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.”

VAC exhibit features photo collection from Florida artist

Tidewater Community College’s Visual Arts Center will host the solo exhibition “Kally Malcom: Staged Presence” from July 7 through Aug. 29.

In this program, artist Kally Malcom of Jacksonville, Fla., presents three distinct collections of photographs, including “Pictograph,” “Remains” and “Native Sun: The Flora of Sawmill Slough Preserve.” In each of the works, the University of North Florida assistant professor effectively staged an unusual combination of objects, resulting in imagery that is narrative and symbolic.

In “Pictograph,” memories of the artist are presented in the form of subtle underlying stories, as common objects, vivid colors and lively patterns function as metaphors. Intentionally vague, these symbols offer a rich visual experience while avoiding literal meaning.

The black and white pinhole series “Remains” contrasts the complexity of the natural world with the surety of our constructed interiors. Featuring meticulously formed still life paintings, treasured objects represent comfort, safety and personal choice while the threatening and uncertain world is kept at bay.

Works in “Native Sun: The Flora of Sawmill Slough Preserve” have been created using the lumen photographic process to document the delicate flora samples collected within the 382-acre habitat. The imagery is neither purely scientific nor purely aesthetic, which pushes the boundaries of science and visual art.

Galleries are free and open to the public.

For information, call Shelley Brooks at 757-822-1878.

An Enduring Love: Donors embrace love and honor the past after loss

When Doug and Pat Barner finished raising their blended family, they followed their hearts to Chic’s Beach in Virginia Beach. They built a house just blocks away from the water and settled into retirement and beach living.

Doug quickly took to the neighborhood, especially the civic league and the neighborhood watch. Early mornings found him walking the beach, chatting with neighbors and keeping an eye on things. When Doug died unexpectedly there was a big empty space in the heart of Chic’s Beach.

Before his death, Doug had revived his interest in art and began to paint in earnest. His beach landscapes were filled with light and movement. He had arranged to exhibit his new work at Alexander’s on the Bay restaurant, so after his death Pat decided to go ahead with the show.

She endowed the Doug Barner Fine Arts Scholarship at Tidewater Community College with the proceeds of his artwork. The award supports a student pursuing painting, drawing or photography at the Visual Arts Center in Portsmouth, Virginia.

A few years later, Bob Randolph was grieving the death of his wife Joanne when he and Pat reconnected.

The Barners had gone to the same church as the Randolphs for over 40 years.

With children the same age and overlapping social circles, the families were already close. And now, Pat and Bob were joined in an unexpected way – through grief.

Robert Randolph and Patricia Barner in Croatia — Bob Randolph and Pat Barner in Croatia

Over the next weeks and months, Pat helped Bob through the grieving process and, in turn, he helped her realize that she had come a long way since her husband’s death.

Their feelings for one another grew and took on new shape. They fell in love and got married.

Bob was moved to establish a scholarship in his late wife’s name, as Pat had for Doug.

Joanne was a longtime resident of Norfolk and a retired registered nurse who worked in the Peace Corps before a decades-long career at DePaul Medical Center.

“I thought a scholarship was a terrific idea,” Bob said, “but both of Joanne’s alma maters had closed. I knew that TCC offered a nursing program, so I reached out.”

He established the Joanne Randolph Nursing Scholarship, which supports a high-performing nursing student pursuing a career in the field.

The 2018 recipient of the Joanne Randolph Nursing Scholarship, Nicole Merritt-Croft is a proud future nurse. As a Navy veteran, mother of three, and full-time nursing student, the scholarship money made a big difference to her family while she was in school.

“My daughter was also taking classes at TCC while I was enrolled and my husband was deployed on active duty,” said Merritt-Croft. “While we were all studying – all the money mattered, down to the very last penny. I’m so appreciative of this scholarship; it allowed me to buy my nursing supplies and textbooks. It was one less thing to worry about!”

A former hospital corpsman in the Navy, Merritt-Croft graduated in May and has been studying for the National Council Licensure Examination with hopes of landing in a labor and delivery unit. Like Joanne, she has a passion for medicine and helping others.

“I had been trying to get back to school for a long time before starting at TCC,” she said. “When we got stationed here four years ago all my kids were old enough that I could do it without having a nervous breakdown. There was nothing stopping me – and I went for it!”

“TCC was a great value for the cost,” Merrit-Croft said. “I learned a ton – so much. And thanks to my amazing teachers, I have no reason to think that I’m not just going to pass my boards with flying colors.”

“We never forget our Joanne and Doug,” said Pat. “We live with them. Bob and I feel they’re always here, together with us, because of the memories. Finding each other has been a beautiful gift.”

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.

Salem High grad has a designer future in mind after completing TCC program

At Salem High, Grace Richardson was the PowerPoint queen.

But she didn’t consider a career in interactive design until sitting in a class at Tidewater Community College’s Visual Arts Center.

“Now I know what I want to do with my future,” said Richardson, in the midst of a summer internship with the digital mobile app team at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh. “Going to TCC was one of the best decisions I made. When I went to TCC, over those two years, I learned so much. I felt like I had an advantage by the time I got to a university. TCC was a really good foundation.”

Richardson graduated in December 2017 with an Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design with a Specialization in Multimedia. She transferred into Old Dominion University’s five-year bachelor of fine arts program.

At Salem, Richardson embraced creating PowerPoints. She was choosy about typography choice and often added animation and color. However, she never linked that passion to a career in graphic arts, initially starting at TCC as a business major.

After a year, she discovered the offerings at the VAC, starting with a history class that gave her the “why” behind many of the most significant works of arts. She also took computer graphics, which introduced her to Adobe Creative Suite. It was her first experience using software to design.

“I got a C in that class,” she says. “I had never gotten a C in my entire life.”

The grade motivated Richardson even more, and now she cringes at that early work. When she took her second computer graphics class under instructor Heather Boone, she realized where the holes were in her those initial assignments.

“She pushes you,” Richardson said. “I learned to pay much more attention to detail and to understand why I was creating what I was creating.”

Prior to taking her first interactive design class, Richardson could not have explained what an interactive designer does. Now she’s immersed in the science of the field; her internship focuses on user interface as it relates to the bank’s mobile app.

“Honestly I feel like I have an edge because of the foundation from TCC,” she said.

Woof Weather app, designed by TCC alumna Grace Richardson — Close-up of Richardson’s Woof Weather app.

In a final portfolio, Richardson combined her best work, which was then evaluated by professional graphic designers. Among her favorite pieces: a Woof Weather app created in memory of her beagle hound, Bob Boy.

She designed an app that tells dog owners the best time of day to walk their dogs given weather conditions and includes a Facebook component allowing owners to create accounts for their animals and upload pictures. The interactive app connects dog walkers with others in their neighborhood who might also be walking their dogs at the same time and calculates mileage.

“I used icons so it could be understood by people speaking any language,” she said.

Richardson’s long-term goal is to be an art director. She recommends the TCC multimedia major to anyone with an interest in visual and graphic design. She found particular value in the general education requirements, noting, “You never know where your inspiration will come from. You have to pull from everywhere.”

Richardson is also thankful that C did not discourage her. “I put my work side by side with what I did then and what I do now,” she said. “It’s amazing how much I’ve grown as a designer. To be good at anything, you have constantly practice your skills and see what’s in and what’s out. That’s what I’m trying to do now.”

VAC exhibition features artist from Wabash College

Tidewater Community College’s Visual Arts Center (VAC) will host the solo exhibition “Over and Over: Sculpture & Photographs by Doug Calisch” from May 5 through June 20.

DCalisch-Rock-Scissors-Paper — Detail of “Rock, Scissors, Paper”

Galleries are free and open to the public.

In this program, the Crawfordsville, Indiana, artist presents a striking collection of assemblages and photographs using a range of visual resources, including architecture, tools, games, natural artifacts, refuse, the human figure and the environment.

The Wabash College professor uses a three-part sculptural process involving collecting, modifying and assembling found materials, something he calls “creative scavenging.” He then creates layers of association whereby motifs emerge and narratives are created. In essence, Calisch preserves the identity of these rescued objects then invents new ways of presenting them. In their new context, the shrine-like assemblages reveal various themes and the materials find new life.

Depicting many of the abandoned sites where the artist did his scavenging, his digital photographs reveal the unusual beauty and ghostly qualities in and around these areas. Deserted outdoor attractions, home interiors, dumpsters, classrooms and signs exhibit unusual narrative qualities and question our historical understanding of the reality within the image.

The VAC is located at 340 High St.

For information, call Shelley Brooks at 757-822-1878.

47th Annual Student Art and Design Exhibition award winners

Tidewater Community College’s Visual Arts Center (VAC) held its 47th Annual Student Art and Design Exhibition awards ceremony on March 31.

Working-Man-Rebecca-Smith — Working Man by Rebecca Smith

Students Tina Stafford, Rebecca Smith and Elizabeth Paker earned top honors.

Stafford won the President’s Award for her photograph titled Fallen Tree “Limbs.” She will graduate in May with her Associate of Applied Arts in Studio Arts with a Specialization in Photographic Media Arts with plans to transfer to Virginia Wesleyan University.

Smith won the VAC Purchase Award for her oil painting titled Working Man. She is working toward her Associate of Applied Arts in Studio Arts.

Paker’s woodcut titled O Jo won the Provost’s Award named for Michelle Woodhouse. The piece is based on a photograph of Paker’s daughter from Halloween. She is working toward her Associate of Applied Arts in Studio Arts with a Specialization in Pre-Art Therapy and an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services.

Fallen-Tree-Limbs-Tina-Stafford — Fallen Tree “Limbs” by Tina Stafford

The show, which features more than 150 works created by students for art classes since last March, will be on display through April 19 at the VAC.

Programming for the exhibition includes an illustrated lecture by a visiting art historian. On April 11, Kimberli Gant, McKinnon curator of modern and contemporary art at the Chrysler Museum, will present “Legacy of a Curator.” The event will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the VAC in room 208.

Below is a complete list of all student winners.

President’s Award (Edna Baehre-Kolovani): Tina Stafford • Fallen Tree “Limbs” • photograph

VAC Purchase Award: Rebecca Smith • Working Man • oil

Provost’s Award (Michelle Woodhouse, Portsmouth Campus): Elizabeth Paker • O Jo • woodcut

Shelley Brooks Award of Excellence for Sculpture: Alexandra Yvonne • We are Eternal; All this Pain is an Illusion • mixed media

Ed Gibbs Award of Excellence for Photography: Lisa Loy • Misty Morning • photograph

O-Jo-Elizabeth-Paker — O Jo by Elizabeth Paker

Michael R. Gluse Award of Excellence for Drawing (in memory of Barbara L. Gluse): Jonathan Winfield • Marilyn Manson • scratchboard

Director’s Award of Excellence in Glass: Christy Conley • Tempo di Vetro! • glass

Award of Excellence for Painting: Lakisha Martin • Crumpled Paper • oil

Vice President’s Award (Daniel DeMarte): Alison Miller • LEGO Hamlet • oil

Provost’s Award: (Lisa Rhine, Chesapeake Campus): Ellen Bible • Under the Sea • clay

Provost’s Award (Jeffery Boyd, Norfolk Campus): Taylor Harvey-Thornton • Blackberry • glass

Provost’s Award: (Michael Summers, Virginia Beach Campus): Marcus Whitehead • Helvetica • computer generated

The Coffee Shoppe & Chrysler Museum of Art Award of Excellence in an Open Category: Holly Graves • Honeymoon Balloon • mixed media

Darrell and Sally Craig Award for Drawing: Michaela Bly • Julien • silverpoint & charcoal

Lynne Hundley Award of Excellence for Mixed Media: Forrest Grover • Cycle of Life • mixed media

Judge’s Choice Award (Ruth Jones): Estella Benson-Williams • Checkmate • glass

John and Karen Kise Award of Excellence in Graphic Design (in memory of Dr. & Mrs. Mearl A. Kise): Obed Castro • Re:Re • video

Hartung Gallery Award for Color: Brydi Lynn Heebner • There’s a Silver Lining • mixed media

Meet the photographer with an epic beard who’s soon to be a TCC grad

After 12 years in the Navy, Jeff Heiser tried his hand at “a real person’s job” working as a field service engineer.

He hated it, realizing he wanted his future to be about what he so enjoyed in his past – snapping pictures. Now he runs his own business and has the education to go with it. Heiser will graduate this spring from Tidewater Community College with an Associate of Applied Arts with a Specialization in Photographic Media Arts.

“I’ve always been a creator ever since I was a kid,” said Heiser, who grew up in Merritt Island, Fla, near the Kennedy Space Center. “I started at an early age with drawing to pass the endless time of school to stay out of trouble. I used to draw Disney cartoon characters for my sister to color.”

Heiser enjoyed tinkering with cameras, too, buying his first 35 mm one, a Minolta, from a pawn shop prior to joining the Navy. Multiple deployments provided the opportunity to take pictures from some of the most exotic locations in the world, including France, Spain, Japan, Hong Kong, Monte Carlo and his favorite, Thailand. That’s where he took among his favorite photos on Phi Phi Leh Island, the fabled beach Leonard DiCaprio sought to find in the film “Beaches.”

“It was simply amazing – the cliffs and the jungle right over the blue water,” Heiser said. “I knew when I joined the military I was going to go places my family members wouldn’t be able to go, so I wanted to document it.”

Heiser is grateful to be studying under Professor Tom Siegmund, who provides, he said, an academic foundation for many of the technical skills he’s already mastered. Heiser has also improved his Photoshop skills and with the help of Siegmund, gained an internship this spring with the automaker Valeo, where he focuses on product photography.

“Tom really helped with getting over the fear of being a creative person,” Heiser said. “I realize now that’s what I was meant to do.”

2018-student-art-show-jeff-heiser — Heiser’s pinup: “I can do this too.”

Heiser’s business, named Epic Beard Photography in deference to his chin of fuzz that a random teenager called “an epic beard,” shows off his versatility. One of his specialties, theme photography, allows him to explore clients’ offbeat interests; a recent shoot explored a King Arthur theme. His pinup, “I can do this too,” is part of TCC’s student and faculty arts exhibition that opens at the VAC on March 24. He’s a regular photographer for the Virginia Beach Horse Show Association and recently bought his own Saddlebred, Grace, for shoots.

“Who wouldn’t want an engagement shoot with a horse?” he asked.

Someday, Heiser would like to try his hand at aerial photography from a helicopter and hopes to travel to the deserts in Africa to photograph the animals there. He also plans to work toward his master’s in fine arts and later teach young, creative minds in search of the foundation he discovered at TCC.

He recommends plowing forward for anyone remotely considering a photography career.

“Don’t give up,” he advised. “Don’t let a negative critique bring you down. Learn from it instead.”

Student Art and Design Exhibition opens March 24 at TCC’s Visual Arts Center

Tidewater Community College’s Visual Arts Center (VAC) will host the 47th Annual Student Art and Design Exhibition from March 24 through April 19. The event features more than 150 works, including studio arts, photography, graphic design, ceramics and glassblowing, created by students for art classes since last March.

“Fine Tuned with Patience” by Alexandra Brannon

The exhibition’s awards presentation is March 31 at 11 a.m. at the Commodore Theatre, 421 High St., in Portsmouth. The opening reception will follow at noon at the VAC at 340 High St.

Events are free and open to the public.

Robert Sites, artist and painting instructor at the Governor’s School for the Arts, is this year’s judge. During the event, Sites will present $3,285 in awards recognizing artistic excellence.

2018-student-art-show-taylor-harvey-thornton — “Space Fabric” by Taylor Harvey-Thornton

Programming for the exhibition includes illustrated lectures by a visiting artist and a visiting art historian. On April 3, Alison Stinely, assistant professor of painting at Old Dominion University, will present “Gilded Splinters and Other Works.”

On April 11, Kimberli Gant, McKinnon curator of modern and contemporary art at the Chrysler Museum, will present “Legacy of a Curator.” Both programs begin at 12:30 p.m. at the VAC in room 208.

For information, call Shelley Brooks at 757-822-1878.

Want to take better pictures? Consider new TCC career studies certificate

Whether you want to be the best photographer on your block or plan to go into business, Tidewater Community College’s new career studies certificate provides an ideal foundation.

The Career Studies Certificate in Photographic Media Arts will be introduced this fall. The 27-credit program combines photographic imaging and digital media along with technical camera skills. Students will be able to access industry-current equipment, studio facilities and computer labs at the college’s Visual Arts Center in Olde Town Portsmouth.

“Today’s budding photographers are already fairly sophisticated when it comes to the use of digital media,” said Tom Siegmund, program head. “This certificate is ideal for them and for those interested in upgrading their existing photographic skill set.”

The certificate prepares students for jobs in the photography industry, such as agency photographer, art center educator, photographer’s assistant, freelance photographer and fine art photographer.

Students interested in continuing to develop their skills will be able to apply all their credits to TCC’s Associate of Applied Arts in Studio Arts: Specialization in Photographic Media Arts.

Many of the classes that fall under the new certificate are only eight weeks in length. Evening, online and hybrid classes are available.

For information, contact Siegmund at tsiegmund@tcc.edu or 757-822-1819.