Alumni Profiles

Leora Friedman and Landon Elforsi didn’t want to waste time or money in college given the daunting load both anticipated as undergraduates in James Madison University’s College of Business this fall. Both are among the inaugural class of graduates from the Entrepreneurship and Business Academy, a partnership between Tidewater Community College and Kempsville High School. […]

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, […]

“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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Linda Stokes has a message for students learning remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Online learning may be the new norm, but don’t be discouraged or afraid of it. Even in my 60s, I’ve been online for my entire degree, and it was a great education.” Stokes graduated from Tidewater Community College in May with an […]

Standing by her bedroom window, Nehkonti Adams didn’t know why. Later, the 11-year-old realized it was to avoid getting shot due to the civil unrest that had erupted in her home, Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia. It wasn’t long before a new chapter started for Adams, which included immigrating to the United States with […]

Even before the COVID-19 crisis, William Toncray was spending a lot of time at the hospital. As a Child Life department volunteer, Toncray provides engaging activities for patients at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. “We play games and do crafts with children bedside or take them to the playroom,” he said. “There are moments […]

Fashion model in Milan? Stephanie Overfelt did that as a teen. Bachelor’s in Mandarin Chinese? Accomplished. Snowboard instructor on a mountain? “Park City Mountain Resort in Utah,” she says. “I flew out the weekend before finals and earned one of eight positions.” But really she’s always known inside that she was meant to be a […]

Christian McClenney grew up belting out Aretha Franklin tunes and starring in Hurrah Players productions. With a sister who sings on cruise ships and a mother comfortable doing stand-up comedy, McClenney envisioned her own future in performing arts. The stage was set for that after the Governor’s School graduate was accepted into a touted performing […]