was worth the investment.”
