On May 14, 2026, MICC College seniors gathered with their friends, families, supporters, and other MICC participants to celebrate a major milestone: Graduation!
This culmination of their three-year journey at MICC began with a pizza party at Woodlake, before boarding a shuttle to the big event at Best Buy headquarters. The event kicked off with a reception featuring their Senior Spotlights and the opportunity to chat with their guests before it was time to get their gowns on and line up!
CEO Amy Gudmestad opened the ceremony with a speech, reminding graduates to stay connected to MICC, “To the Class of 2026—keep MICC with you. Let what you’ve learned here be the foundation for everything you build next. You are not just ready for what’s ahead. You are part of shaping it.”
MICC Activities Team Lead Amelia Zakrzewski delivered this year’s commencement address, sharing, “Things are going to feel different tomorrow when you wake up—but it’s a good difference. You have accomplished something huge. You are stepping into greater independence, and every single one of you should be incredibly proud of that.”
The Class of 2026 chose Stef as their class speaker, who highlighted their shared experiences, “We have accomplished so many amazing things together and individually. From getting jobs, continuing our education to growing in our independence! Our journeys have all looked different but look at us now, we are graduating! ”
One-by-one, each graduate took the stage to share their own speech of memories, achievements, and gratitude. Then, it was time to graduate! Walking across the stage, each graduate received their MICC diploma and their Century College career certificate, pausing for a celebratory photo. Chief Program Officer Anna Hilfers closed out the ceremony, “Graduates—please stand and face your loved ones. Now, take your tassel and move it from the right side of your cap to the left. This is it. This is the symbol of everything you’ve accomplished. And now, with tremendous pride and even greater joy, I present to you the MICC Class of 2026, your graduates! Congratulations, Bulldogs!”
Caps flew into the air and the graduates marched out to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” diplomas in hand, to take photos and celebrate with loved ones.
Thank you to all the families, friends, and MICC supporters who joined us to celebrate our graduates. And thank you to all staff who coordinated and participated in the ceremony, including our incredible Transition and Resource team, Jena and Logan.
We would also like to add a special acknowledgement to Best Buy. Best Buy once again partnered with MICC to host our graduation ceremony and provided wonderful volunteers to help make this event special. Thank you, Best Buy, for your continued support of MICC! And thank you to Coppersmith Photography for these amazing graduation photos!
