Change Starts Here

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!