On May 13, Mario Perales led Midland College’s graduation procession.

Perales is a veteran student who completed his Bachelor of Applied Technology and graduated with honors, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Theta, Kappa, and Sigma Kappa Delta.

Midland College (MC) conferred the 2022 graduating class with bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificates in the 48th annual commencement ceremony.

Family and friends celebrated students from the Williams Regional Technical Training Center as they walked the stage. This year, dual credit students had a presence, many of whom were part of the Fort Stockton High School Business Program.

“Teaching these dual credit students early in their college journey and being able to watch them grow and gain confidence is an unexplainable feeling of pride and joy,” said Anita Shellenberger, professor of Office Systems Technology and Information Technology.

Shellenberger has been working at Midland College since 1995 and has seen an increase in student enrollment in the Office System Technology Program.

“Completing the certification allows these students to enter the workforce and be competitive candidates for internship opportunities,” Shellenberger explained.

One of her credit students, Rylea Jackson, is a junior at Fort Stockton High School.

“I have always been intrigued by the business side of things, and I feel this certificate will help me in the future when I open my own dermatology clinic,” Jackson said.

Six junior students made WRTTC history as they became the first 11th grade dual credit students to complete the Office Systems Certificate Level 1 and participate in the Midland College Graduation Ceremony.

Students interested in attending summer or fall classes, can contact Andres Madrid at amadrid@midland.edu or call 432.360.8044.