April 29, 2026 – Trident Technical College will hold its 62nd commencement ceremony Saturday, May 2, at 10 a.m., at the North Charleston Coliseum. The event is open to the public. The ceremony will also be streamed live on the college’s Facebook page and the college’s graduation ceremony page. 

This year’s graduation class is the largest in college history, with 2,941 students graduating. Of those, 984 are participating in the ceremony, another college record. TTC will also have the youngest graduate in its history: Aurora Mathias-Simpson of Summerville will be graduating with an Associate of Arts degree at age 14.

The college holds one graduation ceremony a year. Students who completed their program of study in summer semester 2025, fall semester 2025 or spring semester 2026 are eligible to participate in the ceremony. 

TTC’s tradition is to have graduates deliver commencement speeches rather than inviting guest speakers. Student organization leaders select the speakers through an audition process. This year’s student reflection speakers are Erin Gilfillan and Hiram “Rico” Ramos Isaac. 

Erin Gilfillan of Mount Pleasant is a single mother who experienced homelessness and addiction before enrolling at Trident Technical College. At Trident Tech, she developed a strong interest in the human body and is graduating with a Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree. 

Rico Ramos of Summerville is earning a Paralegal associate degree. Although initially unsure about his future, he enrolled at Trident Technical College and discovered a passion for learning about the law. He plans to continue studying law at the University of South Carolina. 

The college interviewed several upcoming graduates for a series of Class of 2026 videos. The first video profile was shared on April 25. Additional videos will be shared on the college’s social media each day leading up to graduation and for several days after the graduation ceremony. 

All of the North Charleston Coliseum’s clear bag and prohibited item policies will be enforced for the ceremony.

TTC graduation by the numbers

  • Total number of graduates: 2,941
  • Graduates participating in the ceremony: 984
  • Dual-credit high school graduates: 211 total, 153 participating 
    (These are high school students who took college classes in the Dual Credit program at TTC. Most are graduating from college before they have graduated from high school.)
  • Average age: 28.5 years
  • Median age: 25 years
  • Oldest: 69
  • Youngest: 14
  • Veterans/military graduates: 151 total, 57 participating