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TCC Weather Closure

TCC will close at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10. All evening and weekend events and services are canceled. The college will resume normal hours on Monday, Jan. 13.

Spotlight on TCC: Outstanding High School Student Scholarship

Sonya Fitchett, Coordinator for Financial Aid at the Norfolk Campus, and Tawana Hill, Coordinator for Financial Aid at the Virginia Beach Campus discuss the Outstanding High School Graduate Scholarship. Granted annually to one current high school senior from each public high school in the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach.

The amount of the award is approximately $5,000. Recipients who maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and register as a full-time student (12 credit hours) are eligible to renew the award for the next academic year. Learn more about this amazing opportunity here.

Spotlight on TCC: Reemploying Virginia Program

The Re-Employing Virginia (REV) Funding Initiative was introduced to the Commonwealth by Gov. Ralph Northam in November 2020. With an extended deadline of December 2021, TCC has an additional opportunity to serve more Hampton Roads residents faced with unemployment or underemployment as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

TCC welcomes more students back to its campuses this summer

Tidewater Community College will scale up face-to-face instruction and staff availability on all campuses with the start of Summer Session in May.

A total of 25% of courses will be offered with in-person instruction in compliance with state and federal health guidelines. Priority is being given to programs that require hands-on instruction including the health professions, skilled trades, chemistry, automotive and music.

“We’re confident that the protocols we’ve put into place to protect students from COVID-19 are working,” said Michelle Woodhouse, interim vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer. “We’re moving forward now to bring more students back to campus.”

Summer Session begins May 24 and concludes August 9. Students can choose how to continue their learning with online, hybrid and face-to-face classes available.

“In keeping with our Campus Reopening Plan approved by the State Council for Higher Education, class sizes will not be full capacity and we will continue using technology to keep all students learning,” Woodhouse added.

Face-to-face instruction will comply with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for physical distancing, hygiene and safety.  Face coverings are required in all classrooms and common areas. Enhanced protocols are in place for cleaning and sanitizing all buildings and facilities. 

All courses will be active in CANVAS, and instruction and support for successful online learning will be provided. On campus and virtual resources will continue to be available. Libraries and selected computer labs will also be open for students enrolled in summer classes. Students will be able to continue accessing Wi-Fi in designated parking spaces on all campuses. 

TCC will provide regular updates that include any modifications necessary related to guidance received from Gov. Ralph Northam’s office, the CDC and the Virginia Health Department. 

Students with questions can find support by emailing info@tcc.edu.

TCC celebrates Women’s History Month with two expert panel discussions, an expo and a keynote address

Tidewater Community College celebrates Women’s History Month 2021 with two events that highlight women in the workplace. The events are live via Zoom and open to everyone.

March 18
Noon – 1 p.m.
Live via Zoom
register here

Closing the Gap: Making Space for Women in Engineering, Computer Science, Economics & Cyber Security

This live panel discussion will feature women leaders discussing the challenges they’ve witnessed regarding gender inequities in their own career journeys. Learn about their perspectives on how society can play a more effective role in empowering women and girls to pursue careers in engineering, computer science, economics and cyber security.

Panel members include:

Marilyn Castro, Economics Professor at Tidewater Community College

A Puerto Rico native, Marilyn Castro is an alumni and economics professor at TCC. She is currently pursuing a master’s in business administration from Old Dominion University. Castro is a community activist for causes involving migrant workers’ rights, homeless children and food insecure families. She is the 2017 City of Virginia Beach Human Rights Awards recipient.

Marquita Snow, Service Member with the Army National Guard

A native of Okolona, Mississippi, Marquita Snow earned a bachelor’s in English from University of Memphis and is pursuing a second degree in cyber security from Old Dominion University. She serves in the Virginia Army National Guard’s 529th Combat Sustainment Support Brigade in roles including information technology specialist.  A combat veteran, Snow is recognized for her role in serving our country combatting the Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom.  She’s a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, where she enjoys volunteering in the community and mentoring young people to aspire to reach their dreams.

Ciara Rogers, Vice President of Product at xTuple ERP

As vice president of Product at xTuple, Ciara Rogers manages the product life cycle of the Enterprise Resource Planning software. She oversees software development, research and development, quality assurance, and user experience teams, all of whom contribute to the robust software that manufacturing and distribution companies use to run their businesses. With a passion for data analysis and solving problems, Rogers earned a master’s in applied sociology from University of Maryland Baltimore County and her bachelor’s in psychology from Towson University.

Bertha “Bee” Ballard, Mechanical Engineer at the Newport News Shipbuilding

Bertha “Bee” Ballard is a mechanical engineer in the Nuclear Propulsion Division at Newport News Shipbuilding. Her job involves researching, designing, improving and developing equipment for the maintenance of nuclear reactors in nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. Ballard earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering technology with a concentration in construction management from Old Dominion University. While at ODU, she was an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers; the American Society of Civil Engineers; the Society of Women Engineers; and the College of Engineering Dean’s Ambassadors. A returning college student, Ballard juggled many roles while pursuing her degree including legal assistant, children’s ministry teacher, wife and mom.

Women’s Empowerment Symposium

March 26
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Live via Zoom –
register here

The Women’s Empowerment Symposium will reflect the theme, “Front and Center: Women Leading the Charge.”

The event features keynote speaker Jackie Jackson Glass, a community activist who works to start important conversations in Hampton Roads. She is the founder of Rubbish Media company and a podcast host. She is also a wife, mom and educator.

The event will also feature a panel discussion focused on women taking the lead in civic engagement and an empowerment expo featuring highlights from local organizations that empower women and girls.

TCC alumna building a life she loves

Kathryn Hart spends her days building communities as a construction superintendent for a Washington, D.C. contractor.

At night, she’s building an online community to support, connect and inspire women in the construction industry. The Tidewater Community College alumna founded “Space to Build” with the mission of removing the feeling of isolation women can sometimes feel when building the communities around us.

Hart’s podcast, “Space to Build,” airs weekly on Spotify, Apple, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music and other platforms. Launched in November 2020, Hart welcomes guests from the construction community to talk about their successes and challenges.

“In this industry, you can feel isolated and this is a way to open doors and set the pace for other women in the field,” Hart said. “My goal is for women to find a community of women who encourage and empower them to grow in the construction industry.”

Hart, 28, got her start building communities at TCC as a member of the Engineering Club on the Virginia Beach Campus. “What I remember most about TCC is the people I was around all the time. We were like family,” she said. “Having that community got me through some of the toughest classes because there was always someone there to help out.”

“I started at TCC because I knew I’d get a good education and save money. But the real benefit was finding my way into a career I love.” — Kathryn Hart

In 2013 Hart earned two associate degrees at TCC – one in science, the other in social sciences. She found her path into the construction industry through conversations with Professor Paul Gordy and other Engineering Club members. She even learned about Virginia Tech’s Myers-Lawson School of Construction through the group.

“I started at TCC because I knew I’d get a good education and save money,” Hart said. “But the real benefit was finding my way into a career I love.”

Hart continued her education at Virginia Tech, earning a bachelor’s with a dual degree in building construction and psychology in 2016.

At Virginia Tech, Hart co-founded “Building Women in Construction,” a student club that is still meeting today. The goal of the group is to encourage students to grow personally and professionally and to provide career developing activities for members.

We had large contractors contact us and we visited job sites and toured firms. This experience helped me build a network and gave me friends in the industry before I ever set foot in it,” she said.

Today, as a construction superintendent, Hart coordinates the field work and handles the onsite supervision of subcontractors, as well as the materials, safety, and quality control on the job site. She builds everything from multi-family apartments to data centers and school renovations.

Hart’s favorite thing about the work is interacting with people and watching nothing turn into something. “I enjoy watching the process from drawings to the physical end product,” she said.

Hart is involved professionally with the National Association of Women in Construction and serves as the Northeast Chair for Professional Development and Education.

Hart encourages others to follow in her footsteps because the opportunities are plentiful.

“This is an industry with smart people and good pay,” Hart said.

Once on the job, Hart bought her first car and her own home in Northern Virginia – all by the age of 25.

 Her home now shelters two roommates, and a mini zoo with a fish, turtle, degus (ground squirrels), two cats and a dog.

“People can sometimes underestimate young women on the job. But if you show up with a strong work ethic and are willing to learn, you will be successful,” she said.

Spotlight on TCC: Career Pathways

Dr. Michelle Woodhouse, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Michael Summers, Special Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs discuss career pathways.

TCC’s pathways are broad groupings of degrees and certificates that share similar courses and lead to occupations that call for common interests, strengths and competencies.

Pathways are also organized around a sequence of certificates and degrees that can lead learners in gradual steps towards higher levels of education.

For more information, visit TCC.edu/programs/career-pathways or call (757) 822-1111.

From TCC to working around the world

A day at the office is never the same for Austin Burrow. He travels around the world working for the State Department.

The Navy veteran is an electrical project coordinator for State’s Bureau of Overseas Building Operations.

He maintains the electrical systems in U.S. Embassies and keeps the staff and diplomats safe.

 “This is really a dream job,” Burrow said. “I never thought I’d be doing this work and sometimes I still can’t believe it.”

Burrow started on this journey after earning his engineering degree at Tidewater Community College.

A former nuclear electrician’s mate for the Navy, Burrow, 30, was stationed in Hampton Roads when he began his studies at TCC in 2017.

Newly married at the time, Burrow’s wife Kristen also began retraining for a new career at TCC.

“I knew I was going to transition out of the military and TCC was a cost-effective way to explore career options,” he said. “I took a variety of classes before settling on engineering.”

Burrow says the college’s small classes enabled him to ask questions and get to know the faculty.

“I’m very grateful to have started at TCC and found it to be the best college experience,” Burrow said. “I’m definitely a fan of community college because I got to know my professors and they knew me.”

He also credits his engineering faculty with preparing him for the work because of their own on-the-job experiences. “All of my TCC professors were working in the field and that really added another dimension to the learning,” he said.

Another highlight for Burrow was the STEM Club on Chesapeake Campus. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the club represented TCC at the air show at Naval Air Station Oceana.

“It was amazing sharing my love of science and technology with kids and demonstrating everything from a 3-D printer to an electric bike,” Burrow said.

Burrow began his career as a field engineer for InPwr, Inc. He worked at Norfolk Naval Station preparing engineering drawings and doing electrical engineering.

“It was long hours and hard work, but my TCC degree prepared me, especially the AutoCAD and engineering classes,” he said. “I still remember the lessons from my favorite teachers, Edward Morris (engineering) and Kenneth Jones (calculus).”

Newly located to Northern Virginia, Burrow is working on his bachelor’s in electrical engineering online through Arizona State University. When he is not globe-trotting, he works at the State Annex in Arlington.

Ongoing learning is important to Burrow, a master electrician, who also holds industry certifications in Certified Construction Manager and Certified Associate in Project Management.

Recognition for his work came quickly for Burrow who was named an Independent Electrical Contractors Emerging Leader in 2020. He was also one of the Electrical Construction & Maintenance magazine’s “30 under 30” for 2020.

As for Kristen, she now has a job she loves. A TCC nursing graduate, she found her calling as a frontline health care worker. She works in the neurological step-down unit at a Washington D.C. hospital. Kristen also holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from University of Tennessee.

Burrow used his GI Bill benefits to pay for college and says his time in the Navy and at TCC launched him into a rewarding career. “I enjoy going to work every day and encourage others to find work that fits them well,” he said.

TCC’s Virtual Student Support Team can help you get started at TCC. Email info@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111. Military-related students receive specialized support through the college’s Center for Military and Veterans Education.

New leadership degree prepares students for careers in management

Tidewater Community College introduces a new associate degree in leadership this spring.

The 61-credit Associate of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Leadership prepares students for organizational leadership and management positions.

TCC’s leadership degree is designed to meet the needs of working adults, military-related students, as well as recent high school graduates.

Courses include project management; principles of supervision; principles of management; business analytics; and communications management.

Students wishing to transfer to a four-year program in leadership will be well positioned to do so.

In addition, TCC has an articulation agreement with Old Dominion University enabling students to transfer all credits into ODU’s Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Leadership degree.

Military members may be awarded academic credit for military education, training, experience and other forms of prior learning. In addition, most courses use online, open education resources, saving students money on textbooks.

Classes are available on each of TCC’s four campuses during the day, evening and online.

 Summer classes begin May 24.

For more information on TCC’s programs and services, email info@tcc.edu or call the Virtual Student Support Team at 757-822-1111.

Interested in fall scholarships at TCC? It’s time to apply.

Whether you’re a woman studying STEM, a recent high school graduate or a military-related student returning to school, we have scholarships to help you pay for classes.

Don’t miss out on free money to further your academic goals.

Applications for Tidewater Community College’s 2021 fall scholarship cycle are being accepted now through May 1.

Thanks to the contributions of individual donors and organizations, TCC’s Educational Foundation is able to provide scholarships to support students’ academic studies and achievements. Awards may be used for tuition, books and fees at TCC.

Most TCC Educational Foundation scholarships are worth $500 or more. They do not need to be repaid. Depending on your unmet need, you may be awarded more than one scholarship.

TCC scholarship recipient Dasha Chaney was awarded the Christopher M. Garrett Memorial scholarship for $1,800 and the Barnes and Noble Textbook scholarship for $600.

Chaney completed her Tidewater Community College cyber degree in just one year. “I’ve gone from nothing to something in three semesters,” she said.

Automotive student Sawyer Matthews received a $2,000 scholarship from the Hampton Roads Automobile Dealers Association. “College is expensive and every little bit helps,” he said.

Student Olivia Brichter earned the Tryntje and Norman Willcox Endowed Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 and a $600 Norfolk Campus General Scholarship.

“TCC allowed me to figure out what I want to do, without going into any student debt,” she said. “I’m really grateful.”

Start by completing the 2021-22 FAFSA to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Find the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. List TCC as your school of choice by using code 003712.

Use your myTCC login and password to sign into the scholarship application system. From there, browse scholarship opportunities and apply for ones that fit you best. The system will recommend scholarships that are right for you.

For more information, visit here.  To learn about establishing a scholarship at TCC, contact the TCC Educational Foundation at foundation@tcc.edu or 757-822-1080.

TCC receives donation from UnitedHealthcare to support students in need

Tidewater Community College is the recipient of a $3,500 donation from UnitedHealthcare, which will help students facing food insecurity and other basic needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health care insurance providers in the United States.

The donation will be used to provide food, toiletries, formula and diapers for students in need through the Community Feed at TCC in Norfolk.

TCC and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore partnered to open the food pantry in June of 2020.

“This sponsorship from UnitedHealthcare will provide for the basic needs for our students and their families,” said Jaedda Hall, program coordinator for intercultural learning and the Women’s Center. “The recent COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the needs of college students struggling to meet their basic needs.”

The Community Feed at TCC entrance.

The pantry, made possible thanks to funding from TowneBank, is located across from the Apple Store on the second level of MacArthur Center. The Community Feed distributes meal kits and other fresh food to students with a TCC ID, as well as community members in need. Meal kits must be ordered in advance online.

Addressing food insecurity and other obstacles that impede student success continue to be priorities of TCC.

Entrance of The Community Feed at TCC.

For information about the Community Feed at TCC and other support services available to TCC students during the pandemic, visit this resource page.

ABOUT TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Founded in 1968, Tidewater Community College (www.tcc.edu) helps students of all ages and backgrounds achieve their educational and career goals. TCC is the largest provider of higher education and workforce solutions in southeastern Virginia, serving both students and local employers with in-demand academic and career programs. It is one of 23 schools that make up the Virginia Community College System.

ABOUT UNITEDHEALTHCARE

UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1.3 million physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. The company also provides health benefits and delivers care to people through owned and operated health care facilities in South America. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @UHC on Twitter.

TCC alums become friends and valentines

It took more than two years for Cupid’s arrow to hit Deven Singleton and Jena Essary.

But this year the two Tidewater Community College alums are finally celebrating their first Valentine’s Day together.

The pair met in 2019 when they were STEM Promise scholars. Singleton was studying engineering and Essary computer science.

Caroline Jacobs, Kiana Brown, Seth Grieling, Jena Essary, Valerie Randall and Deven Singleton are all part of the TCC six pack.

To keep up with their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) studies they formed a study group with four other students including Caroline Jacobs, Valerie Randall, Kiana Brown and Seth Grieling.

“The program brought together a lot of like-minded students, so it was easy to connect and lean on each other when the going got tough,” Essary said.  

The group met weekly in the Chesapeake Campus Student Center.

“Being in a cohort, and doing our TCC degrees together, that was the best part,” Singleton said.

“The faculty support and small classes were also a plus. We were known to our teachers and each other, and that accountability kept me on track,” Essary added.

The group became the TCC six pack, doing life together, even after graduation.

“The connections we made at TCC have carried over to university and we see each other and text often,” Singleton said.

As for Singleton and Essary, friendship blossomed into a relationship in December 2020 and the pair is looking to the future together.

Both are completing their degrees at Old Dominion University and working in their fields as paid interns.

Singleton is an electrical engineer, in a salaried position with Naval Surface Warfare Center at Naval Air Station Oceana.

“It wasn’t easy to find an internship during the pandemic, so I’m super grateful for this opportunity,” Singleton said. “The exposure I’m getting doing research and development is a great way to enter the workforce.”

Essary is working in the office of public engagement at NASA Langley Research Center. She is the information technology technician for the office and working on mobile and web-based applications.

 The couple hopes to work in Hampton Roads for the next five years and then possibly move to Huntsville, Alabama, a growing area for the STEM fields.

In their free time, the couple enjoys working out and, of course, spending time with the six pack. Essary also started a side business, Jena’s Jewelry, to keep busy during the pandemic.

National speaker LaTosha Brown to speak virtually at TCC

Tidewater Community College celebrates Black History Month 2021 with a keynote address by LaTosha Brown, a national speaker, professional moderator and owner of TruthSpeaks Consulting, LLC.

Brown has appeared on a variety of media outlets including MSNBC, ZoomwithOprah.com, CBS, HBO and CNN.

Brown will share a message entitled “Can’t Stop: The Movement for Black Lives in America” with students and the community during a virtual event on Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. To register for the Zoom event visit here.

Brown is a contributor to the “The New York Times” op-ed page and a fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She is also co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund organization.

The program will be followed with a question-and-answer session, moderated by Tiffanye Sledge, TCC professor of sociology and chair of the Portsmouth Campus Faculty Senate.

The national theme for Black History Month 2021 is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.”

TCC’s Black History Month celebration includes an assortment of virtual events throughout February. All events are open to the public.

Each year, Tidewater Community College honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Black History Month with a distinguished service award to a TCC faculty or staff member and provides a scholarship to a TCC student. To view the 2021 honorees visit here.

For more information contact Alicia Phillips at aphillips@tcc.edu.


Black History Month Events

Feb. 18 at Noon
Live via Zoom –
visit here to register
Distinguished Speaker Series: “The Business of Justice – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion” with Jordyne Blaise, Esq.

Jordyne Blaise, Esq.

Jordyne Blaise, Esq., is a renowned diversity, inclusion and equity consultant and strategist. She earned her bachelors in English, with a minor in African American studies, and her juris doctor from Georgetown University. She is licensed to practice law in the state of Florida. Jordyne’s expertise in Civil Rights enforcement and diversity change management comes from her work with various organizations including Harvard Law School, NC State University and the District of Columbia Government.

*This event is sponsored by the Business, Computer Science and IT Pathway & the Virtual Student Center.

Feb. 18, 21, 25, 28 at various times
Register here for the live Zoom events

African HEAT (Healthy Energetic Authentic Transformation)

African dancer and Zumba Instructor Rita Addico Cohen presents African HEAT, a one-hour dance fitness class that includes cultural details with every step. Cohen is founder and executive director of the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance.

Feb. 21 from 4 – 6 p.m.
Register here for live Zoom event

“Health Equity, Inclusion & the African American Community”

Award-winning filmmaker and health advocate and educator Terrance Afer-Anderson will screen excerpts from “The Black Walnut,” his film about the alarming prostate cancer disparity impacting African American men.

Afer-Anderson will lead a panel discussion on health equity issues in the Black Community. Panelists include Mark Fleming, M.D., past president, Virginia Oncology Associates; Natalie S. Burke, president and chief executive officer, CommonHealth ACTION; Mekbib Gemeda, vice president, diversity and inclusion, Eastern Virginia Medical School; and Angela Mercer, M.D., vice president, Greater Norfolk Medical Society of South Hampton Roads.

Viewers are encouraged to submit questions and comments via the YouTube comments window.

This event is sponsored by My Thoughts. My Voice. My Art and the Arts & Humanities Pathway.

Feb. 23 from 12:30 -1:30 p.m.
Live via Zoom.  Password:23501
Empathy Matters

This event was inspired by questions posed by Tidewater Community College students. In looking for answers, a panel of experts address the subject of empathy and its role in restoring balance and fostering positive change. The discussion centers around the power of empathy to transform relationships, circumstances, context and trajectory. Information about TCC student success and support resources developed in response to changing needs will be provided.

This event is sponsored by My Thoughts. My Voice. My Art and the Arts & Humanities Pathway.

Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. – Noon
Live via Zoom
Martin Luther King Jr. Recognition Program

Tidewater Community College honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Black History Month with a distinguished service award to a TCC faculty or staff member and provides a scholarship to a TCC student. This year’s virtual event includes remarks from featured speaker Ruth Jones Nichols, president and chief operating office, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Since 1998, Tidewater Community College has presented these awards to faculty, staff and students whose lives best exemplify Dr. King’s visionary legacy.”

For information on additional events celebrating diversity and inclusion visit here.

MLK honorees Professor Gabriela Toletti and student Tomelade Aigbokhan.


TCC invites the community to be part of unique music, visual arts, theatre and humanities programming

Arts, theatre and humanities faculty and staff at Tidewater Community College, along with local and regional artists and professionals, will connect students and Hampton Roads residents to diverse, eclectic and engaging programming that speaks to the times in which we live.

“Giving students and the community a place to engage during these times is vital,” said Kerry Ragno, Ed.D., dean of TCC’s Arts and Humanities pathway. “We’re delighted that since its inception last fall, the series is connecting people through the arts with topics that are relevant to all of our lives.”

The events — all virtual, free and open to the public — include a panel discussion on empathy; an artists’ showcase featuring performances from students and local actors and singers; monologues exploring topics and issues relevant today; and in-depth conversations with artists about their work.

The series kicks off Feb. 21 at 4 p.m.  with Health Equity, Inclusion, and the African American Community.

Details for all events can be found at the TCC Roper Performing Arts Center’s Website. 

The offerings:

Health Equity, Inclusion and the African American Community, YouTube live, Feb. 21, 4-6 p.m. View here.

Award-winning filmmaker and health advocate and educator Terrance Afer-Anderson will screen excerpts from “The Black Walnut,” his film about the alarming prostate cancer disparity impacting African American men. Afer-Anderson will lead a panel discussion on health equity issues in the Black Community. Get involved and submit questions and comments via the YouTube comments window.

Empathy Matters, set for Feb. 23 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., was inspired by questions posed by TCC students. A panel of experts will talk about empathy and its role in restoring balance and positive change. The discussion centers around the power of empathy to transform relationships, circumstances, context and trajectory.

Three professional artists address racial equity in the performing arts in Lifting the Curtain: Addressing Racism in Dance, Music and Theatre on March 16 at 12:30 p.m. Panelists include Anthony Stockard, producing artistic director of Norfolk State University Theatre Company; Theresa Ruth Howard, former company member of Dance Theater of Harlem; and Ismar Gomes, an internationally acclaimed cellist, recording artist, and member of both the Richmond and Virginia Symphony Orchestras. Get involved by submitting questions and comments via the YouTube comments window.

Visiting artist Ronald Jackson uses unique portraiture and relative speculation to imagine the personal experiences and stories of African Americans from the early 20th century. Join us for Songs of Stories Untold on March 30 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Caged Birds Sing: Voices from Quarantine is hosted by Tory Slade on April 6 at 6 p.m. The artists showcase features performances from students and local performers, including original works.

Designing for Good, April 22 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., features visiting graphic designer Benjamin Gaydos, a designer, educator, co-founder of goodgood, and chair and professor of design at the University of Michigan -Flint where he directs the Community Design Studio. Gaydos finds beauty in the details, humanity through collaboration, joy in the act of creating, and wholeheartedly believes that design can sustain, heal and empower. 

On April 26 from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Breaking Through: A Showcase of Actors. CORE Theatre Ensemble and the TCC Roper Performing Arts Center team up to present curated live monologues submitted by student, amateur and professional actors exploring topics and issues that are especially relevant to humankind today. For information about participating, contact roper@tcc.edu.

MLK scholar on the front lines of community service

Tomilade “Tomi” Aigbokhan was born and raised in Nigeria. She came to the United States in 2012 to join her husband, Vitalese, who is a logistics specialist in the U.S. Navy.

Aigbokhan is the 2021 recipient of Tidewater Community College’s Martin Luther King Jr. student scholarship, which will be presented during a virtual ceremony on Feb. 26.

A nursing student, Aigbokhan’s passion for helping people started at a young age as she witnessed civil unrest and the blight of AIDS and HIV in her country.

After university in Nigeria, she volunteered full-time with a nonprofit group dedicated to helping men, women and children with HIV and AIDS, as well as orphans and those with disabilities. She was also a trainer for the National Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care Project, helping young people make good decisions about their personal practices.

Aigbokhan considered a career as a physician but chose nursing because of the hands-on care involved. She plans to earn her Associate of Science in Nursing and then continue for a master’s in public health.

“I have a sister who is a nurse and she has been my inspiration,” she said.

“I’ve enjoyed my studies at the community college because of the resources including the library, laboratories, simulators and even the faculty support,” Aigbokhan said. “Everything is spelled out in the syllabus, so if you manage your time and do the work, you can be successful.”

A woman of faith, Aigbokhan lives by a scripture found in the gospel of Matthew that says, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.”

She continues her volunteer service and lives by the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She currently works with Peninsula Rescue Mission; Mercy Drops Dream Center in Portsmouth; The Community Feed at TCC in MacArthur Center; and in one of Sentara’s COVID vaccine clinics.

“I enjoy getting to know those we are serving, offering an ear and friendship, and even praying with them.”

Aigbokhan would like to ultimately work in public health, giving back to the community.

“I can’t think of anything that means more to me” – Professor Gabriela Christie Toletti

Professor Gabriela Christie Toletti, Ph.D. was profoundly affected by the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a student of English and American culture in her native Uruguay.

As a young adult she recalls memorizing King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and taking to heart his message of justice and equality for all people.

Her time of study at the bi-national center, Alianza Cultural, which is part of the U.S. Embassy in Uruguay, launched her lifelong pursuit of service to others.

This month, Toletti was selected as Tidewater Community College’s 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award recipient. She will be recognized during a virtual event to be held Feb. 26.

“I can’t think of anything that means more to me,” she said. “Dr. King’s ideals of freedom, diversity, justice and inclusion for all have always been ingrained in what I do.”

Toletti teaches Spanish and is the liberal arts chair at TCC’s Norfolk Campus. She considers teaching a calling and one of the best ways to provide service to the community.

“There’s no greater accomplishment than helping others learn and grow, and being able to inspire, educate and guide the next generation,” Toletti said. “Some of my early students have now become teachers, so they are paying it forward and serving in their communities.”

Toletti is active on campus serving on the Governance Global and Intercultural Learning Committee; the Transfer Virginia Project with Virginia’s Community Colleges; as a member of the My Thoughts, My Voice, My Arts Committee (MTMVMA); and on the college’s Compressed Sessions Committee.  

She encourages students and community members by sharing remarks through MTMVMA events, International Education Week programs, the Women’s Center and business groups. She developed videos about the college’s liberal arts programs for TCC’s social media channels. She also delivered scholarly presentations for college convocation week and TCC learning institutes.

Additionally, Toletti is on the board of directors of the Uruguayan American foundation with headquarters in Washington, D.C. The group provides help to children in underprivileged regions in Uruguay in the areas of health, education and technology.

Toletti says her parents, Ludovico Toletti and Zulema Altieri, instilled in her a respect for diversity. “Growing up we travelled to Europe, North Africa, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay,” she said. “Through that travel, I developed a fondness for other cultures and communities.”

An author, Toletti has written two research books including “On the Scene with Migration and Dictatorship: An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Work of Uruguayan Playwright Dino Armas.”   

She is currently writing a bilingual children’s book, “Chorro the Dune Dog,” that explores issues of immigration, diversity, health, education and growing up in a multicultural family.

Toletti resides in Norfolk with husband Charles “Chuck” Cody Christie, Jr. and their pets.

“As the first Latina woman recipient, I’m deeply humbled by this honor,” Toletti said. “It also comes with great responsibility as I pledge to continue to work for equality, justice, inclusion and diversity in every area of my life.”

The Community Feed at TCC expands to serve all community members

It’s been six months since the opening of The Community Feed at TCC at MacArthur Center in Norfolk. The innovative pantry is located on the second level across from the Apple store.

So far, more than 20,295 meals have been distributed to TCC students facing food insecurity. And last month, the pantry opened to serve all community members in need.

The project is a partnership of Tidewater Community College and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

Data released by the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice estimates that 48 percent of community college students face food insecurity. And the needs have increased with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fresh food for families and individuals

The Community Feed at TCC offers a selection of assorted pantry boxes, including shelf-stable items, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, with ingredients designed to feed a family of four.

Information about ordering is available here. Food can be picked up by appointment only five days a week.

“The food always seemed to come right on time, and I was grateful to have the resource right near campus,” said student Renee Robinson. “There were meals and other produce items available every time. One week I was able to make eggplant parmesan and it was really good. I also make all kinds of salads with the fresh greens, onions, peppers, carrots and corn.”

Robinson added, “I appreciate that this service is here for us. We talk about it a lot among ourselves and are so grateful for the assistance. My family is eating good, quality food. What could be better than that?”

The overall vision of The Community Feed at TCC incorporates:

  • Connecting people with one another over quality food and conversation
  • Sharing resources that include recipe cards, books and wellness materials
  • Providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Workshops and learning sessions led by community partners on topics related to the root causes of food insecurity

Volunteers make a difference

The Community Feed is run by Foodbank staffers as well as volunteers that include faculty, staff, and students of TCC.

TCC staff member Chuck Thomas recalls a moment at the pantry that made him proud to be an employee of TCC.

“I saw a young couple with three toddlers come in to take advantage of the offerings. The father utilized the children’s play area while the mother shopped. She was able to get diapers, formula, toiletries, pre-packaged meals, and other items to feed her family,” said Thomas. “While she was there, we chatted about my experience of benefiting from food banks when I was young and the reason I was volunteering. Our conversation provided her comfort and brought tears to her eyes and she promised to pay it forward just as I was doing.”

Business Administration faculty member Kelly Gillerlain also volunteers at The Community Feed. “This is a great way to give back to our students,” she said. “It shows students we care about them and gives them additional support to succeed. I have also had the great honor to get to know some of my students outside the classroom.”

Raven Hayut, a TCC student ambassador, also serves regularly to complete volunteer hours for her scholarship. “This place has given me such a different perspective on what it means to help others and doing it in a way that you are surrounded by plenty of great people while serving.”

Initiative funded by TowneBank for five years

Thanks to a grant provided by TowneBank, the Foodbank will be able to launch additional campus-based pantries, as well as a targeted nutrition assistance program for students most at-risk of hunger. The total funds of $250,000 will be utilized to support this work over the course of five years, which will ultimately serve community members as well as thousands of students who are building upon their education to begin living wage careers.

The Campus-Based Pantry and Food Scholarship Program began in the fall of 2019 with pop-up pantries on the Norfolk and Portsmouth campuses. Pop-up pantries continue to be offered and have quickly became a lifeline for many students.

Learn more

More information about The Community Feed at TCC is available at FoodbankOnline.org.  For questions, email Dean Thomas E. Chatman, Jr. or Dean Kerry Ragno.

Accelerated degree launches alum into the entertainment industry

Justin Jeffrey is on the way to landing the job of his dreams.

He may soon be working as an agent assistant for William Morris Endeavor (WME), one of the largest media and talent agencies in the world. WME represents plenty of big names in Hollywood including Oprah, Denzel, Tom Brady and Matthew McConaughey.

A 2016 graduate of Western Branch High, Jeffrey got his start at Tidewater Community College through the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP).

It was there that he met Khari Nixon who became a mentor and friend.

“Khari worked for a record label in Brooklyn and being able to talk with him and learn from him set me on the path to work in the industry,” Jeffrey said.

Jeffrey earned an Associate of Science in General Studies in 2017, one year after graduating from high school. He transferred to University of Virginia as a junior that same year.

“The ADP gave me a lot of flexibility in the classes I selected, providing me with a broad education,” Jeffrey said. “I also enjoyed the diversity of my classmates that included older students, military and those coming back to school after years in the workforce.”

The accelerated degree is offered 100% online. Participating students also receive personalized attention and dedicated advising, including monthly check-ins.

Applications are due Jan. 25 for the spring cohort. Learn about all the documents necessary to apply here.

Jeffrey, a first-generation college graduate, credits TCC staffers Kia Hardy, Cassandra Small and Johnna Harrell with investing in his success and helping him learn important lessons including time management and study skills.

The Chesapeake native completed a bachelor’s in communications and media studies at UVA in 2019.  

Since graduation Jeffrey has been working with Txyy, an artist from New Jersey. He plans to work for WME for now but would ultimately like to attend Cornell or Columbia law school and become an entertainment lawyer.

Learn more about the Accelerated Degree Program here. Email accelerated_degree@tcc.edu to connect with an advisor and get started.  If you still have questions, email TCC’s Virtual Student Support Team at info@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

Norfolk Truck Center donates equipment for TCC’s Diesel Technology Program

Tidewater Community College Diesel Technology students are learning on state-of-the-art equipment thanks to a donation from Norfolk Truck Center.

Through the Navistar International Corporation equipment donation program, Norfolk Truck Center donated an International A26 engine and an Eaton Fuller transmission to be used for training at the Regional Automotive Center.

To combat the trucking industry’s growing technician shortage, Navistar and its International dealer network collaborated to launch an integrated equipment donation program to supply accredited technical schools with training equipment and career opportunities.

“Having a relationship with Norfolk Truck Company elevates our training program,” said Beno Rubin, pathway dean for manufacturing and transportation at TCC. “Not only does their involvement enable our students to learn on relevant, late-model equipment, but also opens the doors to rewarding career opportunities.”

Norfolk Truck Company is also providing externship opportunities for students, enabling them to gain real-world experience at their locations.

For more information about TCC’s Automotive, Diesel and Marine Technology programs, contact Rubin at Brubin@tcc.edu or contact the Virtual Student Support Team at enroll@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

There’s still time to apply for the TCC’s Accelerated Degree Program

While most of us think it takes at least two years to complete an associate degree, Tidewater Community College offers an accelerated option that allows you to complete all of your credits in just one year.

TCC is accepting applications for students interested in earning an Associate of Science in General Studies, an Associate of Science in Business Administration or the General Education Certificate through its Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) .

The Spring Semester cohort begins Feb. 1.

TCC’s Accelerated Degree may be your fast track to a bachelor’s degree

The ADP satisfies freshman and sophomore general education requirements at most Virginia public colleges and universities. Students who complete the degree and meet the GPA required for admission at their transfer institution will likely be admitted as juniors.

The application deadline is Jan. 25. Learn about all the documents necessary to apply here.

The accelerated degree is offered 100% online. Participating students also receive personalized attention and dedicated advising, including monthly check-ins.

The program is open to new high school graduates as well as adult learners, including military-related students, both active duty and dependents.

In her own voice

TCC graduate Lauren Harrell earned her associate degree in one year and transferred to Cornell University in fall 2020. “When I saw the congratulations notice on my admissions portal, I was shocked!” Harrell said. “I ran downstairs to tell my dad, who was working from home because of COVID. We both ran to get my mom, who was on a call. Together we jumped around the kitchen for a long time.”

Completing the Accelerated Degree made Harrell an attractive candidate to some of the nation’s top colleges. Cornell ranks 17th nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent rankings of nearly 1,400 schools. Harrell also earned acceptances from University of Virginia, Vanderbilt and William and Mary.

 “The ADP gave me a sense of what it takes to get college done,” Harrell said. “You don’t have anyone holding your hand, and you have to stay on top of your work and be accountable for what you are doing.”

Learn more about the Accelerated Degree Program here. Email accelerated_degree@tcc.edu to connect with an advisor and get started.  If you still have questions, email TCC’s Virtual Student Support Team at info@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

Apply now for TCC’s STEM Promise Program

High school seniors, adult learners and military-related students who want to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) can apply to Tidewater Community College for a scholarship that pays four semesters of tuition and fees in full.

The TCC Women’s Center STEM Promise Program will award 20 scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year. Recipients will graduate ready to enter a career or to transfer to a four-year college to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

 “Demand for workers with skills in higher-paying STEM fields is expected to continue to outpace demand for non-STEM workers over the next decade,” said program coordinator Jaedda Hall. “This program is designed to create a larger and more diverse STEM workforce pipeline for our local area and beyond.”

STEM Promise Program scholars benefit from TCC’s smaller class sizes, specialized support from advisors and STEM career exploration and mentoring from the college’s Women’s Center.

You may qualify if you:

  • have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher (or GED equivalent);
  • are eligible for in-state tuition;
  • place into College Composition (English 111) and PreCalculus (Math 161) or higher;
  • have earned no more than 24 TCC credits at the time of application submission.

Scholarship recipients must enroll as full-time students in one of the following TCC programs:

These associate degrees transfer to bachelor’s programs at four-year institutions. Graduates may be eligible for a Two-Year Transfer Grant from Virginia’s Community Colleges, which provides up to $3,000 annually for STEM students who complete their final two years at select universities in the Commonwealth.

Although the scholarship is aimed at women and minorities, anyone can apply. The deadline is April 1, 2021.

Interested students must first apply for admission to TCC. From there, they can apply for the scholarship by visiting www.tcc.edu/stempromise.

For more information, contact the Virtual Student Support Team at 757-822-1111 or email info@tcc.edu.