From here, he designed a future, Muggle Dreams and all

When 22-year-old Marc Steinberg showed up in Norfolk with only a duffel bag underneath his arm, he wasn’t exactly college material.

He spoke Hebrew more easily than English. Though born in New York, he grew up attending vocational school in Israel.

Hampton Roads appealed to him because he wanted to get to know his father, a Virginia Beach oncologist. He also had a strong desire to pursue higher education. Earning his GED at an adult learning center enabled Steinberg to enroll at Tidewater Community College, admitting, “It wasn’t easy in the beginning.”

Back then, he couldn’t have envisioned that an associate degree would pave his path to the University of Virginia and MIT let alone jobs in Hollywood and on the design team for Universal’s latest Epic Universe theme park in Orlando.

“TCC gave me the tools to start my career,” said Steinberg, who spent three years in military service in Israel. “I was very motivated, and it helps if you’re motivated. TCC gives you the tools to advance yourself. If I had applied to UVA right away, I wouldn’t have gotten in. I needed to be with good people to learn and grow. TCC was that steppingstone.”

His early mentors came from the math lab on the Virginia Beach Campus.

“So many times, I didn’t know what I was doing,” he said. “I literally lived there. I did all my homework in all my courses in the math lab and made lots of good friends.”

Steinberg graduated with an Associate of Science in Science and was accepted into the University of Virginia, planning a pre-med route. One organic chemistry class later, he realized medicine wasn’t for him. Becoming an architect was something of a childhood dream, so he switched majors to pre-architecture, studio art and Middle Eastern Studies.

After graduation, he applied to architecture schools. Delighted to be accepted into the University of Pennsylvania, he had just returned home from putting a deposit down there, when he saw a letter waiting in his mailbox.

It was an acceptance into MIT’s Masters of Architecture program. The Ivy League university in Boston is home to the top architecture school globally, according to QS World University rankings.

“It was very inspiring to be surrounded by the best in the world,” said Steinberg, lucky enough to be part of a studio class taught by Frank Gehry, whose designs include the Guggenheim Museum. “There was a lottery to get into that studio lab, and I got in,” he said.

After starting out at a firm in Harvard Square, an MIT friend connected him with Sony Pictures Imageworks in Los Angeles.

“I interviewed and Sony hired me the same day,” Steinberg said.

His multiple projects doing architecture in visual effects included “The Polar Express,” “Transformers II” and various packages for “Lord of the Rings” video games.

He never considered leaving the West Coast until the opportunity at Universal arose. His first task was what Muggle Dreams are made of: the Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Harry Potter rollercoaster.

“I worked on that for a year and a half,” Steinberg said. “I did all the animation, all the modeling and 3D support. I had the opportunity to combine my film experience with my architectural education and training.”

COVID-19 has put his career on hold for now. A recent trip back to Hampton Roads to visit his dad made him reflect on his TCC experience. He repeats this often when offering advice. “Put yourself with good people and you’re going to be one of them and inspire others.”

Don’t let COVID-19 sidetrack your college plans

“Don’t put your education on hold! Consider community college.”

That’s the message from Tidewater Community College alumnus Matt Zimmerman, a rising senior at George Mason University. “With universities going to online learning because of COVID, it’s a good idea to do the math and see that community college makes sense,” Zimmerman said. “I got a great education at TCC and didn’t rack up any debt.”

Zimmerman received TCC’s Outstanding High School Scholarship, which includes free tuition and fees for four semesters of full-time study.

The recent Hickory High graduate earned an Associate of Science in Business Administration after achieving a 4.0 GPA.

“I can’t say enough about my experience at TCC,” he added. “My professors were passionate about their subjects and took the time to provide an individual approach to learning.”

Zimmerman credits advisor Holly Desteli with helping him learn to balance college and life and keeping him on track with his degree plan.

“My absolute favorite thing about TCC was the open culture and the student center, a place made for connecting with peers,” he added.

The Chesapeake Student Center includes plenty of space for studying and relaxing and even includes a piano.

Zimmerman was a leader for Student Government Association and officer for TCC CARES, a community service club. He founded the Philosophy Club and was treasurer of Young Americans for Freedom, a conservative youth organization.

He also volunteered for the Up to Us Challenge, which brings awareness about the national debt to campus. Through that involvement, he was offered a summer internship with the federal Department of Transportation, where he worked on comparative statistical analysis related to the global shipping industry.

“I got a good look into the professional world in D.C., which was massively different than anything I’d seen before,” he said. “I learned how to work on large projects with real deadlines. More importantly, I learned a set of social skills that you can only gain through experience.”

A high achieving student with low SAT scores, Zimmerman had few options for higher education after high school. But with his TCC degree, Zimmerman was accepted by University of Virginia, William & Mary in addition to George Mason.

Zimmerman is working toward a bachelor’s in philosophy. He is interested in pursuing a law career.

“It was a smooth transition to the four-year school, even though I’ve changed my major three times,” he said.

Zimmerman urges students to use the resources at TCC, including the tutoring and writing centers.

“Reach out for help if you need it,” he said. “Don’t wait to get involved, and don’t waste money on a university when you can start local at one of the best community colleges out there.”

TCC’s fall classes begin Aug. 24. For information on how you can get started at TCC, email enroll@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111. Visit here for information on scholarships.

TCC to host virtual info session for homeschoolers and parents of high schoolers

Homeschool families and parents of high school students in search of educational options this fall are invited to take part in a special virtual information session hosted by Tidewater Community College and Homeschooling in Hampton Roads.

The session will be held via Zoom on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. RSVP here to receive the Zoom link.

The session is geared to students in grades nine to 12 who are interested in dual-enrollment opportunities at TCC. With dual-enrollment, students earn transferrable college credits before they graduate from high school, often while fulfilling high school graduation requirements.

To qualify for TCC’s high school dual enrollment program, a student must be classified as a junior or senior and meet college readiness standards. Freshmen and sophomores may be admitted with additional approvals.

Read about a homeschool success story.

For information, contact Katina Barnes at kbarnes@tcc.edu.

TCC will offer remote and hybrid classes this fall

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (July 30, 2020) — Most of Tidewater Community College’s class schedule will be online this fall, with some classes being taught with a combination of online and in-person instruction.

Fall classes begin Aug. 24.

Career and technical courses, as well as some academic courses, that require hands-on instruction, will be taught online and supplemented with on-campus sessions.

More than 400 sections of classes including automotive, health professions, welding, veterinary technology, culinary arts, music, visual arts, electronics technology and other programs, will have on-campus components. Browse classes here.

The college is complying with health and safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virginia Department of Health. Its Fall 2020 Reopening Plan was recently certified by the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia.

Faculty, staff, students and visitors must wear face coverings, use hand-sanitizer and complete a health self-assessment when they enter all college buildings. Signs will remind all to practice physical distancing and healthy hygiene.

“We have put a lot of thought into the safe reopening of our campuses to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” said Michelle Woodhouse, interim vice president for academic affairs. “Students should be confident that they can finish what they start this fall, whether they are studying remotely or coming to campus.”

The plan is subject to change based on the state’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current and new students and their families can use TCC’s virtual student support services to prepare for the coming fall semester. Assistance is available with admissions, academic advising, financial aid, tuition payments and more.

For those without access to technology, TCC will open Virtual Student Support Rooms beginning Monday, Aug. 3. These rooms are equipped with computers and internet access and will link directly to TCC’s virtual resources. Students will also be able to obtain I.D. cards, drop off documentation, and access computer labs.

“The digital divide is real, and we realize that not all of our students have access to the technology needed to use our virtual services,” said Karen Campbell, interim vice president for student affairs. “This gives us the opportunity to serve everyone.”

Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. For a complete list of open buildings and drop box locations, visit here.

For further assistance, call 757-822-1111 or email enroll@tcc.edu.

“I owe my success to TCC”

With no background in health care, Navy veteran Oliver Grant turned to Tidewater Community College in hopes of training for a career. “I knew I wanted to go to school in the medical field and I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do,” he said. “From everything I heard, TCC was the best.”

After starting classes in October, Grant already has a credential and is preparing to start a job next week at Beach Eye Care. Grant completed the five classes required for Certified Medical Billing & Coding, among the fastest growing professions in health care. In the evening program, now being offered 100% online, students learn diagnostic and procedural coding necessary for insurance form processing.

Grant, 27, paid nothing, as his GI Bill benefits picked up all costs. Many students are also eligible for FastForward grants that provide financial assistance up to 90% of the total cost of training. In addition to health care, FastForward programs include welding, logistics and transportation, IT and cyber security, and skilled and maritime trades.

Grant picked up the billing and coding material easily, he said, thanks to the patience and thoroughness of the instructors. “Prior to the program I was in the Navy and before that, I drove trucks,” he said. “I had zero experience in this, and all I heard was how difficult billing and coding was.”

Initially he planned to go to school for radiology but was deterred by the two years necessary for an associate degree. Instead, the billing and coding program allowed him to earn his credential in months, and he was able to balance two jobs with classes.

“We started at the very bottom and slowly they taught us,” he said. “Before long, we were coding ourselves.”

Due to COVID-19, classes shifted online in March.

“I had never used Zoom before, but we didn’t skip a beat,” Grant said. “It was a seamless transition to online.”

Grant aced the credentialing exam and credits the instructors for offering detailed review and test preparation. He is also grateful for their help with resume building. In addition to offering interviewing tips, he learned phrases to make his resume stand out. He wrote a thank you note after his initial interview at Beach Eye Care on advice he learned at TCC.

“When I got the job, my employer told me how much he appreciated that,” Grant said.

“Getting a job is a huge relief. I’m excited to start work in a field I went to school for. I owe my success to TCC.”

Interested in one of TCC’s short-term workforce programs? For information, email wfdinfo@tcc.edu or call (757) 822-1234.

Save time and money by completing your associate degree in just 1 year

Between moves and mom life, Alyssa Beach never got around to college.

When the Portsmouth resident finally carved out the time, she wanted to complete an associate degree program quickly. Tidewater Community College’s Accelerated Degree program offered her the opportunity to do just that.

Beach is among three Portsmouth Campus students who completed associate degrees this month in less than a year by going to college full time year-round. Beach earned the 60-credit Associate of Science in General Studies that will allow her to transfer to Old Dominion University as a junior.

“I felt like I needed to do more,” said Beach, a 2008 graduate of Granby High, who moved multiple times due to her husband’s job. “What really attracted me to TCC was being able to do this so quickly.”

Beach decided on a career path after a psychology class sparked her interest. She will work toward a bachelor’s in forensic psychology at ODU.

She recommends the Accelerated Degree option for students willing to commit to the demanding workload. “If you can get ahead, get ahead,” she said. “You can’t wait until the last minute to do your work.”

Two additional Portsmouth Campus students, Amber Kochishan and Alexis Mays, earned associate degrees in general studies following the Accelerated Degree program. Kochishan, who is in the Navy, plans to pursue a bachelor’s in social work when she returns to college in spring 2021. Mays plans to attend ODU this fall.

Accelerated Degree students attend classes in eight-week sessions on either the Norfolk or Portsmouth campuses for nearly one year.

Applications for the next cohort of students are due July 31. For information, contact enroll@tcc.edu.

Hope-U Foundation donates computers to help TCC students in need

Hope-U Foundation is helping Tidewater Community College students stay in school by proving laptops for those who don’t have access to needed technology for remote learning.

“We have many students who are below the poverty level and this pandemic has magnified their needs,” said Thomas Chatman Jr., coordinator for First Year Success at the Norfolk Campus. “Many of these students didn’t have computers, so the transition to remote learning put them at a huge disadvantage.”

Hope-U is a nonprofit organization formed for the sole purpose of helping youth in the Hampton Roads area.

When Nick Gabriel started the organization, his goal was to help disconnected youth between the ages of 16-24, which includes transitioning foster youth, homeless or underemployed youth.

When COVID-19 hit, Hope-U donated 26 Chromebooks to students at TCC’s Norfolk Campus.

The computer donation is part of an overall effort to reach youth in need. Hope-U works to end homelessness, hunger and unemployment for young people in Hampton Roads. Gabriel’s goal is to help clients achieve independence and sustainable employment through a reliable support system.

“We can do our part to mitigate the damage and level the playing field for those who are trying to get ahead,” Gabriel said. “Increasing earning potential is key to rising out of poverty. We can’t let COVID stop that.”

TCC students sent shoutouts to Hope-U for the help.

Randell Barkley with his new laptop from Hope U Foundation.

“Before I received the laptop, I was struggling with completing my photography class. With the laptop, I was able to pass the class with a B. I can do graphics, Photoshop and Zoom calls with ease,” said student Randell Barkley. “The director came out on a rainy day, and it was such a blessing!”

Student Alexander Reap added, “Given the pandemic, it became even harder to complete assignments, as my access to technology was limited, and I was doing my work on my phone. But now, with my computer, I completed the semester with a 4.0 GPA.”

“It takes a village to make a change,” Gabriel said. “We are that village.”

TCC to hold first Virtual Hospitality and Culinary Job Fair

Don’t let COVID-19 sidetrack your career plans.

There’s still time to register for Tidewater Community College’s Virtual Hospitality and Culinary Job Fair on Wednesday, July 22, at 10 a.m. – noon or 2 – 4 p.m.

The virtual event allows you to meet with multiple employers affiliated with the Virginia Beach Hotel Association; Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association; and the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association.

To attend the Virtual Hospitality and Culinary Job Fair, complete the registration form here.

When your registration is complete, you will receive the Zoom link to join your selected session. You must be registered to attend. TCC Alumni and community members can register as guests.

To view a listing of employers, visit the TCC Career Success Network.

The virtual event is open to students, alumni and the community.

For questions, email Babi Brock or Shauna Woods-Springer.

Alumna gives back by designing The Community Feed at TCC

Step inside The Community Feed at TCC, and you feel welcomed. An inviting farmer’s market shows off the colors of the season — bright red apples and homegrown tomatoes make a splash alongside brilliant oranges and leafy greens. Ample seating encourages visitors to stay awhile and bask in the warm, engaging space on the second floor of MacArthur Center.

Credit TCC alumna Leisa Arrington for the beautiful touches. Arrington designed the campus-based pantry that offers healthy meal kits to the college’s students through a service that’s currently online only due to COVID-19. The initiative, a partnership between TCC and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, is meant to address food insecurity among students.

“I was truly honored to lend my skills to this project. I wanted this to be a re-imagined place of provision, guidance, healing and safety,” Arrington said.

At the front counter students can pick up preselected meal kits – offerings include pasta Bolognese and stuffed peppers and roasted asparagus — each designed to feed a family of four.

Arrington designed the space using elements of “modern rustic” and “industrial farmhouse” design styles. The open floor plan includes warm wooden cabinetry balanced with a consistent color palette of rich earth tones and textures. An eclectic selection of furniture and art pieces adds to the mix, inviting students to relax, rejuvenate and refresh.

“I was excited and on board with the project from day one,” Arrington said. “I saw this as my chance to bring people together and support them through those turbulent times in their lives.”

Arrington earned an Associate of Applied Science in Interior Design and a Career Studies Certificate in Acquisition and Procurement from the college.

She previously launched her own business, Proverbial Interior Design Solutions, in 1988. A skilled seamstress, she was taught the craft by her Aunt Mattie Jones at age 8. Arrington started her business making window treatments, bedding and slipcovers.

Today she provides complete interior design services for her clients, noting on her website, “It’s all in the details.Especially when it comes to creating the room of your dreams.”

“The hands-on work and the class presentations at TCC based on real ‘clients’ were so beneficial,” Arrington said.

Arrington also found a mentor in Professor Lana Sapozhnikov.

“Ms. Lana was a tough teacher, which excited me about her,” Arrington said. “She constantly challenged us and raised the bar high. She instilled in all of her students the ideals, traits and knowledge necessary to become professional interior designers.”

TCC’s acquisition and procurement certificate helped her weather tough financial times. She learned how to land state and government contracts and navigate vendor systems for both Virginia and North Carolina.

“When business declined during the housing market recession in the late 2000s, I was able to earn contracts with Norfolk State and Old Dominion Universities,” she said. “That kept me going, as we were doing a variety of tasks from designing window treatments to cleaning chandeliers.”

A Christian and mother of five and grandmother of 14, Arrington is a proponent of community college, noting, “TCC was a great place to start and can provide the training for higher-paying technical jobs or launch you to a four-year school.”

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

Learn about TCC in a Virtual Information Session

Don’t let COVID-19 sidetrack your college plans. Explore TCC through our upcoming Virtual Information and Zoom sessions. Learn about the college’s transfer degrees and hands-on programs in respiratory therapy, welding, mechatronics, nursing, computer-aided design and more.

Sessions, held every week all summer, include:

Military Monday – Military-related students can find support in these sessions conducted by TCC’s Center for Military and Veterans Education.
General Information – Gain an overview of TCC’s academic offerings, including the Accelerated Degree program and dual enrollment options.
Financial Aid Friday – Learn about paying for college.
Pathway Sessions –Dive into TCC’s academic career pathways with program-specific break-out sessions. These range from Arts and Humanities to Nursing to Manufacturing and Transportation.
Canvas for Students – Current students can learn how to optimize their use of Canvas.

RSVP for a Virtual Information Session.

Fall classes begin Aug. 24.

Email enroll@tcc.edu, call 757-822-1111 or visit our Help Center for answers to frequently asked questions.

STEM scholar with autism found opportunity at TCC

Shannon O’Hara Wiora has Asperger syndrome, a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication. She’d often overhear the word “retarded” from her peers in high school.

Yet she started taking classes at Tidewater Community College at 16. Today the 19-year-old is part of the Women’s Center STEM Promise Scholarship program. O’Hara is completing a computer science associate degree to go with a business degree.

When relaxed, O’Hara is engaging and forthcoming about how she learned to overcome both a disability and difficult circumstances that might have defeated others.

“Autistic people know how to get through challenges more than most people because we face them every day,” she said.

O’Hara’s world opened on the Virginia Beach Campus. The word she uses again and again to describe TCC is “opportunity.”

Accepted into the STEM Promise Scholarship Program in 2018, she is part of a cohort that receives paid tuition and fees for two years while completing a degree in a STEM field.

This summer, O’Hara is one of three STEM scholars selected to participate in the Southeast Coalition for Engagement and Exchange in Nanotechnology Education program, an internship for students from underrepresented communities. As part of that program, she receives training in accelerated nanotechnology and a $2,000 stipend.

One of her most eye-opening experiences came last summer in Chicago when O’Hara attended the Disability: IN conference. She was selected from a competitive application pool to take part in an all-expenses trip to be part of the annual conference. The educational and networking event focuses on developing strategies for ensuring people with disabilities in the workplace thrive.

“I never knew there were so many opportunities for different technology degrees,” said O’Hara, who is especially interested in cognitive science. “I got to meet different recruiters and people from all over the U.S. I even now have a connection with Microsoft.”

She’s also been contacted by Cornell University and other four-year universities about a possible transfer destination when she graduates from TCC.

O’Hara would like to use her computer science background in an innovative way. “You can build your own creation in computer science,” she said. “I’d like to see what I can do to help people like me succeed.”

She recently became a board advisor for the nonprofit Family Voices. That allows her to promote acceptance of young adults and children with disabilities and weigh in on decisions with policymakers. She hopes to enhance acceptance of people with disabilities, while encouraging others to succeed and accomplish their goals.

O’Hara, who plans to walk in TCC’s spring commencement exercises, uses words including strong, stubborn and willful when talking about herself. Her TCC experiences allow her to offer one more – “confident.”

From TCC to the Ivy League in just two semesters

Lauren Harrell dreamed of attending an Ivy League school.

When the rejections poured in for the Granby High School graduate with a 4.86 GPA, she wasn’t daunted. She was determined.

Now that dream is realized after just one year at Tidewater Community College. The 19-year-old earned an associate degree through TCC’s Accelerated Degree Program and will attend Cornell University this fall.

“When I saw the congratulations notice on my admissions portal, I was shocked!” she 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.”

College was always a priority in the Harrell home. Granby’s International Baccalaureate program, which Harrell attended, offers high achievers in-depth scholastic preparation for college. Yet when Harrell applied to 16 schools, she was rejected by eight.

“I was hoping for Duke or Brown, and that didn’t pan out even with my high GPA,” she said.

A postcard from TCC about the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) piqued her interest. Under this option, students can complete the degree in one year — typically mapped out over three semesters. Most of the classes are broken into eight-week sessions.

Last summer, Harrell enrolled.

“Coming to TCC for a year just made sense to me,” she said. “I could live at home, save money on tuition and housing and gain a bit more independence.

“I was also nervous about the cost of higher education, so saving money on my gen eds was also a benefit.”

Harrell graduated with an Associate of Science in General Studies. She managed a heavy course load with 26 credits the first semester and 23 the second.

“Taking that course load showed that I could perform well in school and really opened doors for me,” said Harrell, boosted by 12 credits of Advanced Placement courses from high school.

Completing the Accelerated Degree made her an attractive candidate to some of the nation’s top colleges. Cornell ranks 17^th 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.”

Harrell plans to major in government and international relations at Cornell. She is considering a law career but is also interested in working in public policy at the highest levels.

“This is probably the most excited I’ve been for school to start,” she said. “I’ve researched classes 50 times. I’m so ready to go.”

Harrell credits Emanuel Chestnut, dean of students on the Norfolk Campus, with helping smooth some bumps along the way.

“The people at the college are what make it special,” she said. “I’ve stressed over plenty of decisions, but I’m confident that I made the right choice starting at TCC.”

The application deadline for the next cohort for the Accelerated Degree is July 31, 2020. Visit here for more information about program. You can also email Meredith Pollard on Norfolk Campus at mpollard@tcc.edu or Joyce Flowers at the Portsmouth Campus at jflowers@tcc.edu.

Scholarship student turning lifelong hobby of tinkering with cars into career

Talon Rodgers was one of those kids who liked to take things apart and put them back together.

As a teen, he worked alongside his father, a master technician. “I started by helping flip cars and worked my way up to my own projects. I learned the business really from the inside out,” he said.

Today, Rodgers is a second-year student at Tidewater Community College pursuing an associate degree in diesel marine technician. He was recently awarded a $2,000 scholarship from American Boat Yacht Council Foundation.

Professor Abe Arispe recommended Rodgers for the award, noting, “Talon is meticulous in everything he does and is a standout student. He’s not afraid to ask questions and wants to be sure he has each task down pat.”

Rodgers said he was stunned by the award and grateful, as he is paying out of pocket for the program.

Rodgers chose the diesel marine program because he wanted to take his career in a new direction. “The marine field is high skill and demand and there are plenty of jobs,” Rogers added. “I’m doing something I enjoy but also expanding my knowledge.”

Continuing his studies during the COVID-19 pandemic has been seamless for Rodgers. “The hands-on learning is my favorite part of the program, and I’ve missed that,” he said. “But even so, remote learning has been set up well. I’m learning the material and staying on track.”

Talon Rodgers at the Regional Automotive Center.

TCC’s diesel marine technician program is just one of many offered at the Regional Automotive Center, a 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Chesapeake. It has nine classrooms and 15 instructional laboratories. Students are trained on the latest equipment at the forefront of industry trends.

Rodgers credits Arispe with making the instruction enjoyable. “Mr. Arispe is the best teacher I’ve ever had,” Rogers said. “He’s attentive to his students, very knowledgeable, and the way he describes the process of things is very informative and helpful.”

Rodgers encourages others to follow his path. “I did a lot of research before selecting TCC and it’s one of the better programs around, and not only in Virginia.”

In his free time, Rodgers can be found tinkering with his Kawasaki Mean Streak and taking rides in the country. “It’s something you can do alone and get some air,” he said.

On returning to school in the fall, Rodgers encourages his peers to continue moving forward. “Don’t be afraid to set your mind on your goals and push through. You hit obstacles all your life, and COVID is just one of them.”

TCC’s professors who achieved emeritus status put students first

Four professors at Tidewater Community College recently achieved emeritus distinction thanks to their contributions to academia and student success.

They are Susan Dozier, professor of information technology, Al Koon, associate professor of electronic technology, Nita Wood, professor of English and now deceased, and David Wright, professor of physics and astronomy.

TCC alum Koon initially taught at the college as an adjunct before moving into a full-time position in 1978; he was the first instructor and initial program head for Electronics Technology. When he started, the college had nothing but borrowed electronics equipment. Koon worked tirelessly to upgrade the college’s facilities that make TCC a respected national leader in the field. He established continuing partnerships with Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University. Named TCC’s inaugural Professor of the Year in 2001, Koon leaves behind a legacy of successful graduates, including all who serve as adjunct instructors in Electronics Technology. Koon retired in 2018.

In his words: “I loved working with the students. They would stop by the office and talk. They were so optimistic about the future. You can’t help but get drawn into their optimism. After two years, it’s like they become your child. I still have students calling me. They keep you young. In total, I was at the college for 43 years. I can honestly say I enjoyed almost every day.”

Virginia Tech alumna Dozier began teaching at TCC as an adjunct instructor while raising six children. By January 2000, she began her full-time career at the college that included two decades of teaching information technology. Dozier developed and taught nearly a dozen IT courses, mentored new faculty and is co-author of various textbooks. Her multiple service projects included working in various roles at Virginia Beach high schools to further math and science education. She retired in 2019.

In her words: “My favorite part of teaching at TCC was the opportunity to meet so many students every 16 weeks. I quickly realized the blessings and enriching interactions these students provided to my life. Teaching and learning is a two-way street. I will always be thankful for the many lives that touched mine.”

Named professor emerita posthumously, Wood served TCC for 20 years before her sudden death in September 2019. Known for her vibrant personality on the Portsmouth Campus, Wood enjoyed finding engaging ways to connect with students. She designed courses that integrated African American literature and took a lead role in the college’s annual literary festival. Wood was a mentor at the Writing Center, advisor to the Rotaract Club and an instructor for multiple TCC summer camps. Wood received the college’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award in January 2020.

In the words of her friend and colleague, TCC English Professor April Campbell: “Her legacy lives on through the many people she inspired. Her charismatic teaching methods made students feel comfortable and accepted, and many students have praised her for being available and approachable.”

Wright needs little introduction; he is TCC’s first viral professor thanks to a Twitter post from one of his students last December. Wright’s innovative, hands-on teaching style made him a student favorite. To make science fun and relatable, he performed experiments that range from walking on a bed of nails to jumping up and down on a pogo stick to using a slingshot. He started at the Virginia Beach Campus the same year it opened, 1974, and retired in 2020 as physics chair. Wright completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Brigham Young University and his doctorate at Virginia Tech. Wright was TCC’s Professor of the Year in 2017. As one colleague wrote on a recommendation letter, “If David Wright does not qualify for emeritus status with the college, then no one else could ever qualify.” He will continue teaching classes at TCC as an adjunct.

In his words: “My favorite part about teaching was the students. They were terrific. They energized me. I loved trying to get them excited about science.”

Northam visits Skilled Trades Academy for bill signing

Tidewater Community College’s Skilled Trade Academy was the backdrop for Gov. Ralph Northam’s visit to Hampton Roads on Wednesday morning. Northam signed two bills that enhance worker protections with measures that increase the minimum wage, ban workplace discrimination and combat worker misclassification and wage theft.

“It’s great to be back in Portsmouth,” said Northam, whose message touted the importance of workers. “When we invest in Virginians who are preparing for a job, seeking to learn a new skill for a promotion or wanting to change career paths, we’re investing in Virginia’s economy.”

The Skilled Trades Academy offers short term training in the maritime and construction industry; Northam participated in the academy’s grand opening in December 2019.

President Conston at the Skilled Trades Academy

“We are truly honored you chose TCC’s Skilled Trade Academy for your event this morning,” said TCC President Marcia Conston. “We are excited you are here.”

This wasn’t Northam’s first visit to the Skilled Trades Academy, a 20,000 square-foot facility that offers short-term training in the maritime and construction industry that opened in December 2018. In May 2019, he toured the facility, met with students and signed bill HB2020, which called for Virginia’s Community Colleges to create uniform instruction for registered apprenticeships in high-demand fields.

“I remember well when I was here just a little more than a year ago,” he said.

Several state legislators were in attendance on Wednesday to champion both bills, which include raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour incrementally by 2026. Among them: Del. Cliff Hayes (D-Chesapeake), Chief Workforce Development Officer Megan Healy, Del. Steve Heretick (D-Portsmouth), Sen. Mamie Locke (D-Hampton), Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington), Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth), Sen. Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond), Sen. Jeremy McPike (D-Dale City), Portsmouth Mayor John Rowe, Sen. Lionell Spruill Sr. (D-Chesapeake) and (Del. Jeion Ward (D-Hampton).

“Virginia’s best asset is our workers,” Healy said. “We are in a little bit of an economic slump, but I know our workers and our skilled talent is really what’s going to help this economy rebound.”

President Conston talks with Gov. Northam.

TCC and the Foodbank partner to open The Community Feed at TCC

Step inside The Community Feed at Tidewater Community College and you’ll see artfully designed spaces that promote healthy eating. On display in the farmer’s market are an assortment of fresh vegetables —tomatoes, carrots, peppers, asparagus, greens, potatoes, apples and even bulbs of garlic.

A front counter features a colorful sign to welcome TCC students, as they pick-up pre-ordered meal kits that will feed a family of four.

Participating in the ceremonial snip are (left-right) Jim Walker, general manager, MacArthur Center; Emanuel Chestnut, provost, TCC’s Norfolk Campus; TCC President Marcia Conston; Foodbank President Ruth Jones Nichols; Kevin Jones, board chair of the Foodbank; and John Baiocco, president of TowneBank Norfolk.

“This is wonderful. This is really a president’s dream!” said TCC President Marcia Conston at the ribbon-cutting event on June 29 for the Community Feed at TCC, the first food pantry to open thanks to the partnership between Tidewater Community College and The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and The Eastern Shore.

The pantry, made possible due to a $250,000 donation from TowneBank, is located across from the Apple Store on the second level of Norfolk’s MacArthur Center.

“We are prioritizing student success at TCC because, simply put, if students are hungry, they can’t succeed,” President Conston said.

President Conston with Ruth Jones Nichols — President Conston with Ruth Jones Nichois inside The Community Feed at TCC.

In the fall of 2019, Glenn Dubois, chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges, urged community college leaders to address food insecurity among students.

Data released by the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice estimates that 48 percent of community college students face food insecurity. The survey was sent to 1.5 million students and 86,000 responded.

The Community Feed at TCC will begin distributing meal kits to students with TCC ID cards on June 30; they must be ordered in advance online. Student can select two meal kits, each designed to feed a family of four. Three options are available each week including a vegetarian dish. To ensure the safety of all students due to COVID -19, employees and volunteers, social distancing will be followed.

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

The Campus-Based Pantry and Food Scholarship Program began last fall with pop-up pantries on the Norfolk and Portsmouth campuses. These quickly became a lifeline for many students.

“The food always seemed to come right on time, and I was grateful to have the resource right on 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 Farmer’s Market inside The Community Feed at TCC.

“For many students, access to healthy food is a building block for successfully completing their education and moving toward living wage positions,” said Ruth Jones Nichols, president and CEO of the local Foodbank. “We know that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 37 percent of households were choosing between food and educational expenses. The Foodbank is committed to working with strategic partners like TCC to leverage food security as a foundation upon which to build a more transformational model for creating multiple pathways to success in life.”

The Community Feed at TCC — open to all TCC students with a valid student ID — has a long-term goal of opening to the community. For now, the pantry is available by appointment two days a week. As Virginia continues its phased approach to re-opening following the COVID-19 pandemic, The Community Feed at TCC will extend hours of operation to accommodate more students.

“Building stronger communities is a cornerstone of TowneBank’s philosophy, and this partnership with the Foodbank and TCC strategically aligns with our commitment to serving and enriching the lives of others,” said John Baiocco, president of TowneBank Norfolk.

The space at MacArthur Center was designed by TCC alumna Leisa Arrington.

The Community Feed at TCC was designed by Leisa Arrington, a TCC interior design alumna. Arrington also has a business degree from the college and owns and manages her firm, Proverbial Interior Design Solutions, LLC.

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.

The space includes areas to gather for good food and conversations.

TCC employee tests positive for COVID-19

The Chesapeake Campus of Tidewater Community College is closed after a college employee tested positive COVID-19. The college was notified on June 23 by the Virginia Department of Health and, in turn, notified all employees on June 24.

The employee is in self-isolation. The health department is identifying individuals who may have had close or prolonged contact with the employee and will notify those who need assessment. Any employee with concerns about exposure is encouraged to self-isolate, monitor symptoms and obtain a COVID-19 test.

No students were on the campus.

“We are taking this action out of an abundance of caution,” said Marian Anderfuren, the college’s spokesperson. “TCC is following internal health and safety protocols, and the areas on campus where exposure may have taken place will be disinfected.”

Physical therapy students earn clinical hours needed via Zoom

Back in March, Cara Rosie’s semester got derailed. The second-year student earning her associate degree in Tidewater Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program was shy of the clinical hours needed to complete her degree, a result of area facilities shutting down to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

With her board exam also on hold, Rosie felt as if her education was hijacked.

An innovative solution introduced by TCC Professor Melanie Basinger will allow Rosie and many of her peers to finish what they started before the summer ends. WTKR talked with Basinger, students and patients in this feature.

Back in spring 2019, Basinger started a nonprofit organization called Therapy on the Move aimed at preventing falls among adults 65 and older through a hands-on exercise and education program. Her students helped design the “Timeless Living Fall Prevention” program, which they subsequently ran at the Regional Health Professions Center on the Virginia Beach Campus.

When COVID-19 halted in-person instruction, Basinger shifted the program’s delivery instruction method to telehealth. It was a mode of delivery she had never considered before; “It was never on my radar,” she said.

What she didn’t anticipate was telehealth actually being an ideal choice for many patients who would rather remain in their own homes for physical therapy.

“We’re reaching people we wouldn’t ordinarily reach,” said Basinger, who secured the necessary approvals by TCC and Virginia’s Community Colleges for the program to count toward the 105 clinical hours needed. “Sometimes people are too shy or embarrassed or they’re just not comfortable coming out. I love that telehealth allows us to reach a lot of people in a pretty diverse area geographically.”

The seven-week telehealth clinical pairs students with mentors, graduates of TCC’s physical therapist assistant program who are working in the field. Students connect via Zoom with patients they have found – often extended family or friends; their mentor remains on the call for the two-hour sessions, too.

The first hour focuses on active exercises and strategies to prevent falls. Topics include home safety, medications, nutrition and diet, vision and feet and community safety. Basinger also added a component teaching patients how to fall safely to mitigate or prevent injury.

“That is something that is rarely taught,” she said.

The second hour of the call involves an educational component that patients can incorporate into their daily lives. Students can actually see problem areas inside patients’ homes – stray electrical cords, for example – and offer solutions.

“It’s been an incredible experience,” said Rosie, who completed earlier clinical rotations at a skilled nursing home and an outpatient therapy clinic. “Listening to their stories, having them tell us about the home and seeing them make changes is gratifying. This is a life-changing program for some of these people.”

Student Larry Havard said he’s learned to be creative during the telehealth sessions. Streaming music during warmup exercises drowns out any awkward silences.

“It’s really important for people to have the social interaction doing this telehealth,” said Havard. “I’ve learned that you’ve got to have patience. And I’ve learned some different ways to potentially adapt in situations. I never thought I’d be doing anything like this, especially for school.”

On Sundays, Basinger and the students review the upcoming week on a Zoom call. The telehealth program has worked so well, she plans to continue it even after COVID-19 restrictions end.

“It’s so heartwarming; what they’re getting out of this is beyond what I ever expected,” she said. “It’s just perfect.”

Interested in TCC’s Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree? Contact Basinger at mbasinger@tcc.edu.

TCC will resume full schedule of fall classes

Tidewater Community College will resume a full schedule of classes this fall with some face-to-face instruction in compliance with state and federal health guidelines.

The Fall 2020 Semester will begin Aug. 24 and conclude Dec. 18. A revised fall class schedule offering online, hybrid and face-to-face classes will be available by July 13. Priority for face-to-face instruction will be given to performance-based classes and labs that cannot be delivered online.

“The experts do not know what path this virus will take moving forward,” President Marcia Conston said. “Therefore, the college will remain ready to modify its plan as needed. While no one can guarantee safety, our priority remains the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. We are taking all of the precautions we can to make TCC as safe as possible.”

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 will be strongly recommended, especially in 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. Virtual student support services will continue to be available. Libraries and selected computer labs will also be open for students enrolled in fall classes. Students will be able to continue accessing wifi 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 enroll@tcc.edu.

New automotive certificates prepare you for a career in just two semesters

Are you looking to train for an automotive career in a hurry?

Then consider Tidewater Community College’s new Career Studies Certificate in Maintenance and Light Repair. This certificate can be completed in just two semesters and includes the technical and hands-on training necessary for entry-level work in repair facilities and dealerships.

This certificate prepares students for the ASE certification exams in Steering and Suspension; Brakes; and the Virginia Safety Inspection exam.

If you want to learn even more, consider the two-semester Career Studies Certificate in Automotive Technician and prepare for the ASE exams in Engine Repair; Automatic Transmission/Transaxle; Manual Drive Train and Axles; and Heating and Air Conditioning.

Both of these Career Studies Certificates stack into the Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology and are taught by master technicians with years of experience in the field.

By earning a degree or certificate, you give yourself an advantage in the job market over those without formal training. TCC’s technologically advanced automotive curriculum is based on the Master Automotive Service Technology standards set forth by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation.

All classes are held in the Regional Automotive Center, a 30,000 square-foot facility in Chesapeake featuring classroom spaces and instructional bays that facilitate hands-on learning on real vehicles.