A Publication from the Office of the President
In this Issue…
A. Wade Martin Nominees Announced.................................. 3
Boles Family Pledges Endowment................................. 4
National Society of Leadership & Success Hosts Ceremony...... 5
Leadership TCTC Fall Cohort Meets............................. 7
November/December 2020
Glenn Hellenga, Tri-County’s Longest-Standing Employee, to Retire January 4, 2021 For nearly five decades Counselor Glenn Hellenga has advised Tri-County Technical College students of all ages that life is too short to do something you don’t enjoy. They weren’t just words— they were his own personal life philosophy. November 15, 2020, marked Glenn’s 47th year of service, making him the longest-standing employee in the College’s 58-year history. He will retire January 4, 2021. Glenn Hellenga circa 1970s, left, and today, right Ironically, he said he never intended to make a career at the two-year college when he signed on back in 1973 right out of graduate school but says he quickly discovered his calling. Glenn vividly remembers the day he interviewed for the job as a counselor in the Manpower Training Program. He said when he drove up to the then-three-building campus and parked, he had a good feeling that continued throughout the interview process. What he expected to be a couple of hours turned into an all-day conversation with folks who ended up being mentors and lifelong friends. Former Dean of Students and Anderson resident Al Norris and the late Dr. Don C. Garrison, who served as president from 1971 until his retirement in 2003, were among those who relayed the story about the birth of the S.C. Technical College System and Tri-County’s mission of being a comprehensive community college that fuels economic development while providing equal educational opportunities for everyone. “‘Dr. Garrison was so fired up. I identified with him and Al and David Shirley (former counselor and assistant dean of students). Al became a second father figure and David remains a great friend to this day. Dr. Garrison’s magnetism and passion for the College were infectious,” Glenn said. “Dr. Garrison offered me a job that day, and I accepted. It felt like home, and it still does.” Norris is at the top of the list in terms of mentors. “He always treated every person with dignity and respect. He created a framework, a team. He worked shoulder-to-shoulder with us. I remember getting settled into the job and realizing this is a place where I can help people and that’s a good thing,” he said. Throughout his tenure, Glenn remained committed to the College’s philosophy of serving students. “Jobs for People and People for Jobs. That slogan said it all in the (continued on page 10)
Passionate people TRANSFORMING LIVES
AND BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.