Connection Newsletter March - April 2024

Connection

Gene Haas Foundation Presents $500,000 Donation to TCTC Foundation In Support of CNC Lab

The Gene Haas Foundation presented on February 28 a $500,000 donation to TCTC’s Foundation to support and enhance the CNC Advanced Manufacturing Lab at the Industrial Technology Center.

The CNC lab is now named the Gene Haas Advanced Manufacturing Lab.

The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999 by Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, Inc., to support the needs of the local community through grants. Seeing a growing need for skilled manufacturing employees industrywide, the Foundation expanded its mission to include support for manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond.

The Gene Haas Foundation is a longtime supporter of TCTC’s manufacturing programs, and this is the company’s most generous gift. Since 2015, they have donated $465,000 in support of CNC student scholarships and certifications.

“This significant gift will continue to strengthen TCTC’s solid manufacturing programs and aid in the College’s commitment to training a skilled workforce,” said Courtney White, executive director of the TCTC Foundation. Specifically, this donation will help provide state-of-the-art CNC equipment and a learning lab replicating today’s workplace.

“Tri-County Technical College developed the CNC Programming and Operations program in collaboration with local industry to meet current and emerging workforce needs,” said President DeHay. “Regional labor market data reveals significant growth over the next decade in machining jobs that require a post secondary credential.” Manufacturing remains the highest-growing industry in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties, with manufacturing jobs expected to grow by 23% in the next 10 years. “It is vital that TCTC attract and train enough machinists to meet the demands of local manufacturers,” he said.

“Our advisory committee has validated the ongoing and long-term workforce needs, and we have developed partnerships with local school districts to create a dual enrollment pathway into the CNC Programming and Operations degree. In addition, we offer rapid entry and

(continued on page 9)

Kathy Looman, director of education grants, scholarships and sponsorships for the Haas Foundation, far left, and President DeHay, fifth from left, pose with faculty Paul Phelps, Daniel Harbin, Gerald Maxie and Courtney White.

Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm Announces Scholarship 5

Vulcan Materials Company Supports Heavy Equipment Operator Program 4

Student NAVTA Chapter Wins First-Place Award for Student Involvement Project 12

Oconee Campus

552 Education Way

Westminster, SC

Main Number (864) 646-TCTC (8282)

Toll-free

1-866-269-5677

tctc.edu

Strong Start for 2024

The first quarter of 2024 has been filled with lots of activity and celebration.

Dr. Galen DeHay President

In January, our I-BEST program celebrated its best spring enrollment and highest enrollment post-pandemic! I-BEST is a onesemester program that allows students to explore careers in manufacturing, health care, or a stand-alone course for college and career exploration. Students earn college credit and industry-recognized skill certifications. The program is offered at no cost and is targeted to those who are unemployed or underemployed.

In February, we celebrated 10 years of Technical Career Pathways (TCP). TCP was established during the 2013-2014 academic year with the initial goal of creating a pipeline of individuals who are skilled and ready to fill in-demand jobs at manufacturing facilities across the Upstate. The program began with seven students at Crescent High School in Anderson and has grown to hundreds of students each year at all 16 high schools in the tri-county area. It has also grown from one pathway—Basic Electronics—to eight pathways that include areas outside of manufacturing such as Business Administration and Computer and Information Technology.

In March, we began offering training programs that can be completed in less than 14 weeks in partnership with the School District of Pickens County (SDPC). The initiative is called EmpowerUp and is targeted to parents/guardians of SDPC students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Also, in March, we celebrated the third cohort of the Manufacturing Works program, a registered pre-apprenticeship program for high school seniors in Anderson County who don’t have an identified path after graduation. The program takes place at our Anderson Campus and is custom-designed to align with skills sought by local employers.

Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Tri-County Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Tri-County Technical College does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, qualifying disability, veteran’s status, or national origin.

We also celebrated the second cohort of our Plastic Injection Mold program, a sevenweek program offered at our Oconee Campus. In this program, which is targeted to incumbent workers, students learn the basics of the injection molding process and engage in hands-on learning with a 180-ton injection machine. The goal is to create a pipeline of skilled plastic mold injection technicians.

So, what do all of these achievements have in common? They advance our vision, mission and values; they serve under-resourced populations; they represent a commitment to creating learning experiences that create a sense of belonging and meet students where they are; and they are part of a broader strategy to increase access and success for our communities. In short, they demonstrate our commitment to transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time.

In your service,

Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President

Manufacturing Works instructor

Ross Hughes, middle row, left, and Elizabeth Wallace, coordinator, middle row, right, pose with graduates of the Manufacturing Works program. Front row: Logan Atkins, Tim Gillette, Jacob Bailey, Dakota Hedden, Emily McAbee, Seth Hazelton, and Trenton Lowe.

middle row: Ross Hughes; Tyler Bowman, Alberto Molina-Jimenez, Tommy Ramsey, David Zhavko, Lucas Hunt, Matthew McClain, and Elizabeth Wallace.

back row: Crayton Boggs and Joshua Airline.

High School Seniors Gain Technical Skills, Explore Manufacturing Careers Through Manufacturing Works Program

In early March, 15 Anderson County high school seniors entered TCTC’s Manufacturing Works program, a registered preapprenticeship with Apprenticeship Carolina that allows them to gain technical skills while exploring careers in manufacturing.

After completing the training on March 14, these students, who before never considered college, now have a clearer picture of what they would like to do after graduation. The majority say they will enter the manufacturing sector and/or continue their education at TCTC.

College officials and business and industry partners gathered March 15 to celebrate the students who successfully completed the Manufacturing Works program. This is the third cohort of the program that was piloted in 2022.

“Manufacturing Works is more than a name: it’s a complete sentence,” said Jennifer Hulehan, dean of the Academic and Career Foundations and Arts and Sciences Divisions. “Manufacturing works. It works for Anderson County, its employers, and its residents. It works for the 177-plus manufacturers in the Anderson County area; it works for our students who are prepared for entry-level work in a field that provides family-sustaining wages and job stability. It works by offering opportunities for career growth and advancement in partnership with training and education through TCTC.”

“By completing this program, you are now equipped for your next steps after graduation. You might decide to participate in a registered apprenticeship program, find a job in manufacturing (or another field), or you can continue your education and training at TCTC,” said Elizabeth Wallace, a TCTC instructor with Manufacturing Works.

Students enrolled in Manufacturing Works attend weekly classes at Tri-County’s Anderson Campus. Each student earned an OSHA 10 card and a yellow belt in lean six sigma, learned technical skills that are useful in today’s manufacturing environment and were introduced to the fundamentals of lean manufacturing. They completed a

resume, cover letter, and participated in mock interviews with TCTC’s Career and Employability Resources team. They also practiced their employability skills in interviews with TCTC employer partners, First Quality and Arthrex, who are corporate sponsors of the program.

“The employer partners were so impressed by your interviews that they are talking to many of you about working at their companies in the future,” Wallace said to the students.

“The skills and industry certifications you have earned make you a great future employee—the kind that Anderson employers want,” added Wallace.

A unique aspect of Manufacturing Works is that the program itself is a simulated workplace environment, said Wallace. “Within this environment, you demonstrated employability skills in an environment designed to mimic the workplaces of our employer partners. The skills that you learned were identified by these partners themselves as ones that are most important,” she said. These skills included self-management, reliability, personal responsibility, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and a willingness to learn.

By demonstrating these employability skills in a simulated workplace environment, students earn a stipend of up to $600. The stipend is made possible by funding provided by the Development Corporation of Anderson County. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible for registered apprenticeship programs at companies like Arthrex and First Quality.

Tuition funding came from the South Carolina Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Initiative grant. A participation stipend was funded by the Tri-County Technical College Foundation, the S.C. Department of Commerce and the Development Corporation of Anderson County.

For more information about Manufacturing Works, go to tctc.edu/ manufacturingworks.

Foundation News

Abney Scholars Express Thanks

The TCTC Foundation invited Abney Foundation Executive Director Dr. Lisa McWherter and Labrena Campbell to campus to give spring semester scholarship recipients the chance to personally express their appreciation to The Abney Foundation for its continued support of scholarships.

The Abney Foundation provides more than 650 scholarships annually to students enrolled at 15 colleges throughout the state, including TCTC. This year, 139 students are receiving Hayden Abney Fulp Memorial Scholarships with an additional $10,000 allocated to the Corporate and Community Education Division for scholarships.

Dr. DeHay, Abney Foundation Executive Director Dr. Lisa McWherter and Labrena Campbell pose with Abney Scholars.

Since 1989 The Abney Foundation has given $4.7 million to TriCounty, making it the single largest donor in the College’s history.

Vulcan Materials Company’s Lead Gift Supports Expansion of TCTC’s Heavy Equipment Operator Program

Vulcan Materials Company continues its support of the College’s heavy equipment operator (HEO) program with a major lead gift for program expansion to meet workforce needs.

Vulcan’s South Carolina leadership team, led by Elliott Botzis, vice president and general manager, and Zach Plasters, vice president of operations, recently visited TCTC to affirm the company’s contribution and met with President DeHay and Courtney White, TCTC Foundation Executive Director, along with the program instructors and students.

Vulcan’s donation will enable the College to obtain training equipment similar to what students will see on work sites and eventually fund a full time-instructor for the program. Currently classes are taught by adjunct instructors.

“This career pathway is crucial to our industry, and TCTC is helping lead the way with this operator training program,” said Botzis.

Offered through TCTC’s Corporate and Community Education (CCE) Division, the national credential-based HEO training is meeting the critical workforce needs in road construction, commercial

construction, mining, and transportation companies in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties and throughout the Upstate. TriCounty’s program gives individuals the basic skills so they can understand and learn to safely operate heavy equipment.

“This short-term training can lead to long-term careers for area residents,” said Dr. DeHay.

“With just an eight-week training commitment, these individuals will be qualified for in-demand, entry-level jobs,” said Dr. Rick Cothran, dean of TCTC’s CCE Division.

When individuals complete the program, they are prepared to operate equipment and ready to go to work for these in-demand jobs at local companies, said Dr. Cothran. “This is a great partnership.”

Prior to graduating from the program, students showcase their skills for regional employers at a rodeo with the potential to receive a job offer.

“We are drastically changing lives with this program by quickly putting people to work in jobs that pay a sustainable wage,” said Ron Bryant, transportation director for TCTC’s CCE Division. “It’s a true investment in our community.”

“This is the first step in a career pathway that, over time, can lead to a lucrative lifetime profession,” added Bonnie Spencer, human resources manager for Vulcan.

Vulcan’s South Carolina leadership team, led by Elliott Botzis, vice president and general manager, and Zach Plasters, vice president of operations, recently visited TCTC to affirm the company’s contribution and met with President DeHay and Courtney White, TCTC Foundation Executive Director, along with the program instructors and students.

Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm Announces Paralegal Scholarship

The Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm announced the establishment of a $1,500 Paralegal Scholarship with the TCTC Foundation. The firm recognizes the importance of a strong paralegal network and is dedicated to fostering the next generation of talented and passionate paralegals. Based on merit, this scholarship will provide financial assistance and celebrate the student’s accomplishments and future endeavors in the field of law.

Students Tamieka Anderson, standing, left, Hannah Boggs, standing right, and Kiana Geer, kneeling, were among those who toured the Rosenwald

Celebrating Black History Month Anderson Campus Hosts Rosenwald School Tours

During Black History Month, the Anderson Campus hosted tours of its onsite one-room reproduction of the Rosenwald Schools, which were built primarily for the education of African American children in the rural South from around 1912 through desegregation. The full-scale, one-room, 900-square-foot reproduction of the Rosenwald Schools was constructed in 2014 by students in the College’s Building Construction program.

For many students, it was the first time they had heard about the schools which were the brainchild of Julius Rosenwald, CEO of Sears and Roebuck, and Booker T. Washington.

“It’s very eye opening for all students. This is America’s history,” said Hannah Boggs. Tanieka Anderson said, “It opens the history book and sheds light on how far we’ve come.”

Kiana Geer said she is grateful for the students who built the replica. “I’m also grateful that the school is here in Anderson and that we are embracing history and not deleting it.”

Ten years ago, representatives from TCTC and the Anderson County Museum, along with key community partners, gathered at the College’s Anderson Campus to dedicate the full-scale, reproduction of the Rosenwald School that is now listed on the South Carolina Heritage Corridor, which recognizes historically significant sites in South Carolina.

J Dew Delivers “One Voice” Performance

During Black History Month, actor Jeremiah Dew, or J Dew, presented “One Voice,” a journey through the Black American experience by virtue of several powerful and influential voices. He plays several characters spanning from the 1820s through present day; each a stand-out figure in this country’s history including Frederick Douglass, Muhammad Ali, President Barack Obama, and Martin

The Rosenwald initiative, which began in the early 1920s, was to build new school buildings for the African American communities throughout the United States. Because of the segregated school systems, in the early 1900s Anderson County had more than 400 schools throughout the county, most of which were one-room schoolhouses.

The Anderson County African American community would take advantage of this initiative to construct 19 modern school structures between the years of 1920 to 1930. The Rosenwald Schools in Anderson County were: Anderson County Training School; Pendleton; Belton School; Generostee School; Deep Creek School; Ebenezer School; Fork Grove School; Honea Path School; Rosenwald Jackson School; Mt. Able School; Mountain Springs School; Murray’s Grove School; New Light School; Northside School; Pendleton School; Pleasant Grove School; Reed Street School and Shop; Shiloh School; Shady Grove School and Welcome School.

To schedule a tour of the Rosenwald School, contact Dr. Beverly McAdams, director of the Anderson Campus, at 864-260-6705 or bmcadam1@tctc.edu.

Pictured back row, left to right, are: Kim Lahey & Killough attorneys Seann Lahey, Doug Kim, Robert Merting, Tony Nolte and Emily Bohan and standing, front row, from TCTC’s Foundation office, Heidi Reeves, coordinator of donor relations, and Beth Brown, coordinator of annual giving (holding frame).

Luther King Jr.

School.

More than 300 Students Attend Second Annual BudgetCon

More than 300 students participated in the second annual BudgetCon, a simulation workshop where students work through various stations to create a monthly budget based on the entry-level pay for their chosen career field. This event was available to all TCTC students and is required for COL 103 (College Skills) students and was hosted by the Academic and Career Foundations Division. It was staffed by a variety of volunteers from different academic divisions representing all campuses.

COL 103 includes selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, campus resources, time management, memory techniques, and other subjects to facilitate student success.

Each student in COL 103 attended BudgetCon after careful career exploration in class. BudgetCon included information on deductions from gross pay to net pay, choosing realistic housing and transportation options, information on student loan repayment, investments, and savings, as well as additional information on building and managing credit.

BudgetCon addresses the need to be responsible for your personal finances. Each student received a starting salary figure for their desired career choice and by visiting each table began to learn to prioritize their monthly finances. “They see how to readjust their wants vs their needs,” said instructor Elizabeth Wallace. At the end they see their total monthly expenditures. “It’s a valuable exercise in learning to budget and prioritize,” she said.

Following BudgetCon, students write a 500-word reflection.

Wallace said students in her class range from recent high school graduates to non-traditional individuals returning to school, reinforcing that people in varying stages of life can learn from the experience and the class.

Brittany Price, a 32-year-old single mother of two children, is an associate degree Nursing major who also works 20 hours a week as a phlebotomist and patient care technician for Oconee Memorial Hospital. “Before this class, my life was all over the place,” said Price, who has learned valuable time management skills that make her life more manageable.

“BudgetCon opened my eyes to how much I am spending, and I’m already thinking of ways I can reduce my spending today (in categories of personal care and streaming subscriptions). That’s money that can go into savings. I can take this information and make better decisions,” she said.

Courtney Beasley, a Bridge to Clemson student who plans to study business, said BudgetCon was a reminder that even the small expenditures add up. She said the College Skills class is her favorite

class because it allowed her to re-examine her career choice, and Wallace was instrumental in helping her to focus on having a positive outlook. “It changed the way I look at life. My time management skills are better and therefore my grades are better,” she said.

Price moved to South Carolina from Washington, DC, several years ago with her two children, now 13 and 11. She has worked in health care for 10 years and entered TCTC to expand her health care skills. “I chose TCTC because I work at Prisma Health with many nurses who are graduates. I heard nothing but good things about TCTC.” She is taking three classes this semester and College Skills is one of them.

She says Wallace is “unlike any other instructor I have ever had. She gives encouragement, is patient and she listens. I talk to her when I am struggling. She wants us to be successful.”

Price is attending TCTC debt free thanks to a Pell grant.

Beasley plans to transfer to Clemson University and study business. Although she was skeptical of the College Skills class at first, and wondered why she would need it, she said it is “now my favorite class. Miss Wallace makes the class fun and she makes it relevant. It helps you with life, and it turns out I needed help with a lot of things I didn’t realize I did. As a result of the class, I have changed my major to better fit my interests and career goals.”

“Miss Wallace also has taught me how to maintain a positive attitude,” said Beasley. “I can manage my classes better, especially since I have developed and implemented time management skills. Now I prepare weekly and even monthly schedules for myself. I now finish my assignments Monday through Thursday so Friday is a free day for me. As a result, my grades are better. TCTC has prepared me for a large university like Clemson.”

The North Carolina native said an added bonus is the three friends she met in her College Skills success group. “We’ve become good friends and are a support system for each other.”

Brittany Price

Courtney Beasley

Jonathan Chastain, Comprehensive Studies department head, left, talks with students.

Our College Family excellence through service

Commissioners Honored for Years of Service

TCTC Commissioners

Helen Rosemond-Saunders, Jim Kaplan and Butch Harris were honored by the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC) for their years of service.

Helen Rosemond-Saunders has represented Oconee County for 30 years on the Commission. She was appointed in 1993. In 1997 she was elected vice chair and later served as chair from 2007 to 2011. She is a charter member, former chair and vice chair for SCATCC. She also served on its Executive Board.

Jim Kaplan was recognized for five years of service. He serves as secretary and represents Pickens County. He was appointed to the Commission in 2018. He is the retired CEO of Cornell Dubilier Electronics.

Butch Harris has served 15 years on the Commission. He was appointed in 2008 to represent Anderson County. He began his career at Torrington (then Timken, now JTEKT/Koyo) and worked in various engineering and management capacities at several plants in this region. He retired in 2014.

Foster Sims and Kimmy Connor Attend Epson Robotics Training

Engineering Technology

Department Head Foster Sims and Kimmy Connor, Mechatronics instructor, were invited to attend Epson’s Core 2 SPEL+ Training on February 6 and 7 at Epson’s Facility in Los Alamitos, California. Both had completed Core 1 training in 2021. This training delved deeper into SPEL+, the programming language used by Epson Robotics. The training covered advanced topics such as external communication, advanced robot movement, and multitasking.

Faculty and Staff Present at NOSS Conference

Academic and Career Foundation (ACF) instructors were presenters at the National Organization for Student Success (NOSS) conference.

“I am so proud of these ACF instructors whose work on student success earned them a spot at this national conference and showcased the innovative work TCTC is doing to help ensure every student has access and success as they transition from where they are to where they want to be,” said Jennifer Hulehan, dean of the ACF and the Arts and Sciences Divisions.

Assistant Dean for Academic and Career Foundations Crystal Takayama gave a presentation titled, “The Invisible Backpack: Unpacking our own Biases to Create a Culture of Care.” The Invisible Backpack is a representation of the experiences—positive and negative—that the instructor and student bring into the classroom. Takayama is helping participants become more attuned to these experiences in order to take a more empathic and compassionate approach, helping students reach their potential.

A presentation by Jonathan Chastain, Comprehensive Studies (CS) department head, and Alex Burrell, CS math program director, focused on TCTC’s Express Track math course where students progress from their current math skills to the math and study skills needed to be successful in their subsequent coursework. This course includes acceleration through developmental math coursework, individualized learning paths, student success behaviors, small group instruction, and modularized placement.

Congratulations, Randee Dorontich

Randee Dorontich, Career and Life Skills program director for Academic and Career Foundations, was accepted into the National Organization for Student Success (NOSS) Learning and Leadership Academy (NLLA).

The purpose of the NOSS NLLA is to provide NOSS members with a high-quality cohorted professional learning experience focused on increasing effective practice and leadership in the field of student success. Participants also will be working on a year-long research project that will be published.

Travis Durham Recognized by the University of South Carolina Black Alumni Council

Travis Durham, director of student engagement and accountability, was among those recognized by the University of South Carolina Black Alumni Council. Throughout the month of February, the Black Alumni Council highlighted outstanding alumni on their social media channels.

Crystal Takayama Jonathan Chastain Alex Burrell

April is Community College Month

April is Community College Month and this is a great opportunity to get the word out about why community colleges matter and how TCTC is serving our community’s needs today. It’s also important to raise awareness about the impact community colleges make in the lives of students and the economic graduates make within their local communities.

The 2024 #CCMonth theme is “Cultivating Skills for the Future.”

According to the American Association of Community Colleges, there are more than 12 million students enrolled at

in transition

Chris Trusty joined the Corporate and Community Education (CCE) team as a training and development instructor. He is responsible for training production associates at the entry level up to the engineering level. He previously worked in the local manufacturing industry. He has advanced skills in automation and robotics, as well as electrical, motor controls and PLCs.

Jonathan Cauthen joins the TCTC Foundation team. He previously worked as vice president of investor relations and operations for the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce. He will be coordinating the fundraising efforts of the College, as well as cultivating relationships with major donors and corporate partners.

Darrell Thompson is the new accounting manager in Fiscal Affairs. He will assist with reviewing and analyzing financial transactions for reporting, provide support in the development of the College’s budget, and record and report all financial-related grant activity. He brings a variety of financerelated experience to the institution.

community colleges across the country. These institutions serve an incredibly diverse student population and put millions of people’s educational and career goals within reach.

TCTC is one of 16 community colleges in South Carolina and one of nearly 1,200 community colleges across the nation that are celebrating Community College Month.

At TCTC, there are options for everyone. We offer a variety of seamless career pathways that integrate academic and skills training to build tomorrow’s workforce. We support all students throughout their education, whether they pursue an associate degree or certificate, plan to transfer to a four-year college or university, or they enroll in a QuickJobs program through the Corporate and Community Education Division to learn a new skill.

Alexis Yelder is an enrollment counselor. In her role, she serves Pickens County and Anderson 5 schools, providing proactive student outreach, recruitment, and intensive enrollment counseling. She comes to TCTC with many years of HR experience. She attended TCTC, then received her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Anderson University.

Ansley Allen is our campus visit coordinator. In her role, she serves all prospective students interested in a campus visit. She comes to TCTC from Anderson School District 4.

Tanty Meier is a new full-time chemistry instructor in the Arts and Sciences Division. She comes to us from Greenville Technical College. She received a Master of Science degree in organic chemistry from Iowa State University.

New HHCP/HMR Cohort

In August of 2023, officials from TCTC, Honor Health Career Programs (HHCP) and HMR Veterans Services, Inc. (HMRVSI), announced a new workforce development program—the first of its kind in the U.S.—that created an on-site training program for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to pursue a licensed practical nursing (LPN) credential at the Richard M. Campbell Veterans Home in Anderson. All three completed the program, earned their LPN degrees in August 2023, and passed the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX)-PN.

This semester the second cohort, comprised of six students, are enrolled in the program and are taking classes in the on-site education and training center

In addition to earning their LPN degrees and meeting a critical workforce need, graduates of the program increase their earning potential and establish a pathway to a registered nurse degree and beyond.

A shortage of LPNs at the nursing home prompted HMRVSI to contact TCTC to initiate an agreement that would create an educational pathway for qualified CNAs to enroll in the three-semester program. The cohort takes classes while working at the nursing home.

Lonnie Finds New Home at Pet Adoption

Amber Barnes, assistant town administrator for Pendleton, adopted Lonnie at our Veterinary Technology Department’s publicwide pet adoption on March 14.

Gene Haas Foundation

(continued from page 1)

incumbent worker training for our local industry training in CNC and related technology. Our industry and school partnerships, as well as our investment in equipment, demonstrate the College’s commitment to growing our CNC program,” said Dr. DeHay.

Currently, there are 53 students enrolled in day and evening classes at the Industrial Technology Center (ITC).

TCTC’s CNC Programming and Operations program prepares individuals for entry-level to advanced machining and prototyping jobs, said Paul Phelps, dean of TCTC’s Engineering and Industrial Technology Division. “Graduates are needed by every manufacturer you can name in the tri-county area, ranging from a small shop to a major manufacturer. Machining is crucial to all manufacturing processes, from maintenance to product development to manufacturing in general. For every plastic part made, a mold must be made by a CNC machine and a machinist at the controls. You’ll find everything from your cell phone case to silverware on your table was touched by a machinist,” said Phelps.

TCTC’s CNC Programming and Operations associate degree was designed with employer guidance to prepare students for positions as highly skilled technicians. Students learn not only how to write CNC programs but also how to use CAD/CAM design and analysis applications, create precision set-ups, select tooling, and operate a variety of CNC milling and turning centers. Graduates are highly sought-after candidates for local manufacturing companies and precision machine shops. “Machining is always advancing. We strive to teach students the fundamentals and then build from there. Students should have the confidence to go to any shop and begin working, and continue to learn for the rest of their career,” said Daniel Harbin, program director for CNC Programming and Operations at TCTC.

Since 2015, the Haas Foundation has supported scholarships for CNC students,” said Gerald Maxie, CNC instructor at TCTC. “Students at the College can work with cutting-edge CNC controls on milling machines, including those with multi-axis capability and Live Tooling applications on CNC lathes, as well as advanced production applications with material feeders. The support from the Haas Foundation bodes well for the future of CNC students at Tri-County Technical College.”

Six students comprise the second cohort of the HHCP/HMR program for LPNs. From left are Hannah Cely, Alexia Peters, Abby King, Lizzie Means Ayanna Gossett-Morales and Hannah DiVittorio.

Spotlight On Alumni

Mike Surdyka, assistant plant manager for Heidelberg Materials in Taylors and a two-time TCTC graduate, and his colleagues, Stuart Smith and Jared Wendell, visited the welding and mechatronics classes to talk about career opportunities with the company. There are job openings at 10-12 Heidelberg Materials locations across North and South Carolina, they said.

Heidelberg is one of the world’s largest integrated manufacturers of building materials and solutions. Its products are cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, and asphalt. They are used for the construction of houses, infrastructure, and commercial and industrial facilities.

“You never know where life will take you,” said Surdyka, who holds an associate in Business (1992) and a Welding degree (1994).

He has 30-plus years of experience with Heidelberg Materials, serving 22 years in Georgia as a plant manager before moving back to the Upstate.

Surdyka said when he was in high school, his family moved to South Carolina. He chose TCTC because it was close to home. Initially, he was interested in becoming an accountant. After earning his Business degree, he changed course, and entered the Welding program.

Early in his career at Heidelberg, Surdyka says his degree in Business caught the attention of his supervisors who were looking for someone with leadership qualities and he was offered a foreman job. “The two degrees really meshed together for me. TCTC is a great college,” said Surdyka. “The instructors really got to know us as individuals.”

His daughter, Heather, a student at Pendleton High School, is a dual enrollment student at TCTC.

TCTC’s Career and Employability Resources Office hosted a career fair for students in the Business and Public Services Division and Veterinary Technology.

The event served as a prime opportunity for students to talk about employment opportunities with recruiters and managers and to develop of network of career contacts.

Mother and daughter team Mary Terry, pictured right, and Emmaline Terry Boughman, represented TD Bank at the career fair.

Terry and Boughman, both graduates of TCTC’s Business Administration program, chatted with students about opportunities at TD

Bank. Terry, a 2021 graduate, is assistant store manager, and Boughman, a 2023 graduate, is a banking associate.

Lots of Veterinary Technology grads are working in practices and clinics all over the state and were on hand to talk about their careers.

Elise Marchant Littleton, a 2007 graduate and LVT and VTS, pictured third from left, above, is practice manager for emergency services at Fetch in Greenville. Jordan Mackey, a 2022 graduate, second from left, works with Littleton as an LVT at Fetch.

Alumna and entrepreneur Charity

Martin has worked in child care since graduating from the Early Care and Education program as its outstanding student. She enrolled at Tri-County right out of high school and received an associate in arts degree in 2008 and returned nearly a decade later to earn her Early Care and Education degree. She says both times she attended basically debt free thanks to the LIFE scholarship (the first time) and later the generosity of the Abney Foundation and Smith Family scholarships through the College’s Foundation.

Today she is owner of Charity’s Treehouse which provides child care and pet-sitting services.

She also has a passion for wellness and teaches Zumba classes at the Anderson YMCA on Tuesday evenings.

Sarai Melendez aspires every day to create, innovate and strengthen opportunities for her community in Walhalla. As both a citizen and a two-term Walhalla City Council member, she says it’s imperative to be an active listener and learner.

“My goal today is to learn from all of you,” Melendez said in her remarks to the TCTC students attending the joint Women of Color and Tri-County Association of Political Scientists (TAPS) meeting.

In 2019, Melendez made history and became Walhalla’s first Latina councilwoman. “Anything is possible when you have a vision and the support of your community.” She said her decision to run for office was determined when she decided that she could be the change she wanted to see in her community.

(continued on page 11)

Spotlight On Alumna Sarai Melendez

(continued from page 10)

A first-generation college student and single parent to her 10-yearold daughter, Melendez says there have been obstacles in her journey, but she relied on her resilience during the tough days and discovered that, “Challenge and resilience go hand in hand. Those challenges are growth which becomes a skill and then a strength,” she said. “Find your power and use it to take the lead, and then share it (power) to impact your community.”

A 2008 graduate of Walhalla High School, she entered TCTC in 2010 to study Practical Nursing but she made a career shift, transferred to Greenville Technical College and earned an associate in science. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Anderson University.

Over the last few years she has engaged with TCTC to increase awareness among the Hispanic community that college is possible for them. Melendez and members of the City of Walhalla Diversity and Inclusion Committee worked with TCTC to create outreach activities aimed at educating individuals about what TCTC can do for them.

This partnership created outreach activities that provide a targeted introduction to the College, technical education and technical career opportunities for the Hispanic community in Oconee County.

Melendez, who at the time was director of advocacy and public policy for the Hispanic Alliance in Greenville, and Dr. Lorilei Swanson, Upstate Regional Family Engagement Liaison for the Carolina Family Engagement Center, worked with College officials to help with communication strategies designed to make the family the

focus and information about college resources at the forefront of all communications. Enrollment figures show that Hispanic student enrollment in Spring 2023 increased by 17% compared to Spring 2022, 36% compared to Spring 2021, and 16% compared to Spring 2020.

It was while pursuing her bachelor’s degree that Melendez became interested in running for public office. One of her assignments was to get to know the elected officials who represent her. She began attending city council meeting in her hometown of Walhalla. “I began to participate in my local government and so can you,” she said.

She contemplated running for office but was hesitant. Words from her mentor, the late Dr. John Bickford, were the impetus and the inspiration to move forward. He said, “‘Do what you fear the most.’ So I put myself out there, and began running a grassroots campaign.”

When canvassing prior to the election, she listened to constituents and their views on the issues making sure everyone’s voice was heard. She began to discover her power.

Last November she was elected to serve her second term

She credits her courage to her mentor and said his words about facing fear resonate with her on a daily basis. “I think about him and how he impacted my life. He lives in my spirit and I am honored to serve as a mentor to others today, just as he did for me.”

Currently Melendez is an independent community health worker and is pursuing a master’s degree in public health policy. She also serves on the TCTC Board of Visitors.

Second Annual Nursing Conference

The Health Education Division’s Nursing Department’s second annual conference for Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing students, faculty and staff was held on March 12. Two hundred and sixty-seven students attended the conference.

Andrew Wilson, chief deputy coroner for Pickens County, was the keynote speaker.

Following the keynote address, 136 students presented posters on an assortment of projects that included awareness and prevention of a variety of cancers, stress management, coping with depression, PTSD, opioid addiction, suicide prevention, management of pain, neurovascular disease, and many more clinical topics. Students from the Student Nurses Association (SNA) showcased the work their club is doing at the local and state levels. Three of the SNA students from TCTC are elected officials at the state SNA.

“Bringing together students and faculty from both PN and ADN programs in the nursing department created an environment of mutual learning, collaboration, and showcasing the projects done by students,” said Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of the Health Education Division.

Andrew Wilson, chief deputy coroner for Pickens County, pictured at right, was the keynote speaker. He is pictured talking with Aaron Dean, an Associate Degree Nursing major.

Student NAVTA Chapter Wins First-Place Award for Student Community Involvement Project

TCTC’s Veterinary Technology program and its student chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) demonstrate every day the department’s creed of ‘compassionate care for animals’ through its varied community service activities.

In 1990, when Veterinary Technology Program Director and NAVTA student chapter faculty advisor Stephanie Brown was a student in the program, her class engaged in a pet adoption project whereby clinical learning experiences and competencies were honed while addressing the overwhelming problem of animal overpopulation. In 2007 public pet adoptions were incorporated into the curriculum and today it’s one of the many ways students make a difference for the College and the community.

Recently TCTC’s student chapter of NAVTA brought home the firstplace award for its Student Community Involvement Project at the South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) conference in Myrtle Beach. Brown and students were on hand to accept the award which specifically honors their work with their pet adoption events. It’s especially meaningful, Brown says, because it’s the first time the student group has been honored for their longstanding work with rescue agencies to reduce pet overpopulation.

There are three Veterinary Technology programs among the state’s 16 technical colleges and TCTC is the only one with public pet adoptions.

“We’re proud to be recognized statewide for what we do every day, every semester, that includes day, night and weekend work. I, along with the entire faculty and staff, am so honored and humbled to work with such a fantastic group of students who know what it means to sacrifice their time to give back to our community,” said Brown. “I love the fact that they get to work and interact with these rescue groups and see firsthand the huge need that is in our community. I am in awe that they not only see it but are so eager to act upon it and help by volunteering their time, effort, and knowledge. I do not think there is a more deserving group of students to accept this award.”

Each semester the department takes in up to 38 dogs and 24 cats from shelters, humane societies, rescues and sanctuaries. Under the supervision and guidance of the College’s veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians, students use their acquired knowledge and hands-on skills to perform procedures that benefit each animal. These skills include complete physical exams, heartworm and feline leukemia testing, complete blood counts, urinalysis, microchip placement, vaccinations, baths, ear cytology, and any additional procedures that will lead to a successful course of treatment. In addition, each student is assigned an animal that they will train and socialize, transforming them into a highly adoptable pet.

Students work with multiple shelters in South Carolina and Georgia to aid in animal spaying/neutering and adoption. Four times a year,

TCTC’s Student Chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) brought home the first-place award for its Student Community Involvement Project at the South Carolina Technical Education Association conference. Pictured from left are: Dr. Mark Dougherty, dean of students; President Galen DeHay; students Kate Hardy and Chandler Wood; Veterinary Technology Program Director Stephanie Brown; student Carleigh Parker; Dr. Mandy Elmore, assistant vice president for curriculum and instruction; Linda Jameison, vice president of student support and engagement; and Kari Logan, student engagement coordinator.

public pet adoption events are held on campus for cats and dogs from the animal shelters that have been cared for during the semester as part of the program.

“Each student spends countless hours above and beyond lectures and labs to guarantee that the animals we take in receive the absolute best care and best opportunity for adoption. Shelters, humane societies and rescues are always full and usually lack the funds needed to obtain the care that homeless animals need. Our students enthusiastically step forward to bridge the gap,” said Brown.

“The community is invited to the public pet adoption events to meet our animals, find a forever best friend, and learn about our program. Each adoption event is completely run by our students. They welcome our guests, facilitate “meet and greets” between animals and potential adopters, help new owners complete adoption paperwork and register microchips, and explain how to care for the new family member,” she said.

“Everybody is 100% invested,” she said.

From August 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, the department provided 156 dogs and 142 cats with routine veterinary care and approximately 130 animals were successfully adopted.

The cost of adoption is $60 which includes animal spaying/ neutering, microchip with registration, up-to-date vaccines, and current heartworm and flea prevention. A portion of the adoption fee is returned to each supported organization.

Shelters are overwhelmed and overburdened, said Brown.

According to the Animal Rescue Professional Association website, in just seven years, a single pair of cats and their offspring could produce a staggering total of 420,000 kittens. In addition,

(continued on page 13)

Student NAVTA Chapter

(continued from page 12)

one dog can produce over 150 puppies in her lifetime. “Our spay/ neuter surgeries positively impacted our community by reducing the population of cats by approximately 28,400 and the population of dogs by 23,400,” said Brown.

On Valentine’s Day 2023, the program hosted a Spay/Neuter day for a cat rescue. This event took place on a scheduled campus closure day and students could have enjoyed a day off. “However, we asked for volunteers to help with the event and almost every student showed up! We altered 60 cats, and their new families were able to pick them up from the rescue much sooner than planned. Our students gave up their day off to help both the cats and the people who cared for them. Our students are all in when it comes to helping animals in need,” said Brown.

“When our students volunteer their time, they exercise our mission statement of ‘Compassionate care for animals.’ It is a win-win for the organizations, our students, the animals, and the fortunate people who get to adopt them.”

Another long-term impact of the program is that students become deeply involved in community service and learn what it means to give back to our community. “I feel like the satisfaction they get from this project will encourage them to volunteer their time and services even after they have graduated from our program,” said Brown.

TCTC’s program, which is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), is endorsed by the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians.

Associates Complete Plastic Injection Molding Class

A group of eight associates working in the plastics industry in Anderson and Oconee counties completed TCTC’s second plastic injection molding class on March 21. Individuals employed at Eugen Wexler, CurTec, Horton Manufacturing and Baxter Manufacturing successfully completed the six-week, 22-hour program that was taught at TCTC’s Oconee Campus.

TCTC’s multi-phase Plastic Injection Molding (PIM) initiative is an industry-driven workforce development program designed to support the career and technical advancement of plastics workers throughout Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties.

Participants earned a Fundamentals of Plastic Injection Molding certificate from TCTC’s Corporate and Community Education Division by gaining foundational knowledge in plastics materials, safety, mold processes, machine requirements and analytics, quality standards, and basic troubleshooting.

In the fall of 2022, a group of associates working in the plastics industry in Oconee County completed the first phase of TCTC’s intensive pilot plastic injection molding initiative.

The second phase of the PIM initiative focused on having participants perform more hands-on activities and completing more analyses associated with machine set-up, production of a sample part and elimination of defects.

The College’s PIM initiative includes two essential features that make it especially relevant and effective for participants. First, the use of a state-of-the-art Engel e-Victory 180 plastic injection molding machine set up right in the classroom—with the capacity to project the control panel for easy illustration in the classroom as well as the ability to project images in real time via a mounted camera that shows specific internal functions of the machine in operation. And, second, the curriculum and instruction was co-designed by a current site director who has 25 years of

A group of eight associates working in the plastics industry in Anderson and Oconee counties completed TCTC’s second plastic injection mold class on March 21. From left are Paul Phelps (TCTC, Dean Engineering & Industrial Technology Division), Noah Borkowski (Eugen Wexler), Dwayne Bolt (Eugen Wexler), Ashton Crooks (Eugen Wexler), Steve Verschaeve (Instructor, CurTec), Shawn Higgins (Eugen Wexler), Ben Litoborski (Eugen Wexler), Gage Selman (CurTec), Bryson Shaw (Horton Manufacturing), Randy Smith (Baxter Manufacturing), and Bryan Manuel (TCTC, Dean Integrated Workforce Solutions).

experience in nearly all levels of the plastics industry and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in plastics engineering, a Six Sigma Black Belt, and a master’s degree in business administration.

There are 27 businesses in the tri-county region that perform plastic injection molding and dozens more that perform other types of plastics processing or that build and service the molds used in manufacturing. In recent years occupations in injection molding have grown significantly and are projected to continue to grow 4% over the next five years, according to economic forecasting experts.

Tri-County’s PIM initiative targets companies interested in building workers’ skills and foundation knowledge for career advancement, whether those workers are operators, quality technicians, materials handlers or entry-level mold technicians.

Carol Burdette to Deliver Commencement Address

Carol Burdette, chief executive officer of United Way of Anderson County, will deliver the College’s spring commencement address. The ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 7, at 6 p.m. at Littlejohn Coliseum.

Graduates will be awarded degrees, diplomas, and/or certificates during the College’s commencement. In addition to families and guests of the graduates, alumni and other friends of the College are invited to attend the ceremony.

Burdette has served as the CEO of United Way of Anderson County since 2002. Under her leadership, United Way has improved the health, education and financial stability of the Anderson community.

Carol Burdette

After 22 years as CEO, preceded by 13 years of voluntary service, Burdette will retire at the end of the year.

A Pendleton native and lifelong Anderson County resident, Burdette has been involved with community organizations as a volunteer or staff member for more than 35 years. For 22 of those years, she served in elected office for the Town of

Pendleton as a council member from 1987 to 1997 and as mayor from 1997 to 2009. Among many of her volunteer positions, she served as board chair of the Anderson Area YMCA, chair of the United Way of Anderson County Campaign and Board, chair of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and chair of the South Carolina Association of Non-Profit Organizations. She is a past president of the Rotary Club of Anderson and a Rotary Past District Governor. Burdette was president of the Municipal Association of South Carolina and was the first female chair of Ten at The Top. She also served a six-year term on the Board of Directors of Sister Cities International.

Currently she serves on the Board of Visitors of Anderson University, board president of AdvanceSC, and is chair-elect of Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust (CART).

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Wesleyan University.