Midlands Technical College Students earn SARA California Merit Award and educational grants for architectural design project
May 29, 2026
GMK Associates sponsored student travel to awards ceremony in LA
Three Midlands Technical College (MTC) Architectural Engineering Technology students have received a SARA California Merit Design Award from the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) and will advance to nationals. Each student also received a $1,000 educational grant from the Coalition of Community College Architecture Programs (CCCAP) and mattress company Saatva.
The students’ winning conceptual project, “El Encuentro” or “The Finding,” reimagines a textile mill in Greenwood, South Carolina into a community hub offering spaces for entrepreneurship, fellowship, and youth activities. The project would empower the local community by addressing economic and social disparities in the historic mill town.
The students – Cynthia Aranda, Magdalena Aranda Ojeda, and Karina Rendon – accepted their awards and grants at a gala in Los Angeles this May. Their travel was made possible by GMK Associates.
Chris Clark, senior architect with GMK Associates, said, “GMK Associates was proud to sponsor these MTC Architecture students as they traveled to Los Angeles to attend the SARA California Design Awards and receive recognition for their award-winning design.”
Clark, who is also a member of the Midlands Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees and a 1987 Midlands Technical College alumnus, added, “As first-year students, Cynthia, Magdalena, and Karina have already demonstrated exceptional ambition and excellence. GMK Associates is honored to support these emerging leaders as they pursue careers in the architectural profession.”
“This partnership with GMK Associates is incredibly valuable in connecting students with professional opportunities,” said Nancy McKinney, CEO of the MTC Foundation. “We are grateful for their investment in MTC.”
Fabiyan Pembelski, National Executive Director of SARA, said, “SARA is proud to partner with Saatva and CCCAP in supporting the next generation of architects. This sponsorship reflects our mission of Architect Helping Architect by investing in mentorship, education, and opportunities that empower students and emerging professionals across our network. Together, we’re helping foster a stronger and more connected future for the profession.”
In 2025, MTC Architectural Engineering Technology students received a National Student Design Award from SARA as well as grants from CCCAP and SARA.
About Midlands Technical College
Midlands Technical College (MTC) is a six-campus, two-year comprehensive community college serving Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield counties in South Carolina. The college provides higher education opportunities that stimulate the local economy by generating a world-class workforce and enhancing the social vitality of the community. MIDLANDSTECH.EDU.
About Midlands Technical College Foundation (MTCF)
The MTCF is a 501(c)(3) organization that builds and sustains relationships resulting in charitable gifts that support MTC. Gifts and grants to the MTCF help ensure student access to quality education and training, enhance facilities and equipment, and improve the lives of students, faculty and staff, and the broader Midlands community. More at MIDLANDTECH.EDU/foundation.
About GMK Associates Inc. Charitable Foundation
The GMK Associates Inc. Charitable Foundation is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities by supporting initiatives in Education, Health and Wellness, Community Development, Environmental Conservation, Arts and Culture, and Social Services.
About SARA
The Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) is a vibrant professional organization of architects and industry related partners guided by the mantra, “Architect Helping Architect.” Founded in 1956, we are a national organization with active councils and chapters throughout the country, as well as international members. SARA focuses on fellowship, friendship and mentorship.
About Saatva
As the Official Mattress and Restorative Sleep Provider of the 2026 and 2028 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, Saatva will supply Team USA with luxurious bedding products and work closely with LA28 and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee to highlight the essential role of sleep in recovery and performance. The partnership underscores Saatva’s ongoing investment in organizations that champion creativity, education, wellness, and community impact. By aligning with SARA, Saatva extends its mission beyond products—supporting the people and ideas shaping more thoughtful, restorative spaces for future generations.
