Connection Newsletter May 2018

A Publication from the Office of the President

In this Issue ...

Spring Commencement........3–6

Faculty and Staff Receive Service Pins................................ 8

Welding Students Garner Awards at Competition.............. 9

I-BEST Program Celebrates Student Success...................... 10

May 2018

Corey Evans Receives Presidential Medallion For Instructional Excellence Corey Evans, an instructor in the Humanities Department who also teaches Developmental English and College Skills classes for the Comprehensive Studies Department, was honored May 7 with the highest award presented to the faculty. He received the Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence at the College’s Spring Commencement.

Dr. Booth presented the medallion to the Anderson resident.

The medallion is presented each year to the instructor who has contributed the most during the academic year to the profession of teaching, to the development of the College, and to the students.

Corey began teaching Developmental English at Tri-County during the 2005-2006 academic year. Later, after joining the Arts and Sciences Division as a full-time Spanish instructor in January 2010, he revived his interest in teaching Developmental English Corey Evans was honored May and added College Skills and Freshman Seminar courses for the 7 with Presidential Medallion for Comprehensive Studies Department into his mix of classes.

Instructional Excellence at the Corey is an instructor at both the Anderson and Pendleton College’s Spring Commencement. campuses.

“Corey is passionate about helping students succeed so he embraces the opportunity to reach as many students as possible in as many ways possible,” said Jennifer Hulehan, who leads the College’s Comprehensive Studies Department.

Humanities Department Head Dr. Della Vanhuss echoed her admiration of his dedication to student success. “Corey is an excellent instructor/advisor at the Anderson Campus,” she said, adding, “I appreciate the diversity of his interests and his love for Tri-County Technical College.”

Corey began college at Tri-County where he earned Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. He went on to earn a B.A. (double major in Spanish and English) from Clemson University and a master’s in Teaching Foreign Language from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Della served as his Advisor and Department Head when he was a student at Tri-County. “I can remember many long conversations about his plans and goals. Tri-County is best served when our faculty/staff believe in the mission of the College. Corey is one of our success stories. He now has the opportunity to show his students how to make their dreams come true.”

Jenn said he models personal and professional development through lifelong learning. “He takes every opportunity to learn and grow and is one of the most enthusiastic participants at the annual Teaching and Learning workshop. He volunteered to go through extensive training to teach classes (such as Freshman Seminar). Every time he teaches these classes it is a little different because he is continuously learning new things to improve the courses and his teaching methods,” she said.

Passionate people TRANSFORMING LIVES

AND BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.

(continued on page 11)

Connection

Connecting

is published ten times each year by the Office of the President and the Public Relations Department.

Mailing Address (All Campuses) P. O. Box 587, Pendleton, SC 29670 Pendleton Campus 7900 Highway 76, Pendleton, SC Anderson Campus 511 Michelin Blvd., Anderson, SC Easley Campus 1774 Powdersville Rd., Easley, SC Oconee Campus (Opening August 2018) 552 Education Way, Westminster, SC Main Number (864) 646-TCTC (8282) Toll-free 1-866-269-5677 TDD/Voice 1-800-735-2905 Website www.tctc.edu

Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Tri-County Technical College.

M

Industry Preview Tour Showcases Oconee Campus Dr. Ronnie L. Booth ore than 60 plant managers, human resource President managers, and other representatives of local industries gathered at our new Oconee Campus for lunch and a sneak peek and preview tour of the facility on May 31. Even though we are still in the final phases of construction and equipment and furnishings are not installed, there is no doubt they will be highly impressed with what they see and hear that day.

We are only a few short months away from the long-awaited opening of our newest campus. Local industry leaders have been active partners in helping us to identify and plan programs to meet their need for a highly skilled workforce. This gathering gives us an opportunity to share additional details about the classes and programs we will offer in both credit and non-credit areas.

The campus is located at the Oconee Industry and Technology Park on Highway 11 “We will finally achieve a historic in Westminster, centrally located between milestone in the history of the Seneca, Walhalla, and Westminster. By fall College—a campus in every 2020, a new career center for high school county in our service area.” students will open adjacent to the campus, —Dr. Ronnie L. Booth giving us the opportunity to expand our highly successful Technical Career Pathways program. It also will give us the opportunity to share labs, equipment, and resources, as well as create seamless pathways from secondary to postsecondary education. We envision a dynamic hub where education, economic development, workforce education, and industry come together in new ways we have yet to imagine.

By the time our industry partners return for the ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony on August 17, we will be ready to showcase a spectacular new campus with the latest equipment for meeting industry standards to prepare students for careers in CNC programming and operations, mechatronics, industrial electronics, manufacturing management, supply chain logistics, business management, and more. We also will offer general education courses to support our technical programs and to prepare students who wish to transfer to four-year colleges or universities.

We are grateful for the unfailing support of our friends in the legislature, the Oconee County Council, and the School District of Oconee County. Thanks to their partnership, we will finally achieve this historic milestone in the history of the College—a campus in every county in our service area and the beginning of unique center for technical education, work-based learning, industry, and economic development.

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.

2 • CONNECTION

Ronnie L. Booth, Ph.D., President

Today Begins Next Chapter in Your Lives, Boeing Executive Tells Class of 2018 Today is just the beginning of the next chapter in your lives, Tommy Preston, a Pickens County native who serves as director of National Strategy and Engagement and Government Operations for Boeing South Carolina, told the Class of 2018 at Spring Commencement.

“You get to write the next chapter in whatever way you can imagine, hope, and dream,” Mr. Preston said to the 744 graduates who received degrees, diplomas, and certificates at Littlejohn Coliseum. “Your future is in your hands, and I look forward to having the opportunity to read the chapters you write.”

His address included advice he has gathered from friends, family, and mentors who have served as “You get to write the next chapter in whatever way you can imagine, hope and dream,” Tommy Preston, a D.W. Daniel High School graduate who serves as director of National Strategy and Engagement and “guiding principles for me in my college Government Operations for Boeing South Carolina, said to the 744 graduates. At right, he is pictured with experience, professional career, and in Dr. Booth. my personal life.”

While President Obama was in Columbia, he met with Preston While earning a degree in Political Science from the University to discuss literacy in South Carolina. of South Carolina (and later a Juris Doctorate from the University While a student at Daniel High, Mr. Preston met President of South Carolina (USC) School of Law), he built a close George W. Bush at the White House and says, “It was and still relationship with former USC President Dr. Andrew Sorensen, who is one of the most memorable moments of my life. When asked told him, ‘Develop a life plan, but be flexible. Life has a funny way what advice he would give a group of high school students, of taking you in different directions.’ without any hesitation, he said, ‘always serve a cause greater After graduation he practiced law where he represented than yourselves.’” companies and organizations, including Boeing, on economic “Today, I recognize that I have an obligation to give back,” said development, public policy, and regulatory matters. He also was Mr. Preston, who is the founder of Cocky’s Reading Express™ the Chair of the firm’s Diversity Initiative.

(CRE), a statewide initiative dedicated to improving literacy. The Several years later, Mr. Preston says he received a call from program has provided more than 130,000 books to children in Boeing offering him a job in his current position where he focuses South Carolina. on regulatory, public policy, grassroots strategy, and community “Whatever you choose to do in life, I encourage you to look engagement. beyond your own self interests and strive to make the lives of “I never in a million years would have imagined being 33 years others better,” he said. old and one of the youngest executives in the Boeing Company, which has over 150,000 employees worldwide. But opportunities have a way of opening up if we are diligent in our pursuits and receptive to new ideas. My philosophy is to do the best job you can in the moment and be confident in knowing that good opportunities will come,” he said.

• 744 Graduates • 26 diplomas In 2014, the White House asked Mr. Preston to assist with • 508 Participants • 290 Certificates the launch of President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper • 610 Degrees initiative, a program to support the growth and success of young men of color.

Graduation at a Glance

May 2018 • 3

Denise Bailey Receives Distinguished Alumni Award Denise Bailey received Tri-County Technical College’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award at the College’s Spring Commencement May 7 at Littlejohn Coliseum.

The award, which highlights her dedication to her alma mater, was presented to her by Dr. Booth.

The recipient of this award must have been awarded a degree, diploma or certificate from Tri-County; must have graduated at least one year ago; and must have made significant contributions to the College, the Alumni Association, or the community.

When Denise Bailey graduated from Tri-County’s Accounting program in 2004, she narrowed her entry-level career options down to two areas in public accounting –tax or audit compliance.

“Success is seeing the difference you make in someone’s life,” says Denise She successfully landed a full-time job as a tax preparer for a Bailey, of Pickens, center, who received College’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Seneca accounting firm, expanding her skills in tax preparation Award. She is pictured with her family: husband, Arnold, Jr.; son Arnold, III, while beginning work on a bachelor’s degree.

20; daughter, Victoria, 17; and son, Tilghman, 9.

Sixteen years and two advanced degrees later, Denise, the after graduating from a private high school at age 16. She leader of Accounting Systems Consulting Specialty Group for worked for two years in her mother’s cleaning business, and at Elliott Davis in Greenville, tells recent college graduates that today 18 she married her high school sweetheart. She wanted to go there are so many more career options to consider—positions in to college, but she says it was put on the back burner after the consulting that include improving accounting processes through couple purchased a new home and began their family. Six years the use of technology. “It’s not just math and numbers. That is passed and in 2001 she decided to enter always involved, but it is so much more,” Tri-County six months after their second said Denise, who was the first student “I have a heart for the students and a child was born. At 24, she enrolled in from Tri-County to transfer to Franklin passion for the program.” the Accounting program, while working University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a master’s in —Denise Bailey full-time (she had taken over the cleaning business) and taking a full academic load Business Administration (Finance). of online and day classes.

As a member and Chair of our “I was the first in my immediate family to go to college so Business Technology Advisory Committee, she tells Tri-County this was a big deal,” she added. She was awarded scholarships students to think outside the box, not just about debits and through the College’s Foundation and lottery tuition assistance credits and tax and audit compliance services. There is so much funds, enabling her to graduate from college debt free. to explore in Accounting, she says. Although she started out as a She was working on her master’s degree when she was Staff Accountant preparing tax returns, she listened to instructors hired at Elliott Davis in 2006 as a Staff Accountant in the Tax and colleagues, who became mentors, such as Brenda Mattison, Department. Six months later, in April 2007, she was promoted to accounting instructor, who boosted her confidence to continue her Manager of the Accounting Advisory Group. education during her time at Tri-County, and colleagues at Elliott She helped to develop the department and in 2014 started a Davis, who encouraged her to develop her area of expertise. new department called Accounting Systems Consulting where she “Denise was such a committed student,” said Brenda. “She and her team provide businesses of various sizes with accounting was a joy to teach because she was always prepared and ready systems analysis, implementation, and process improvement to learn. I knew that with a little bit of encouragement she would consulting. “I love what I do,” she said. continue her education and make a difference in the accounting Another way to recruit for Elliott Davis while giving back to field. But all I did was provide some information and a small her alma mater is serving on the Business Technology Advisory nudge. She had the desire. I’m so pleased to see how much she Committee since 2005. “Brenda called and asked if I would serve. has accomplished and so thankful she is willing to give back to It’s a way to give back, say thanks, and show students what you Tri-County and work with our current students.” can accomplish beginning with a Tri-County Accounting degree,” “In college and in the workforce, I found individuals to invest said Denise. time in me. Find people you trust and admire who can help you to She says that she will always make time for Tri-County. “I have get where you need to be,” she said. a heart for the students and a passion for the program,” she said.

Denise knew college was in her future but not immediately 4 • CONNECTION

Mother and Daughter Graduate Together, Begin New Phases of Their Lives Regina Wherry, 52, and Jasmine Brotemarkte, 22, a mother and daughter from Anderson, spent the last two years as TriCounty students preparing to enter new phases of their lives.

They celebrated the culmination of their hard work (both have GPAs that exceed 3.5) as they earned degrees at Spring Commencement, but it also began a five-day countdown to when Jasmine packed up and relocated back home to Pittsburg to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Pittsburg. (Jasmine received an Associate in Science degree at graduation.)

Regina earned an Administrative Office Technology degree and since late last year has been working as a Paralegal with the law firm of White, Davis, and White in Anderson.

“So much has happened, but we did it,” said Jasmine. Regina graduates debt free, thanks to an Abney Scholarship and other financial aid. Although Jasmine acquired a small loan from her first year as an out-of-state student, she was awarded a College Foundation scholarship her second year that covered most of the costs of college.

As time passed, their relationship metamorphosed from mother and daughter to friends and study partners.

“Coming to Tri-County helped me find direction and confidence,” said Jasmine.

“For me as well,” said Regina, who, with a great deal of trepidation entered college for the first time at age 50.

Jasmine had 30-plus academic credits she earned from dual enrollment classes when she lived in Pennsylvania and she entered Tri-County in 2016.

Regina says she was intimidated by the entire experience at first. “I had a few freak-out moments when I had to take a deep

Regina Wherry and Jasmine Brotemarkte

breath to continue forward,” she said. She also questioned her abilities. “I hadn’t taken a test in 30 years. I soon realized if I took college seriously the instructors would take me seriously. They really want you to succeed.”

Jasmine accepted an on-campus work/study position where she tutored students in the Computer and Information Technology program while managing a rigorous curriculum.

It was the relationships she developed there that make it difficult say goodbye, she said. “I’ve met great people here. I’ll definitely keep in touch. I feel very connected to both fellow students and instructors.”

In addition to her instructors, Jasmine says her mother also served as a role model for her.

“I always admired her ability to work full time while being a full time student.”

far left: Tyler Brock of Belton received his second Welding certificate through the Technical Career Pathways program. The Belton-Honea path senior, who graduates from high school this month, maintained a 4.0 in his Welding classes. He already is enrolled in summer school taking Welding classes. He is pictured with Amanda Blanton, director of high school engagement and outreach. left: Dr. Booth is pictured with Daniel Cooper, who received Technical Operators I and II Certificates in Mechatronics Technology through the Technical Career Pathways program. Daniel is the son of Dan Cooper, director of economic development and government relations.

May 2018 • 5

MLT Grad Finds Dream Job Belinda Cochran, a 52-year old single parent with a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, entered Tri-County two years ago after an 11-year hiatus from working as a Lab Analyst for an environmental company in Georgia.

“I needed a refresher to get back into the workforce,” said Belinda, who had been a stay-at-home mom since giving birth to her son in 2002.

“As he approached high school, I was ready to get back into the workforce,” she said. In 2013 she worked as an Assistant Teacher for Montessori School in Anderson but yearned to get back to environmental lab work. “So much had changed,” she said. “I needed to go back to school and get a refresher.”

Now living in Anderson, she chose to enroll at Tri-County, where she studied Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT).

Belinda was hopeful she would land a job soon after graduating. But she never imagined she would find her dream job—three months before graduating from Tri-County. On May 3, four days before she graduated, she began work as a

Lab Specialist I in the Animal Veterinary Science Department at Clemson University.

She will study the metabolism of grass-fed cows under the direction of Dr. Zheng Zhou. “I am so excited,” said Belinda, who landed the job in February.

“I will have the Belinda Cochran, right, poses with fellow MLT best of both worlds. graduate Ruchita Patel prior to graduation.

I will be working with farm animals, doing lab work and employed at Clemson University,” she said.

Mar’Keese Rayton, an Engineering Design major who serves as president of the Student Government Association, addresses the crowd.

From left, Registrar Scott Harvey, Senior Vice President Galen DeHay, keynote speaker Tommy Preston, Dr. Booth, and Faculty Senate President Stacey Frank prepare for the processional.

above: Leah

Medlin, a University Transfer major, sang the National Anthem.

left: Sandra

Williams, a certified surgical technician who is an adjunct instructor in our Surgical Technology program, received an Associate in Science degree. She is the recipient of the College’s 2017 Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award. Sandra has taught at the College for seven years, is a 1994 alumna of the Surgical Technology program, and has worked as a certified surgical technician for 24 years.

6 • CONNECTION

Veterinary Technology’s Class of 2018 Is Largest to Date Dr. Elizabeth Bryan and Dr. Kylie Powell addressed the College’s 30 Veterinary Technology students during a traditional pinning ceremony preceding graduation.

“Don’t settle for good enough—daydream of new ways to use your talent and pick your path. Be a student for life.”

—Dr. Kyle Powell Adjunct Faculty Member and Veterinarian

above: Staff Veterinarian/instructor Dr.

Elizabeth Bryan advised graduates to choose to think positively, to focus on solving problems, pursue continuing education and, have a relationship with the people they work with.

left: Mallory Shea Williams, of Simpsonville, left, participated in the pinning ceremony held May 7 for Veterinary Technology graduates. Pictured with her is Department Head Ashley Brady. Mallory also was presented the Leadership Award from the South Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians.

“This degree is the biggest stepping stone of your life.”

—Department Head Ashley Brady

Fifty-Seven Students Inducted into National Society of Leadership and Success

Family and friends gathered for the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) induction ceremony for 57 students held May 4 in the Student Success Center. Senior Vice President Galen DeHay offered the keynote address and encouraged students to “continue to develop, never be satisfied with your current state, and lead transformationally.”

NSLS is a community where like-minded, success-oriented people come together and help one another succeed. The Society distinguishes itself by

offering interactive broadcasts with the nation’s best speakers; training in goal setting and team meetings in which students set and hold each other accountable for achieving goals; and offering its members benefits to help them personally and professionally for the rest of their lives.

Scott Jaeschke, coordinator of community standards (far left), and Lori Morrissette, manager of student development and involvement (far right), serve as Advisors for the program.

May 2018 • 7

Faculty and Staff Receive Service Pins 30 Years TCTC and State Service

30 Years of State Service Lisa Anderson and Linda Brown were honored for 30 years of service to the College and the State. Both will retire at the end of June.

Lisa Anderson

Linda Brown

Susan Curtis

25 Years of TCTC Service

20 Years of TCTC Service

20 Years of State Service

No Photo Available

Shannan Holland

Dr. Amoena Norcross

Julie Vernon

Elizabeth Gambrell

Sarah Shumpert

Brenda Mattison

Donna Palmer

Dr. Jackie Blakley

Tim Bowen

Jay Sloan

John Woodson

15 Years of TCTC Service

Janet Fuller

Croslena Johnson

Dr. Lynn Lewis

Dr. Chris Marino

10 Years of TCTC Service

Kimberly Harp

Shallin Williams

Lisa Saxon

10 Years of State Service

Robert Newton

Susan Curtis

Jenni Creamer

Tasheka Johnson

Jeremy McCracken

Jessica Raymond

Vickie Robinson

Dr. Kathy Sparace

10 Years of TCTC and State Service

No Photo Available

Ashley Brady

Tina Burton

8 • CONNECTION

Carol Henry

Ana Interiano

Dorian McIntire

Scott Harvey

Our College Family excellence through service Congratulations to Corporate and Community Education Division Health Care Training Director Lynn Addis, our Nurse Aide instructors, and students who achieved several significant successes this month.

Our Nursing Assistant Program and AHS 117 (Care of Patients) were approved for re-certification for the maximum time period of 24 months by the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services. The report indicated there were no deficiencies.

Lynn also reports a 97% pass rate for the 40 candidates from the Spring AHS 117 Program who took the Nurse Aide Certification Test the first week of May. The 2016-17 Annual Report, written and photographed by Lisa Garrett and designed by Denise Day, received a Hermes Gold Award in the international Hermes Creative Awards competition. The Gold Award is presented to those entries judged to exceed the high standards of the industry norm.

Approximately 22 percent of entries received the Gold Award.

Lisa also received an Honorable Mention for a graduation photo taken at last summer’s commencement.

Congratulations to the Expanded Duty Dental Assisting program, who completed its site visit with the Commission on Dental Accreditation May 23 and does not have any additional reporting requirements. Many thanks to Program

Director Mandy Hanks for a great job in preparing the selfstudy and facilitating the site visit, College administration for supporting the program, faculty and staff who helped along the way, the Dental Assisting students, and the advisory board.

in transition Carolyn Stewart is the new Health Care Program Director in our Corporate and Community Education Division. Carolyn has years of experience working as an R.N. for the Greenville Health System (2010–2018) and at AnMed Health from 2000 - 2007.

Carolyn Stewart Carolyn was a Case Management RN at Care Improvement Plus from 2007–2010. Carolyn earned two degrees at Tri-County—an Associate in Arts in 1999 (she was an Abney Scholar) and an Associate Degree in Nursing (2003) before she receiving BSN (magna cum laude) and MSN (Informatics) degrees from South University.

While at Tri-County she was a member of our Alpha Zeta Beta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and was a Sigma Theta Tau nominees.

For 12 years, Carolyn has been a volunteer for Motorcycle Awareness Alliance.

She and her husband Marty, live in Anderson.

Welding Students Garner Three Awards at Competition Welding students garnered three awards—including a first-place recognition—at the Annual South Carolina Technical College State-wide Welding Competition. Fiftytwo students representing 10 technical colleges competed April 19 at Central Carolina Technical College. Tri-County students, pictured from left to right, are David Healy, of Marietta, second place; Chloe Hudson, of Seneca, first place; Justin Craig, of Liberty, second place; Jonathan Stewart, of Sandy Springs; Blair Stutts, of Columbia; and Tyler Cobb, of Salem.

May 2018 • 9

I-BEST Program Celebrates Student Success “No one asks what position you were in when you started the race; what matters is that you finished. This is your start.

The more you learn, the farther you go,” Dr. Booth said as he extended a personal word of congratulations to the I-BEST graduates at a reception that preceded commencement.

Two students received SC high school diplomas, and nine Manufacturing Pathways students received Manufacturing Production I Certificates at spring commencement held that evening.

The I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills training) program meets students where they are and helps them get to where they want to be in education and in the workforce.

above, left: Avery

Lee Smith and Kelsey Ann Putnam, second and third from left, were two students receiving high school diplomas through the I-BEST Youth program. They are pictured with Cindy Mobley, I-BEST coordinator, left, and Tiffany Carpenter, support specialist/graduation coach, right.

above, right: Gene

Williams, director of Adult Education for the School District of Oconee County, addressed the students and their guests and faculty and staff in attendance.

right: Manufacturing Pathways graduates pose for a photo with two instructors after the I-BEST celebration. From left are Melinda Hoover, instructor; Eric Strasser, Hannah Nichole Caudle, Lauren Alexandria Danielson, Claudia Patricia Hernandez, Michael Dwight Palmer, Eudora Joy Anders, and Kim Hartley, instructor. Not pictured are Ethan Paul Davis, Robert Lee Libby, and Michael Cruz Thrasher.

10 • CONNECTION

Students have the opportunity to go for high school diploma or GED completion, if needed, in addition to earning college credit certifications, industry-recognized certifications, and Work Keys credentials.

Gene Williams, director of Adult Education for the School District of Oconee County, said, “We are proud of you. The impact of two years has been a game changer in the lives of our students. The one thing you can control in life is how hard you work. Education is the dress rehearsal for the life you lead. This certificate is your learner’s permit for the rest of the drive through life. Let the barriers you face be external, not internal. Put your best foot forward and be persistent,” he said.

General Engineering Technology Students Showcase Projects General Engineering Technology students showcased their capstone projects during a demonstration held in the Student Success Center April 23.

above, left: Blow n Go, a system designed to monitor

the blood alcohol content (BAC) of an individual, can be used as a deterrent to driving under the influence. After scanning your driver’s license to verify the legal drinking age of 21, a light comes on and you put your keys in the black box. When you are leaving the establishment, your driver’s license is scanned again and you blow into a breathalyzer to verify that you are not legally impaired.

If so, you are able to retrieve your keys. If you fail the test, your keys remain locked in the box and are not returned until your BAC is an acceptable level. Pictured from left are students Tony LeRoy, Letitia Price, and Devin Stephens.

above, right: Trent

McIntire drives an electric go cart that took him and team members Jed Peterson and Scott Ours two and one-half months to build.

left: The Digital Teachers’ Assistant is a robot (desk accessory) that keeps track of time and serves as a subtle reminder to the instructor when a class begins and ends. Team members Michael Barry, Aidan Bish, and John Peterson say they designed it with GET Program Director Dorian McIntire in mind.

Evans Receives Presidential Medallion (continued from page 1)

She continued: “Corey makes himself available to students by offering as many options for individual learning as possible. He engages them in meaningful conversations about their lives, making learning relevant to them, and helping them to see it in the context of their day-to-day lives.”

Instructor Tonia Faulling said one of the many reasons Corey helps so many students is because he does not believe in ‘one size fits all’ instruction. “He treats students as individuals and is creative and flexible enough to adapt to any situation,” she said.

“He truly views each class he teaches as a vital component to helping students make the academic, social, and cultural transition to college,” said Jenn.

Corey also serves as a Comprehensive Studies ambassador at the College’s Anderson Campus and ensures

that colleagues stay up to date in the latest offerings and helps to advise students.

He also encourages co-curricular learning in Spanish classes by encouraging students to participate in the Spanish Club (he is one of the Faculty Advisors) and the annual International Festival.

One student summed it up when he wrote, “He brought in great resources and people to let us know we do not have to struggle through college, much less struggle alone.”

Corey taught adjunct Spanish classes since 2007 before becoming a full-time instructor at Tri-County. Prior to that, he taught classes at Georgia State University and at Clemson University, where he was a full-time Spanish lecturer. He has studied abroad in Mexico, Chile, and Argentina.

May 2018 • 11

Foundation News Foundation Exceeds $1 Million in Fundraising this Year

By Grayson Kelly Executive Director of the Foundation

Every day the staff of the TCTC Foundation gets up and thinks about ways to sell Tri-County to our business and industry partners, philanthropists, government entities, and other local stakeholders. Soliciting investments for a public institution sometimes can be very difficult, but you all have made Grayson Kelly our job much easier because you train top-quality students who are well prepared to go into the local workforce and make a difference in our community.

This fiscal year has been very successful, and, again, it’s because we, as an institution, continue to thrive. Let me tell you a few of this year’s accomplishments: • We have received a number of major gifts of $50,000 or more, including: our largest gift of $200,000 for an endowed scholarship which came from an anonymous donor; ($100,000) from The Abney Foundation for scholarships; ($100,000) from an anonymous donor for Bridge to Clemson scholarships; ($100,000) from Duke Energy to purchase equipment for the Oconee Campus; ($80,000) from The Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust for the Student Success Center; ($75,000) from the AARP Foundation for the Back to Work 50+ Program; and ($50,000) from Bosch for robotics programs.

• Employee donations continue to be a big boost to our annual fundraising. Your gifts are projected to exceed $40,000 before

the end of this fiscal year with more than 50% of full-time employees making a contribution. We truly appreciate your support!

• As of May 31, contributions to the Foundation totaled $1,003,395, exceeding our $1 million fundraising goal before the end of the fiscal year.

Not only are we responsible for soliciting funds, we are also responsible for investing a large majority of those funds in the markets, and I’m proud to say that we have experienced a 7.51% return for the Fiscal YTD as of March 31, 2018.

Finally, the Foundation’s sole purpose is to support the College’s objectives and to advance, encourage, and expand the College’s educational program. To this end, the Foundation has spent more than $1 million this year, including the following:

• The Foundation made $191,100 available to faculty/staff during the fiscal year for professional development activities.

Many of you have benefitted from these funds that were awarded through teaching chairs and mini-grant allocations.

• $144,300 was generated through endowments to support technology and other priority needs.

• Approximately $285,000 was paid to the College to support the Student Success Center, renovations at the Industrial Technology Center, and Veterinary Technology renovations.

Again, thank you for all of your continued support. We remain committed to transforming lives and building strong communities, one student at a time!

Executive Staff Summary • NEW CREDIT PROGRAM: The new Emergency Medical Technology program will be offered at the Easley Campus beginning Fall Semester.

• I-BEST HEALTHCARE PATHWAY: Beginning Fall Semester, a new Patient Care Assistant program will be offered as an I-BEST pathway. The second Michelin Manufacturing Scholars cohort will begin Fall Semester.

• OCONEE CAMPUS UPDATE: Tim Jared, who has been working as part of our Bridge to Clemson program staff, will be the new Oconee Campus Coordinator/Success Coach effective June 4. He will handle the daily operations at the campus and assist with success coaching duties as the campus begins operations. Cyndy Watts, who has been working in the Student Data Center, will serve as the 12 • CONNECTION

Campus Generalist. In July we will be advertising for a fulltime success coach.

• CREDIT AND CCE ALIGNMENT PROJECT: The Deans for all credit divisions and Corporate and Community Education are charged with developing a framework for creating structured, stackable pathways between credit and non-credit programs where a logical connection exists.

This will be a long-term project involving the Engineering and Industrial Technology, Business and Public Services, and Health Education divisions.

• OTHER: FY 19 budget planning; Cengage (online textbook provider); Transformative Employee Experience progress, Summer and Fall Enrollment; updated policies and procedures.