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TCC annual award winners to be honored on Aug. 16

Tidewater Community College will recognize six faculty and staff members from across the college with annual special awards on Aug. 16.

Selected by their peers, the honorees will receive their awards at TCC’s 2018 Fall Convocation at the Chesapeake Campus Student Center.

Professor of the Year

Manisha Trivedi, who teaches biology, anatomy and physiology and microbiology, is TCC’s Professor of the Year, an award established by the Faculty Senate to recognize excellence.

The Virginia Beach resident got her start doing research and development in the biotechnology industry but found herself training colleagues and hosting workshops. When her company left the area, she changed course and began teaching at TCC’s Norfolk Campus.

“I’m very proud to be working in a place that allows me to be creative and nurturing of my students,” Trivedi said. “My greatest joy is seeing the ‘lightbulb’ moments when students grasp difficult concepts.”

Trivedi often holds weekend office hours and meets with students before lectures and labs.

Student Olivia Brichter credits Trivedi for helping her succeed in college.

“After multiple attempts to pass anatomy and physiology, Professor Trivedi offered to spend one hour with me every morning before class reviewing class lectures and breaking down the information for me,” she said.

Trivedi is co-founder of the Senior Citizen Club for Asian Indians of Tidewater and volunteers annually at the International Children’s Festival in Hampton. She is a faculty mentor and serves on TCC’s Global & Intercultural Learning Committee.

She holds master’s degrees in life science from Gujarat State University and in biotechnology from Old Dominion University.  She earned a bachelor’s in biochemistry from St. Xavier’s College. She also completed a course in recombinant DNA methodology at The Catholic University of America.

Trivedi and husband Nikunj have two adult sons. The younger, Ajay, is an adjunct science instructor at the Norfolk Campus.

Faculty Special Achievement

For the second time since starting at TCC in 1989, Jacque Dessino is the recipient of the Faculty Special Achievement Award.

As the college-wide electronic services librarian, Dessino contributes to every aspect of library services to benefit users onsite and online. Dubbed “the rock of the libraries” by a colleague who nominated her for this award, Dessino, as TCC’s library system liaison with Virginia’s Community Colleges, is transitioning TCC’s libraries to an integrated management system that will replace multiple software products. It’s an enormous undertaking.

“But it’s what I love about my job,” said Dessino, also recognized by the college in 2005. “My job is never boring, never static.”

Dessino leads a team of four staffers who provide support to library patrons. While she works largely behind the scenes, she covers several online reference service shifts, providing on-demand assistance to students.

“I enjoy the idea of serving a group of people who might not necessarily have the opportunity to use the resources TCC has if the college weren’t here,” she said.

Dessino holds master’s degrees in library science from Louisiana State University and in humanities with a certificate in women’s studies from Old Dominion. She earned her bachelor’s in computer science from Nicholls State University and in English from Shippensburg University.

Dessino and husband Eric Matherne reside in Portsmouth and enjoy boating and motorcycle sidecar trips.

Outstanding Adjunct Faculty

Nancy Pettigrew, who has taught art history at TCC since 2010, is the Outstanding Adjunct Professor. The Long Island, N.Y., native embraces discussion-centered classes that connect her students to artists from the past and present. She has appreciated art since visiting her first museum as a 5-year-old.

“There are so many things I love about TCC students,” she said. “You get this incredible melting pot of people. If you listen to them, you learn so much about them and the world and other people’s points of view.”

Pettigrew holds a discussion series monthly open to all students and faculty at the Visual Arts Center that tackles topics ranging from censorship to copyright. An active supporter of the Student Art League, she touts the dedication of her students, many of whom makes great sacrifices to be in class.

“I’m always amazed by students I talk to who take public transportation for two hours to take my class,” she said. “Their level of commitment is extraordinary.”

Pettigrew received master’s and bachelor’s degrees, both in art history and archaeology, from the University of Maryland.

She and husband Neil have two adult children, Emily and Laura. The couple resides in Chesapeake.

Administrator of the Year

Diane Ryan is the Administrator of the Year selected for her leadership and efforts to advance TCC’s mission and goals.

Ryan initially joined the college in 1991 as an adjunct instructor in public speaking and transitioned into a professor of communications and English. She became dean of Humanities and Social Sciences on the Chesapeake Campus in 2015.

Ryan considers herself a connector, helping students solve problems by directing them to the correct resource or staff member. She has been involved in the college’s textbook-free Z-Degree initiative, recruiting 18 faculty to adopt Open Educational Resources in their curriculums, thereby saving students thousands of dollars.

“I love the amount of resources we’re able to offer students, companies and the general public,” she said. “That’s one of the reasons I’m proud to work at TCC.”

Ryan volunteers and raises funds for Pennies for Prescriptions, Go Rescue Pet Adoption and Judeo-Christian Outreach Center.

She holds a master’s in speech communications and a bachelor’s in mass communications from Western Illinois University. She is currently working toward a doctorate in community college leadership at Old Dominion.

Ryan and husband, Sean, reside in Virginia Beach and have three adult children.

Classified Employee of the Year

Alumna Rhonda D’Amore is the Classified Employee of the Year. She initially began working at the college in 1998 and graduated from TCC with an Associate of Science in Science. In 2005, she earned a full-time position as an academic support specialist.

D’Amore enjoys working with campus contacts to keep curriculum content current.

“If you request Rhonda’s assistance, you can be assured the task will get done correctly and in a timely manner,” said Bill Clement, Pathway Dean for Computer Science and Information Technology.

D’Amore is responsible for building the base for classes, so that campuses can schedule them. She also enters all of the program data in i-INCURR. Moreover, she works closely with Visual Communications to produce the college catalog.

D’Amore said her favorite part of the job is assisting students. “I love being there to help them solve problems,” she said.

D’Amore and husband Lee have two adult children. In her free time, she enjoys gardening at her Chesapeake home and spending time with her cats, Floyd and Ziggy.

Wage Employee of the Year

TCC student Steffan Watts, an operations support specialist for student activities on the Virginia Beach Campus, is the Wage Employee of the Year.

The 2015 graduate of Kellam High School is humble about his contributions, but supervisor Bobby Bennett touts Watts’ accomplishments that ensure any event inside the Virginia Beach Student Center runs smoothly.

“Steff, as we call him, really is the heartbeat of our team and he always goes over and beyond what is asked of him,” said Bennett, coordinator of events and special projects for student activities at the student center. “When he is not in class, he is working in the student center, engaging with students or assisting a community partner.”

Watts is pursuing his Associate of Science in Science with a Specialization in Computer Science. He anticipates graduating in May 2019 with plans to transfer to either Old Dominion or Norfolk State University. He hopes to make a career in video game design or software development.

“I’ve learned a lot about myself working here,” he said. “I’m a quiet person. This job really gets me out of my comfort zone.”

TCC’s Early Childhood Education program earns national accreditation

Tidewater Community College’s Early Childhood Education program has achieved first-time national accreditation from the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children.

TCC is one of only two associate programs in the state accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Northern Virginia Community College is the other.

TCC’s Early Childhood Education program prepares students in the care, supervision and education of young children from birth to age 8. The college offers a 62-credit Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and certificates in Early Childhood Instruction, Child Development, Preschool and Educational Support.

Graduates are prepared for work in settings that include preschools, child care centers, Head Start programs, private schools, public schools and before- and after-school programs. Students who graduate from the associate program are equipped to transfer to four-year programs.

TCC holds transfer agreements with Norfolk State University and Bellevue University.

“National accreditation benefits us in many ways,” said Jeanne Hopkins, department chair and assistant professor of Early Childhood Education on the Portsmouth Campus. “We are intentional in creating a comprehensive program for our students that makes them attractive candidates for employment upon graduation.”

Programs accredited by NAEYC demonstrate that they:

  • Align to NAEYC’s Professional Preparation Standard
  • Respond to the unique needs of their degree candidates and communities
  • Provide intentional learning experiences for their degree candidates to obtain the knowledge and skills needed to be effective early childhood educators

Founded in 1926, the NAEYC is the largest and most influential advocate for high-quality early care and education in the United States.

Fall classes at TCC begin on Aug. 20.

For more information about TCC’s Early Childhood Education program, visit www.tcc.edu/academics/professional-services/programs/early-childhood-development-degree. Contact Hopkins at jehopkins@tcc.edu (Portsmouth Campus), Cassandra Andrews at candrews@tcc.edu (Norfolk Campus) or Maggie Charlton at mcharlton@tcc.edu (Chesapeake and Virginia Beach campuses).

Go anywhere but first come to TCC’s open house on June 23

Find your future at Tidewater Community College.

Learn about the gamut of TCC’s programs, including cybersecurity, culinary arts, health sciences, maritime technologies and many other potential career paths and transfer opportunities the college offers.

Take the next step by visiting TCC’s open house on June 23 held on all campuses from 9 a.m. until noon.

There is plenty of time to enroll for fall classes, which begin Aug. 20.

All are invited, especially:

  • 2018 high school graduates and their families;
  • adults who want to start or finish a degree, learn a new field or advance in their careers;
  • active-duty military and veterans, their spouses and dependents.

You will be able to apply to TCC; learn about financial aid, grants and scholarships; explore academic options; tour campuses; and learn about campus life at all locations.

If you have an eye on a four-year college, TCC can help get you there, too. Transfer agreements allow a student to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree at TCC and gain guaranteed admission to most Virginia colleges and universities.

Locations for open house are:

For more information, call 757-822-1111, email enroll@tcc.edu or visit www.tcc.edu/open.

Enjoy “Othello” under the stars at TCC’s Shakespeare in the Grove

Mistrust, violence and intrigue highlight the classic tale of “Othello,” on stage at Tidewater Community College’s 22nd Shakespeare in the Grove.

Free, outdoor public performances will be held June 20-24, starting at 8 p.m., weather permitting.

A sneak peek of "Othello" at Food Trucks on the Square on June 6.
A sneak peek of “Othello” on June 6.

This is the third production at the new outdoor “grove” platform, located behind the Pass Building on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road. A cast and crew of more than 20 student and veteran actors and 15 technicians will bring the Bard’s tragedy to life.

TCC’s version of the play is set at the end of the Civil War and Othello, the captain of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, has secretly married Desdemona, the daughter of a prominent senator. When the senator learns the truth, he promptly disowns her.

TCC and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission sponsor Shakespeare in the Grove. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. Insect repellent is also recommended.

For more information, contact Matthew Gorris at mgorris@tcc.edu or 757-822-5219.

Commercial design students put a new twist on old design in downtown Norfolk

Designing a historic landmark is a gem project for any interior designer.

For students in Tidewater Community College’s Designing Commercial Interiors class, that challenge came as part of a project this spring.

127 Bank Street
127 Bank Street

Students in Alex Reichardt’s IDS 222 had the opportunity to design the interior of 127 Bank St., a commercial building constructed at the turn of the century. The building, which is part of the Downtown Norfolk Historic District, is built with limestone in the classic revival style.  It is the only Norfolk bank to survive the Civil War.

Yureacia Norman Parker, the current building owner and president of Arbre De Vie Healthcare Services Partners, and architect David Klemt, had a vision for the project and waited for the designs to be completed as part of the students’ final exam.

The building will be the headquarters for Arbre De Vie and provide office space for other health care practitioners.

“The spaces literally sprang to life with students using the latest technology,” Parker said.

Students in Commercial Design provide renderings for 127 Bank Street in Norfolk, a historic building constructed at the turn of the century.
Students in Commercial Design provide renderings for 127 Bank Street in Norfolk, a historic building constructed at the turn of the century.

Students in Commercial Design use software tools that include Chief Architect, AutoCAD, Revit and Home Planner.  “The technology we have today enables us to feel as though we are walking through the spaces,” Reichardt said. “When working with clients, they can make decisions easily with quality information.”

Students presented their ideas in detail and included space planning, materials selection, furniture placement, as well as the aesthetic details of each of their designs. Students also considered accessibility and lighting in their planning.

Speaking to the class, Klemt added, “You brought the creative parts together and hopefully that creativity will stick with you. With the everyday practical elements of each job – from building codes and client requests – things don’t always go as planned. I applaud the work you have done. For those who went above and beyond the basics, know that the work will pay incredible dividends in your professional development.”

Architect David Klemt with student winners Paul Cage, Jillian Batson and Marisa Dankwa and owner Yureacia Norman Parker. Not pictured, Sarah Richmond.
Architect David Klemt with student winners Paul Cage, Jillian Batson and Marisa Dankwa and owner Yureacia Norman Parker. Not pictured, Sarah Richmond.

Four student winners were selected for top honors in the project with Marisa Dankwa awarded the top spot for her detailed work after designing every room on every level.

Jillian Batson placed second with a design that preserved the historic feel of the space. She added a lighting plan and materials board.

Sarah Richmond, who finished third, maximized accessibility and selected furnishings. Her design included detailed renderings of two floors.

Paul Cage placed fourth for his rendering that included details and an extensive lighting plan.

Parker and Klemt will take the designs and incorporate elements from each into the completed building renovation. Arbre De Vie will open on Bank Street next year and provide services for veterans and others including support groups and job training.

Theater scholarship honors late student’s memory

Joshua Hastings was 22 years old and just months away from graduating with a degree in theater from Tidewater Community College when he died tragically in a house fire.

Hastings was a beloved classmate and an active student who had performed in “Romeo and Juliet,” “Barefoot in the Park,” and “Bus Stop.” He played a crooked priest in “The Pearl,” stepping into the role just before opening night.

His last role was as a chorus member in “Antigone.”

Matthew Gorris, head of the technical theatre department at the time, was devastated. “We canceled everything for a week,” he said. The department dedicated “Antigone” to Hastings and started plans for a scholarship fund in his name.

Matthew Gorris, program head of TCC Theatre
Matthew Gorris, program head of TCC Theatre

Gorris established the Josh Hastings Memorial Theatre Scholarship in 2008 through his family business. The scholarship, which can be applied toward tuition, books and fees, is awarded to a theater student who demonstrates academic excellence and shares Hastings’ passion for performance.

This year’s recipient, Anthony Fattizzi, has many of Hasting’s characteristics, including his upbeat personality and love of the stage.

One big difference between the two: which side of the curtain they prefer.

Hastings loved to perform. Fattizzi’s passion is behind the scenes.

“I started acting in sixth grade,” Fattizzi said. “In high school I moved to crew and I’ve done that ever since. I love the technical side of the theater – light and sound.”

Fattizzi will graduate in December with a Career Studies Certificate in Theatre Arts. He’s looking forward to working on Shakespeare in the Grove at the Chesapeake Campus over the summer and completing a theater internship this fall.

The scholarship has helped relieve some of the financial pressure of an arts degree. “Professor Gorris uses textbooks that are free and available online,” Fattizzi said. “The only cost of my classes is the tuition and fees, which I apply my scholarship award toward.”

Gorris, now program head of TCC Theatre, stresses you don’t need to be a current performer or technician to get involved in the program.

“We encourage students who have not experienced live theater to take in a show and broaden their horizons,” he said. “The arts are all around us – in the form of books, television and radio. We show students how to be part of all of this, even if in a small way.”

Joshua Hastings - TCC Theatre
Joshua Hastings performing in a TCC Theatre production.

Hastings was awarded a posthumous degree. He planned to transfer to Christopher Newport University and talked about becoming a theater teacher.

His memory lives on in the theater program at the Chesapeake Campus.

“Some of Josh’s friends are still involved in the program,” Gorris said. “Every year I tell my theater students about Josh. His friends and I meet to talk about him. We never forget him.”

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

2018 Women’s Leadership Breakfast highlights student leaders

Shorntail Goodrich never thought of herself as a leader.

Now the Tidewater Community College graduate works with Hearts Full of Grace, a nonprofit organization providing support for those coping with food and housing instability.  She plans to open an extended-stay center to help clients get back on their feet.

Shorntail Goodrich (left) with mentor and faculty member Jennifer Dixon-McKnight.
Shorntail Goodrich (right) with mentor and faculty member Jennifer Dixon-McKnight.

Goodrich, 42, was recognized with the 2017 Mary Pat Liggio Student Leadership Award at TCC’s 16th Annual Women’s Leadership Breakfast on May 8 at the Chesapeake Campus.  The award is named for the founding coordinator of the Women’s Center.

Goodrich, who earned an Associate of Science in Business Administration at TCC’s spring commencement exercises, holds a 3.4 GPA.

“I never thought I’d be in leadership roles at TCC or have a high GPA, but I do,” Goodrich said. “With my TCC support team, I’ve been able to accomplish more than I could ever imagine.”

Goodrich served as vice president and president of Alliance of Excellence, an empowerment and community service club on the Norfolk Campus. In her first year, she organized an anti-bullying campaign and was recognized as “Student Leader of the Year.”

Goodrich also planned a human trafficking symposium to raise awareness of modern-day slavery.

“I’m honored by this award and encourage others to be the light where they are,” she said. “It’s our job to adjust our sister’s crown when she is down.

Mary Cullen, vice president of nuclear propulsion, Newport News Shipbuilding, was the keynote speaker for the event.

Cullen chronicled her growth at the shipyard over the last three decades. She started as an environmental engineer and continued to move upward holding positions with increased responsibility.

“Great leaders always put others first,” she said. “For me, I learn something personal about those who work with me. I encourage those relationships because that’s what brings out ideas and builds a team.”

President Kolovani and Mary Cullen.
President Kolovani and Mary Cullen.

President Edna Baehre-Kolovani encouraged guests to continue supporting the Women’s Center’s mission of educating, empowering and engaging women.

She touted TCC’s STEM Promise scholarship program, designed to boost the number of women and minorities in the science, technology, engineering and math fields. The program, in its second year, awards two-year, full-tuition scholarships to selected applicants.

“We are grateful to the many donors who have stepped forward to support this program and the other direct services provided by our Women’s Center, President Kolovani said.

Students in Women Inspiring Self-Empowerment Leadership Development program were also recognized for their leadership roles and civic engagement through service projects.

Dominion Energy was the presenting sponsor of the breakfast.

Additional sponsors included Pender & Coward: Attorneys and Counselors at Law; TowneBank; Dollar Tree; Prevailance, Inc.; The Ascendancy Group; Wilbanks Smith & Thomas Asset Management; WTS Hampton Roads Chapter; and WillowOaks Consulting.

Honda PACT student’s memory lives on with completed project car and scholarship fund

Jordan McNair

Jordan McNair is fondly remembered as the “little brother” by his classmates in the Honda Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT) program at Tidewater Community College’s Regional Automotive Center.

McNair received his Career Studies Certificate in Automotive Chassis Systems posthumously after a fatal automobile accident ended his life in August 2017.

His parents, Dexter McNair and Paula Borchert, accepted his certificate following a standing ovation from his classmates.

Jordan McNair’s parents, Dexter McNair and Paula Borchert (center) , accept his certificate during a standing ovation from classmates.

Before his death, McNair and his classmates were working to restore his project car, a 2000 Honda Civic, which was flooded during Hurricane Matthew. The group worked nights and weekends, gaining hands-on skills as they fixed the car.

They started by swapping the engine and turning the car from an automatic transmission to a manual one. From there, they worked on systems including the brakes, air bags, fuel lines, the suspension and some wiring issues related to the flood damage.

“Jordan found his passion when he enrolled at TCC. It was the happiest and most focused I’d ever seen him,” Borchert said. “He and his classmates were full speed ahead working diligently at our home – rain – cold – it didn’t matter. They were determined to get his car going.”

After McNair’s passing, his classmates continued to restore the project car, spending their own time and money to buy parts and complete the project.

“This car represents his evolution – like Jordan it was a diamond in the rough,” said classmate Dominique Martin.

“We decided to finish the car for his family, as a reminder of his life’s passion. It was a little rough to keep going in the beginning, but doing this was a help, too,” added classmate Demetrio Gallegos.

The restored Honda is unveiled to family and friends at the college's Regional Automotive Center.
The restored Honda is unveiled to family and friends at the college’s Regional Automotive Center.

“For me working on the car was a learning experience. Jordan and I were teammates, doing the lab work together in class. It felt right for me to be there to help see this project through,” added Damien Rose.

The car looks new with lustrous black paint and orange accents.

Honda PACT instructor David Lee has been part of the project, providing his time and expertise to the work. “This was Jordan’s calling,” he said. “You could really see his focus intensify once he started working at Priority Honda. I’m really proud of how we all came together for this family.”

TCC Collision Repair students also worked on Jordan’s Honda.

Priority Automotive’s announcement of the Jordan McNair Memorial Honda PACT scholarship through the TCC Educational Foundation was a surprise at commencement. The $12,000 scholarship will cover half the cost of tuition for two students in the Honda PACT program for two years.

 “Jordan would be doing backflips if he could see the car now,” Borchert said. “Our family will be eternally grateful for the sacrifice and love shown by his classmates and instructors.”

Dexter McNair added, “One of his favorite sayings was ‘run it.’ And I know with this car, he would be saying it’s time; let’s ‘run it.’”

Student speaker dedicated to leading a purpose-driven life

Tony Sawyer credits Tidewater Community College with his successful transition from high school dropout to college graduate.

The student speaker for TCC’s 66th Commencement Exercises will share his story with classmates before he receives his Associate of Science in Social Sciences during the ceremony held May 12 at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.

The Chesapeake resident volunteers full time for Onesimus Training Center in Chesapeake, a recovery home for men struggling with addictions. He decided to pursue his education to make an even bigger impact.

“Tony is a valuable resource to the ministry. His insight and life experience are helpful to me as I work with men dealing with the challenge of recovery,” said the Rev. Bill Twine, executive director of Onesimus. “He is also a source of inspiration and encouragement to the men in our program.”

Sawyer with Rev. Bill Twine, executive director of Onesimus.

After dropping out of junior high school, Sawyer spent the next three decades working unfulfilling jobs that left him dissatisfied and insecure about the future. During that time, he also battled personal and family issues that began when he was 12.

“I was introduced to a negative lifestyle at a young age,” he said. “When I moved out at 16, I thought I’d get a great job and make a lot of money. That just never happened.”

After reading Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life,” Sawyer was inspired to give back to the community.

When he first came to TCC, Sawyer jumped into college life, taking 14 credits while working full time and volunteering 30-plus hours a week at Onesimus. He was drowning as a student.

Meeting with Holly Desteli, a First Year Success advisor, helped him scale back to a manageable load. He dropped one class and gave notice at work, putting his education and volunteer service as his top priorities.

“Holly told me something that stuck with me. She said, ‘Just do the work, Tony. Do what’s due now and then do what’s pressing on your schedule. Leave the rest until tomorrow.’ ”

Sawyer earned a 3.8 GPA and was on the President’s List every semester after that first one.

The vice president of service for Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year colleges, Sawyer also earned the William E. Wood Associates Scholastic Award, which recognizes community involvement in addition to academic excellence.tony-sawyer

Sawyer will attend the Honors College at Old Dominion University this fall to work toward a bachelor’s in human services. He also hopes to pursue education in nursing and would like to work in the mental health field.

Sawyer shares his life with two dogs, River, a chocolate lab, and Bella, a pit bull mix. A fitness buff, he enjoys surfing and stand-up paddle boarding. Sawyer’s sister, Lisa Holcombe, is also a TCC graduate working as a court reporter.

As the speaker for the graduates, Sawyer’s message is, “Don’t let anyone tell you that you are not good enough and that you don’t fit in because you can achieve wonderful things. The education we received teaches us to think critically and with a purpose.”

He added, “Never look back. Pursue your dreams and enjoy the journey into your future.”

Perseverance pays off for TCC scholarship recipient

Dakota Bernacki always knew he would be paying his own way through college.

So when the time came for him to consider his educational options, Tidewater Community College’s affordability made it the clear choice.

“I didn’t want to wing it and hope I got the financial aid I needed at a four-year school,” Bernacki said. “And I also wasn’t 100 percent sure what I was going to study. I wanted some flexibility in my first year of college to explore my options within the electrical and computer engineering fields before committing to a particular degree track.”

The engineering program’s reputation, hands-on skills training and guaranteed transfer agreements sealed the deal.

Bernacki knew the proceeds from his small business, an on-call tech company that specializes in home networking, tech setup and virus/malware removal, would cover the cost of his textbooks. But he wanted to explore all of his funding options.

In his research, he stumbled across TCC’s scholarship website. He applied for a variety of awards but the system was difficult to navigate. Last year’s upgrades made all the difference.

“The new system recommended a variety of scholarships for me, including quite a few that I would not have known about before,” Bernacki said. That includes the Chesapeake Campus General Scholarship, which he received this year.

The Chesapeake Campus General Scholarship was established through donations from a diverse group of donors. The funds are intended to help high-performing students pursue higher education at TCC. Recipients are selected based on financial need, academic standing and personal qualities.

David Kiracofe, professor of history on the Chesapeake Campus, is a faculty member who has contributed to the Chesapeake Campus General Scholarship fund.

“I donate to scholarships because from my experience at TCC, it’s the point at which students struggle the most. For some of them, one good semester can keep them going – without help, their momentum can just evaporate.”

Kiracofe was a scholarship recipient himself in college – “for mathematics, which is really unsuitable because I’m terrible at math” – and he understands how the rising cost of education can complicate a student’s dreams of a degree.

“Community college students often don’t have the luxury of a four-year student,” he said. “They have responsibilities weighing on them like jobs, family obligations and personal issues. My hope is that scholarships like this one can help them complete their educations.”

For Bernacki, the scholarship has helped relieve the financial pressure of student loan debt.

“Knowing I don’t have to repay my scholarship money means one less thing for me to worry about,” he said. “When less debt hangs over your head, it becomes quite a bit easier to focus on learning new things. Paying less out of pocket also gives me more flexibility to transfer immediately to a four-year school instead of taking a few years to work full time and save up.”

Bernacki will finish his Associate of Science in Engineering this fall and hopes to transfer to a four-year school after that to pursue a bachelor’s in computer engineering.

“My education is my responsibility,” he said. “This is my future and there are more resources here at TCC to help me succeed than I could’ve known existed.”

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

16th annual Women’s Leadership Breakfast to feature Newport News Shipbuilder Mary Cullen

Mary Cullen of Newport News Shipbuilding will be the keynote speaker for Tidewater Community College’s 16th annual Women’s Leadership Breakfast on May 8 at the Chesapeake Campus Student Center.

The annual event celebrates community leaders, mentors and TCC students dedicated to academic excellence and service. The breakfast begins at 8 a.m.

Cullen, vice president for nuclear propulsion, serves on the board of directors at BayPort Credit Union and volunteers with Smithfield High School’s Athletic Association.

Student Shorntail Goodrich will receive the Mary Pat Liggio Student Leadership Award for her work with Alliance of Excellence, a student organization that focuses on empowerment and community service. Goodrich, who will graduate with an Associate of Science in Business Administration in May, is a member of the Norfolk Campus Student Government Association and the college’s Web Advisory Council.

Dominion Energy is presenting sponsor for the event.

The breakfast is open to the public. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at tcc.edu/leadershipbreakfast.

The Chesapeake Campus Student Center is at 1428 Cedar Road.

For more information, call the Women’s Center at 757- 822-7296 or email womenscenter@tcc.edu.

Explore your options during TCC’s College Preview Day, April 14

Discover why Tidewater Community College is the best place to earn your degree at College Preview Day on April 14.

Students and their families will get a firsthand look at all TCC offers by meeting program representatives, attending information sessions and receiving one-on-one help. Information regarding every campus will be available.

The event on the Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road, is from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

At TCC’s College Preview Day, prospective students can:

  • Explore college programs and career pathways
  • Learn about financial aid
  • Find out about student services, including tutoring and child care
  • Talk with counselors and advisors
  • Prepare to enroll for summer classes and fall semester

Registration is recommended by visiting www.tcc.edu/open.

Summer classes begin May 21. Fall classes will start on Aug. 20.

Questions? Call 757-822-1111 or email enroll@tcc.edu.

TCC Theatre to hold open auditions for “Othello” on April 21

Tidewater Community College’s Theatre Department will hold open auditions for “Othello,” this summer’s Shakespeare in the Grove production.

Auditions will be April 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Black Box Theatre in the Academic Building on the Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road.

Each audition will take about five minutes, and roles are available for about 15 actors. Actors should have a two-minute, memorized monologue prepared.

Rehearsals will begin April 30 and will run Monday – Thursday from 7-10 p.m.

The production will be from June 20-24.

To request an audition, email Trey Clarkson, director, at clarksoe@chsvb.org.

To express an interest in a technical position, contact Matthew Gorris at 757-822-7041 or mgorris@tcc.edu.

TCC presents “An Evening of Lit Art,” April 4-7

If you love a zany story told on stage, then Tidewater Community College’s “An Evening of Lit Art” is for you!

The presentation is a collaboration of the college’s Creative Writing Club, Literary Festival and Theatre Arts department. Students will present their original poems, stories and other writings and perform in Hilliard Booth’s one-act play, “The Red Lamp.” TCC Professor Matthew Gorris will direct the production.

Performances will be held April 4-7 at 7:30 p.m., in the Black Box Theatre in the Academic Building on the Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road.

“The Red Lamp” revolves around a hungry tramp who breaks into a house and recognizes a lamp that supposedly brings good luck when lit. A son befriends the tramp, who leaves when the boy’s aunt returns. The boy agrees to light the lamp after his aunt leaves the house as a signal for the tramp to return. A daughter also agrees to use the same signal to let her lover know her aunt, who disapproves of the match, has left the house. The aunt also lights the lamp to signal a neighbor to prepare tea. Ensuing complications are fast, furious and unexpected.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, seniors and military-related patrons. Payment is by cash or checks at the door. The box office opens 45 minutes prior to show time.

Tickets can also be purchased with a credit card at the business office in the Pass Building on the Chesapeake Campus Monday and Tuesday between 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information, call 757-822-5219 or email mgorris@tcc.edu.

Also, mark your calendars for TCC’s Shakespeare in the Grove’s presentation of “Othello,” on June 20-24 at 8 p.m., weather permitting.

Make your child’s summer count with TCC’s fun and educational camps

Are you looking for summer fun with a purpose for your kids? Check out Tidewater Community College’s summer camps with offerings for budding scientists, engineers, artists, chefs, interior designers, computer wizards and more.

Spark your child’s imagination with interactive and fun programs tailored to their interests and grade levels.

Students learn to make paninis at the Norfolk Campus.
Students learn to make paninis at the Norfolk Campus.

TCC’s week-long programs are affordable and conveniently located on the Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach campuses, and at the Center for Workforce Solutions in Suffolk. Limited enrollment size ensures students receive personalized attention. In addition, every camper will receive a free career interest assessment using the Virginia Wizard!

TCC’s has more than 50 camps geared for rising 3rd to 12th graders. For a complete listing, visit tcc.edu/camps

Registration is now open. For information, contact Emily Richardson at 757-822-1505 or erichardson@tcc.edu.