Men of Color Event Draws Community Partners

Overcoming Obstacles: Financially, Academically, Mentally and Emotionally (FAME) was the theme of the third annual Men of Color luncheon held on October 14.

The Men of Color initiative is dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse student population and engaging with others about educational opportunities on campus and beyond. The goal is to educate, motivate, inspire, and empower these men and to let them know they have a place at Tri-County.

Milan Richard, former Clemson University national championship football player and business entrepreneur, was the keynote speaker for the event, which drew nearly 100 guests.

“I’m thankful that I was able to play football and go the places I did, but I learned that my purpose is to impact other people. Football was the vehicle to push me to find my passion—owning my own business,” said Milan.

The event also featured a panel discussion with Milan; Rodney Estrada, TCTC employability service coordinator; Luis Martinez, vice president and commercial lending South State Bank, Anderson; and Don Peppers, founder of Proverbs Mentoring Organization and athletic director at Anderson Christian School.

Many thanks to our generous community partners, South State Bank, Restoration Project Foundation and the Pendleton Rhinos, for sponsoring this stellar event.

The TCTC Men of Color Committee spent countless hours planning and organizing this impactful event. Several members are pictured here with panelists and guest speaker Milan Richard, seated, left. From left (standing) are Travis Durham; Luis Martinez; Rodney Estrada, Don Peppers, and Brian Smith. Seated, center is Dr. Lanieka Musalini, and Dr. Jackie Blakley is seated, right. Not pictured is August Johnson. The event featured a panel discussion with, from left, Luis Martinez, vice president and commercial lending South State Bank, Anderson; Don Peppers, founder of Proverbs Mentoring Organization and athletic director at Anderson Christian School; Milan Richard, former Clemson University national championship football player and business entrepreneur; and Rodney Estrada, TCTC employability service coordinator.

P.O. Box 587 • Pendleton, S.C. 29670

The Police Pre-Academy Training (PPAT) certificate program hosted its Interviews/Law Enforcement Career Fair on Friday, October 22, in the Anderson Hall Events Center.

Representatives from 10 local and state law enforcement agencies were available to discuss career opportunities, and representatives from TCTC were on hand to discuss the college’s criminal justice associate degree program and the new PPAT certificate program.

The four-course program can provide a simple path to becoming a law enforcement officer. Candidates first apply to one of the state’s 16 technical colleges and complete the 14-week certificate program. Over the 14 weeks, candidates will learn basic and introductory law enforcement training, tactics, and procedures. In total, they will complete four courses totaling 12 credit hours that can apply toward the 66 credits required to earn an associate degree should candidates decide to further their studies.

“This was an excellent opportunity for our cadets to practice their interviewing techniques and to receive feedback from agencies to ensure that each cadet can better be prepared for the panel interview that most agencies conduct,” said Jess McCoy, criminal justice faculty member.

To learn more about the college’s criminal justice program and Police Pre-Academy Training Certificate, visit tctc.edu/ppat.