Change Starts Here

Jenna Pernell, First Place Winner 2019 Future Alumni Essay Contest Endless days and nights were fueled by the needs and cries of little ones. Sleep was no longer a priority, but more of a luxury. I was a mother trying to cope with parenting a one-year-old daughter as well as a newborn daughter. My life 7 years ago seemed fulfilled by the love of a husband and the blessing of children. I thrived as a stay-at-home mom who was lucky to experience and enjoy each day with my children as they learned new things. I told myself that I would be the most upstanding wife and mom by doing everything possible to keep our home clean and organized. My husband worked effortlessly to keep a steady income that provided for our family. The struggles of providing for a family of four with one income began to be daunting. The monotony of each day slowly started to bring on a sense of sadness and missed opportunity. Refusing to settle for a life of living paycheck to paycheck is what inspired me to p...

Addie Ledbetter,  Second Place Winner 2019 F uture Alumni Essay Contest I’m sure as you are beginning to read my essay, you are wondering why I entitled it “Lagniappe.” You may even be wondering how to pronounce the word or what it could possibly mean. Lagniappe [lan yap] – noun. Something given as a bonus or extra gift. Synonyms: Reward. Prize. Bonus. Incentive. Now it may be a little bit clearer as to why I chose the Cajun French word of Lagniappe to describe my experience at Trident Technical College. Now, let’s look at the definition of the word college. College – noun. An educational institution or establishment, in particular, one providing higher education or specialized training. Albeit, TTC does provide higher education and professional training for many students each term, it is truly so much more than that. I started at Trident in the Fall of 2017 with one goal in mind; obtain my nursing degree. Like many students, this would be my second degree. I had just graduat...

Maria Martin Third Place Winner,  2019  Future Alumni Essay Contest When I graduated high school, I knew that I wanted to study Creative Writing and Art. I went to a four-year liberal arts college and pursued a double major in English with Creative Writing and Studio Art. I got a lot out of my time as an undergraduate. I had the chance to develop an artistic practice that is fulfilling to me to this day. I learned how to think critically and develop ideas, but I did not spend much time as an undergraduate considering my future career. It wasn’t until the middle of my last semester that I realized with a pang of regret that in order to share art with a wider audience, I needed to develop computer skills in website design, creating print layouts, editing photos and videos. I felt like I had missed an important opportunity to learn these skills in college. I didn’t believe that I had enough time or money to continue my educati...

TTC President Mary Thornley leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the SC Aeronautical Training Center  The college officially opened the South Carolina Aeronautical Training Center on Friday, Nov. 9 with a ribbon-cutting event for industry partners, donors and elected officials. Gov. Henry McMaster, TTC President Mary Thornley and other dignitaries cut the ribbon in one the facilities' two aircraft hangars. The new center houses all of the college’s Aeronautical Studies programs and provides space for both academic and continuing education training in other advanced manufacturing fields. ReadySC’s Boeing Training Center, where pre-employment, new hire and skill enhancement training for BoeingSC is held, is located on the building’s third floor. Anita Zucker, TTC Area Commissioner The $80 million center includes an aircraft ramp, two hangars with high bays to accommodate a variety of aircraft and large aircraft training aids, 22 classrooms, 25 specialty labs, six ...

Employees received resistance bands at a campaign pop-up event at the Wellness Center The TTC Foundation held its annual Campus Campaign in September and once again, faculty and staff showed their support for students in a big way. The So Much More campaign raised more than $73,000, with contributions from 80% of employees. With campaign chairs on every campus leading 63 volunteer team captains, employees are happy to be involved with making a difference for TTC students. "We care about our students at Trident Technical College," said Randy Grimes, TV and Media Production Department Head and Thornley Campus Campaign Co-Chair, "We want them to do well, to succeed and provide for themselves and their families," Thornley Campus Co-Chairs Randy Grimes and Alison Rose Employees support the campaign because they see first-hand how giving impacts students, and because they are passionate about their success. Half of TTC students are the first in thei...

Pictured (from left) Brad Zaback, vice president and general manager of the Boeing 787 program; Cris Felty, TTC’s director of grants development and administration; Lisa Piccolo, TTC’s vice president for Advancement and executive director of the TTC Foundation; Lindsay Leonard, senior director of national strategy and engagement for Boeing; and Edward Downing, change accelerator for Boeing South Carolina. Boeing South Carolina announced its 2019 community investments on Giving Tuesday , Dec. 3, including a grant of $125,000 to the TTC Foundation to support the Charleston Regional Youth Apprenticeship program . Funds will be used to hire a temporary staff member to provide additional assistance to apprentices and industry mentors; to purchase books and other course-related materials for students; to buy program supplies and materials, and to provide workshops for middle and high school counselors to raise awareness and understanding of th...

Donna McHugh As a veteran of the US Air Force, former student and 20-year employee, Donna McHugh understands the important role TTC plays for veterans in the region. But recently, she learned that the only active TTC scholarship specifically for veterans is no longer being funded. "Through my work in the Office of Institutional Research, I work very closely with the scholarship selection process. When I realized there was a need, I knew I had to do something," says Donna. She established the Ken "Mac" McHugh Veteran Appreciation Scholarship, named for her father. One of over 130 scholarships managed by the TTC Foundation, the scholarship will provide up to $1,000 per year for tuition, books, supplies, and fees. The scholarship will assist veterans of the US Armed forces or the US Coast Guard enrolled in any Associate in Applied Science program who have a financial need. The McHugh family has a tradition of military service dating back to the Civil War. F...

By Megan Mahoney, Nursing Student I never imagined myself attending a community college. From early on, I was a successful student. In high school, I took AP and honors classes and did everything necessary to get into a reputable 4-year college with a full-ride scholarship. I lived on campus, maintained a decent GPA, had a fulfilling social life and all was well. However, over several years and through a handful of major changes, a semester-long illness, and a battle with depression, my GPA dwindled to near-failing and my self-confidence shattered. I picked up the pieces in the only way I knew how—dropped out of school and moved back in with my parents. I started working in the bakery at our neighborhood Publix. The work was physically challenging and monotonous, which allowed my mind to wander as I packaged row after row of chocolate chip cookies and washed load after load of sheet trays. Alone in the dish room, I processed my fears abou...

Trident Technical College changes lives. Did it change yours? If so, we would love to hear from you! Sharing the stories of how TTC students and alumni have been affected by the college helps us advocate and raise much-needed funding for scholarships and other crucial programs that directly impact students. Whether you graduated, took a class and/or transferred to a 4-year college, this is a great way to give back to the college that gave you so much. It can be a few sentences or an entire article, we will follow up and edit as needed. Here are some things we would like to know: What brought you to TTC? What challenges did you face in getting your education? How has your experience at TTC shaped your life? What are you doing now? Please email us at alumni@tridenttech.edu with your story, and don't forget to include a photo!  

Deborah White Educator of the Year The American Association of Medical Assistants awarded Medical Assisting Program Coordinator  Deborah White  the Golden Apple Award of Distinction at the association’s 63rd Annual Conference in Greensboro, N.C., earlier this month. This national award is presented to an educator from a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs who has shown extraordinary dedication to educational activities and exceptional support of students on the national, state and local levels. Deb was nominated by the South Carolina Society of Medical Assistants with letters of support from her dean, colleagues, peers and past graduates. Learn more about TTC's medical assistant program. Mary Thornley                                Ray Snyder Southern Region ACCT Awards The Association of Community Co...

E arning a college degree is challenging enough. But for single parents, it can seem like an insurmountable feat. Costs like living expenses and childcare only add to the stress of paying tuition. Making time to study usually means waiting until after the kids are in bed, leading to added exhaustion and stress.  When Joyce Antonetty attended Trident Technical College as a single parent of two young children, she knew it would be difficult. But she was determined to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a Fitness Specialist.  “I wanted to help people become a healthier version of themselves,” says Joyce. Joyce had been down this road before. Like many Trident Tech students, she had attended a four-year college immediately after high school. But when she was waitlisted to enter the Physical Therapy program at MUSC, she postponed her dream in order to start a family.  Joyce's life took an unexpected turn when she went through a divorce in 2010. She held se...

As we ready for the Fall semester at Trident Technical College, we are celebrating the opening of the brand new  South Carolina Aeronautical Training Center . The new facility will increase capacity and provide training for well-paying jobs in expanding advanced manufacturing industries. Programs leading to associate degrees and continuing education certificates will be offered, as well as specialized training for major manufacturers in the region. Training will be offered in the following areas: Aircraft Maintenance and Assembly Avionics Maintenance Additive Manufacturing Robotics CNC Machining Mechatronics Enhanced Composites Watch the video below and click here to learn more.

What do you get when you combine sparkling beverages, posh prizes and endless rounds of Bingo? Bubbles & Blingo of course! On May 11, 2019,  Trident Technical College Foundation  and the  Culinary Institute of Charleston  hosted the inaugural Bubbles & Blingo fundraiser in support of Trident Technical College. Guests were greeted with cotton candy-topped champagne as they made their way to a welcome reception featuring a photo booth equipped with hilarious props, resulting in some unforgettable photos. Some even arrived camera-ready with table themes like “Jolly Roger Pirates” and “Hot Tamales!” As attendees entered the ballroom for the main event, they were treated to a mouthwatering brunch selection created and served by the faculty and students of CIC, including a chicken and waffle station, shrimp and grits cakes and Greek or Italian frittata omelets. Floral centerpieces adorned each table and were accompanied by a tower of delect...

When you've had 288 babies, many with complications, it's probably time for a break. But that's life when you're the birthing mom in the TTC Nursing Simulation Lab. Noelle is a childbirth obstetrics labor manikin and though she wouldn't fool anyone on the street, she is real enough in the classroom. Students are able to simulate real-world clinical experiences. Noelle can breathe, blink has a pulse and can even speak during treatment. She features multiple fetal heart sounds, a dilating cervix, and a realistic uterus, and comes with a fetus and a baby. It's no wonder students and faculty have come to think of her as one of the team, and when it was announced that the college had received funding to replace Noelle with a new manikin, everyone decided she definitely needed a retirement party. At the party, Noelle reflected on her time at TTC. "After having babies for 11 years, I am ready for retirement. There were many days when I felt like my ute...

Itaski Jenkins started classes at Trident Tech (then called Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Technical Education Center) in 1969 and never left. Until now, that is. As Trident Tech's longest-serving employee in the college's history, Jenkins has decided to retire. "Now that I am retiring, (TTC President) Dr. Thornley can finally claim that spot," she jokes. Jenkins earned a diploma in computer operating in 1970 and became a TTC employee the same year. She has worked in the library  ever since, most recently serving as circulation/interlibrary loan specialist. Through the TTC Foundation's tuition assistance program for full-time employees, she continued her education while working at TTC, earning an Associate in Arts degree in 1999. Because she was able to benefit from TTC Foundation programs, she has always given back, contributing to the annual campaign every year that she was employed. "I always supported the employee campaign because I want o...

As you may know, the North Charleston campus of Trident Technical College was recently renamed Thornley Campus, after President Dr. Mary Thornley, to honor her for 46 years of service and leadership to the college. We held a dedication ceremony last fall, and the campus now proudly has signage bearing her name. What you may not know is that in conjunction with the campus renaming, two TTC Foundation trustees, Bobby Collins (immediate past chair) and Chris Fraser (vice chair) developed an idea to create a fund that will enable Dr. Thornley to continue her great works. The Thornley Leadership Fund provides immediate and significant benefits to TTC students. There are opportunities that present themselves for which students may not have the resources to pursue, and those opportunities can slip by. The Thornley Leadership Fund provides critical resources which have a direct impact on our students and allows Dr. Thornley to continue her legacy of leadership.  The fund is alr...

The Hub Navigators Transitioning to college from high school, no school or "old school" can be a daunting journey for just about anyone. To make the journey easier for students to stay on course, Trident Tech has overhauled its onboarding and advising processes. The Hub , a newly renovated space located on Thornley Campus, is now the place where all new students receive Navigator services and so much more. Navigators serve as a go-to point of contact for students throughout their academic journey. Within 24 hours of applying to the college, new students are assigned a personal Navigator who helps them register for their first classes. Navigators eventually transition students to their faculty academic advisors, though they can always come back to The Hub for additional support. First piloted with students in a few academic programs, an integrated advanced software system called Navigate is available to all individuals who apply to TTC. When a student goes to The Hub, ...

Peden Rucker enjoyed a successful college baseball career at USC Aiken and had just finished his first season pitching for the Riverhawks, a minor league baseball team in Rockford, Ill when he decided to turn in his baseball cap for a chef's hat. “I was talking to a friend who was moving to Charleston and I started thinking about how I always wanted to go to culinary school. So I flipped a coin and the rest is history,” he laughs. He stopped playing baseball and enrolled at the  Culinary Institute of Charleston (CIC).   He wanted to channel his energy and passion into cooking, which was nurtured from a young age by his grandmother. He made the right choice. Peden is now the culinary director at Patrick Properties Hospitality Group, and he credits his instructors at CIC for inspiring him and making him want to get better. “It was awesome. They are amazing chefs and I learned so much from every one of them,” he says. While still in college, his very first food and...

Five Trident Technical College employees received SKIP awards at the college’s Leadership Cabinet meeting on March 18. The SKIPs were created by former Trident Tech vice president Skip Godow to identify and reward employees who are setting an example of innovation at TTC. The nominations exemplify innovation that significantly enhances the student experience, improves an administrative process or truly puts TTC on the cutting edge. Awards were given in two categories, noninstructional and instructional. Winners were selected by a committee of innovative leaders in the community. Marianne Weinstein won in the noninstructional category for the Win with Wellness Team Challenge. Marianne’s project involved developing a team based wellness challenge that was designed to boost morale among employees, allowing them to work together towards common health and wellness goals. In the instructional category, Sherri Carter, Laura Brigada, Debra Leach and Maureen Baur won for the Developing ...

By Heather Hobbs, Instructor, Veterinary Technology Program When people hear about the Veterinary Technology program offered at Trident Technical College, what often comes to mind is “How fun – puppies and kittens!" Walter, after treatment But in reality, it's not just about playing with baby animals. More often, we pick up animals from the local shelter who are less likely to be adopted because of medical and surgical needs. The students work them up (physical exams, bloodwork, radiographs), then treat them according to a veterinarian’s instructions (assist in surgery, dental cleaning, hospitalization and behavior modification). Once these patients are well, they return to the shelter ready to be placed in their forever homes. One recent case that took all of our students’ skills and dedication is Walter, a 10-month-old, standard poodle weighing 21 pounds (he should be 40 pounds). The day he entered the shelter he was so emaciated and weak, the shelter staff ha...

Electronic health records (EHR) have the potential to make health care more predictive, preventive and precise, and a group of Trident Technical College nursing faculty set out to make sure students enter the workforce ready to do just that. Electronic health records are real-time, patient-centered records that are a part of everyday life for medical professionals. Yet nursing students are not always offered consistent opportunities to learn how to use them in a clinical setting. Recognizing the fact that using technology in health care cannot be dismissed by nursing programs, department head Sherri Carter and instructors Laura Brigada, Maureen Baur and Debra Leach have implemented a way to incorporate electronic health record education into classroom seminar, clinical orientation and high-fidelity simulation. It is the answer to an issue widely recognized in the nursing education community. The National League of Nursing issued a call to action for nursing faculty to better ...