Celebrating Black History Month

The Black History 101 Mobile Museum was on display February 24 in the Student Success Center. The awardwinning display features a collection of over 10,000 original artifacts of Black memorabilia dating from the trans-Atlantic slave trade era to hip-hop culture.

Founded by Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, the Black History 101 Mobile Museum has been called the “Schomburg of the Hip-Hop generation” because of his passionate commitment to carry on the rich tradition of the Black Museum Movement.

Kavon Shah (center), national executive director of the Black History 101 Museum, talks with Dr. Laneika Musalini, director of grants (left), and Travis Durham, director of student engagement and accountability (right).

Attendees Learn about TCTC, Careers at Open House

Many of these high-demand programs are covered through workforce scholarships whereby South Carolina residents can take advantage of zero-cost tuition.

Lynn Addis, a retiree who now is an adjunct instructor for the Corporate and Community Education Division, right, talks with prospective student Michelle Niederriter about medical coding classes.

Enrollment Counselor Jessica Foxworth, left, talks to Annie Kelley about enrolling in the Criminal Justice program.

OurCollegeFamily in transition Donald White Retires

A willingness to go above and beyond expectations and a genuine investment in student success are just two of the attributes that colleagues say make Donald White stand out as a role-model student success coach.

Friends, family, coworkers and retirees honored White, senior success coach for the community campuses, who retired February 28. For 13 years, he provided enrollment counseling and proactive academic advising to prospective and current students to ensure a strong foundation for success.

“Donald epitomizes the Tri-County Technical College vision— ‘Passionate people, transforming lives and building strong communities, one student at a time,’” said Jenni Creamer, assistant vice president for college transitions. “There is no one more passionate than Donald. Transforming lives—there are too many to count. Building strong communities—he has done that here and out in the community. No one is more student centered than Donald.”

Before his retirement, White visited with President DeHay to talk about his impending retirement. “Our talk was the highlight of my day, although bittersweet as he’s retiring. His deep commitment to students, the community and TCTC will be hard to replace,” said Dr. DeHay.

White says he relates to many of the students he has counseled and mentored over the years and in many ways, he has traveled the same path some have, such as suddenly changing careers. “I know first-hand that changing careers is scary,” said White. In 2006, the company he worked for went bankrupt and went out of business. He was unemployed for two years, living on unemployment. “2006 was a rough year for me. My wife passed away in October, and in November Delta Woodside went out of business. I was a single parent raising our 13-year-old daughter. In 2008, I was blessed and fortunate to be hired to work at TCTC, initially as an admissions counselor,” he said.

He said he has many wonderful TCTC memories but focusing on students in need has been a highlight. He cherishes the letters he has received from students who told him he made a difference in their lives. “That makes me feel really good,” he said. Retirement began March 1 when he helped his daughter and son-in-law move into their new house, followed by a week-long fishing trip. He plans to volunteer at United Way, AIM and his church. “I want to stay busy, helping people in the community, just like I did at Tri-County,” he said. “Nobody has the heart for this work like Donald,” said Mandy Elmore, dean of the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division. “He has made such an impression on so many people. We were lucky to be his co-workers.” Dr. Kristen Gerhardt Departs College Dr. Kristen Gerhardt, director of bridge programs and educational partnerships, second from left, has accepted a job out of state, and her last day at the College was March 31. Here, she poses with her team, from left, Chris Maddox, Angel Wheeler and Amy Cromer. Dr. Anthony Guiseppi-Elie Named VP of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development Dr. Anthony Guiseppi-Elie has been named vice president of academic affairs and workforce development. Dr. Guiseppi-Elie joined the College on March 1. In this role, he serves as chief academic officer and is responsible for working with faculty to build and promote relevant, innovative and highquality programs that support student success. He also oversees workforce services that promote financial stability and economic growth and ensures that the College’s workforce training programs meet the current and future needs of business and industry. “Dr. Guiseppi-Elie has a wealth of experience and a strong record of accomplishments in higher education, entrepreneurial industrial research and product development,” said President DeHay. “We are pleased to have him on our team as his leadership is integral to fulfilling our mission of helping students reach their goals and supporting economic development in the region by preparing a highly-skilled workforce.” Most recently Dr. Guiseppi-Elie served as founding dean of the College of Engineering, vice president of industry relations, and university distinguished professor at Anderson University. In this role, he led the establishment of the College of Engineering and the formulation of an integrated engineering and liberal arts

curriculum. Prior to his role at Anderson University, Dr. GuiseppiElie served as associate dean of engineering medicine and TEES research professor of engineering at Texas A&M University and Houston Methodist Hospital, where he participated in the development of a unique engineering medicine program that allowed students to earn their medical degree and master of engineering at the same time. He also spent nine years as a professor in the College of Engineering at Clemson University and eight years as a professor in the College of Engineering and School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr. Guiseppi-Elie has a doctor of science degree in materials science and engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a master of science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, and a bachelor of science degree with an emphasis in analytical chemistry, biochemistry and applied chemistry from the University of the West Indies. He also is a graduate of the Academic Leadership Academy at Penn State University.

In his scholarly career, Dr. Guiseppi-Elie has published more than 200 archival scientific papers and 33 book or proceedings chapters. He holds eight U.S. and foreign patents and has given more than 220 invited lectures. He is founding editor-in-chief of “Bioengineering,” an open-access journal that focuses on biomolecular and cellular engineering, biological cybernetics and bionics.

Dr. Guiseppi-Elie has been a Fulbright Specialist and holds fellowships in the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES).

Daniel Adams serves as director of the Easley campus. He comes to us from Presbyterian College (PC), where he served as director of student involvement from 2012 until earlier this year. Prior to that, he was conduct and outdoor coordinator for Clemson University from 2011 to 2012 and advisor and campus manager at Bryant

Daniel Adams and Stratton College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 2009 until 2011.

Daniel served as an officer in the S.C. Army National Guard as a rear detachment commander from 2005 until 2010. He holds a bachelor of science degree in parks and recreation, along with a master of education degree in student affairs/ administration, both from Clemson University.

While at PC, he was a member of the President’s Strategic Vision Team, co-chaired the step-it-up wellness program and served as chair of the 19th Presidential Inauguration Week. He was a strategic retention team leader while at Bryant and Stratton.

Daniel is an American Red Cross-certified instructor for first aid, CPR and AED courses.

He and his wife, Emily, live in Simpsonville with their children, Isaiah 7, Evelyn, 4, and Levi, 2.

Rachel Ristine is the veterans affairs coordinator/records analyst in the Student Data Center. Rachel served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation electronic technician in Jacksonville, Florida, and San Diego, California, for five years before working as a park ranger for the national park services in Crescent City, CA, for six years and last year for the U.S. Forest Services in Charleston.

While in the service, she received the Navy Achievement Medal in 2009 and is the recipient of two national park services STAR awards.

She earned an associate in arts degree from Skagi Valley College in Mount Vernon, WA, and a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a minor in resources management from the University of Washington, Seattle.

Rachel resides in Pickens.

Rachel Ristine

Marisa Reichert is the public services and outreach librarian in the Learning Commons on the Pendleton campus. She worked in public libraries in Florida and Massachusetts for the past eight years, most recently as at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a concentration in

Marisa Reichert humanities from New College of Florida and a master of science degree in library services and information sciences at Simmons University.

She is a member of the Organization for Transformative Works. She resides in Central.

Pedro (Pete) Escamilla is one of the College’s student success coaches. For the past 10 years he has worked as a government and economics teacher at San Antonio ISD and at Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas. From 2007 to 2011, he was assistant basketball coach and campus technology coordinator at Southside ISD.

Pete earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a master of education degree in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University.

He is a member of Saint Andrew’s Catholic Church in Clemson. He and his wife, Clare, live in Pendleton.

Pete Escamilla (continued on page 10)

excellence through service

Dr. Mark Dougherty Honored By SCCPA

Dr. Mark Dougherty is the 2022 recipient of the Paul P. Fidler Bridge Builder Award. Mark was honored by the South Carolina College Personnel Association (SCCPA) for his contributions to the field of student affairs. The award recognizes the contributions

Dr. Mark Dougherty of a student affairs professional and/ or faculty member who is building a stronger alliance between students and academic affairs.

Dr. Laneika Musalini’s Dissertation Receives Top Honors

When Grants Director Dr. Laneika Musalini received her doctorate of education (in higher education executive leadership) degree in December 2021, she also was honored with an President Galen DeHay, pictured with unexpected accolade—the Dr. Musalini, served as the third reader outstanding dissertation on her dissertation committee. award for her cohort at Wingate University. Dr. Musalini’s dissertation is titled “Factors that Impact African American Students’ Decision Making to Attend Community College.”

Dr. Jackie Blakley Receives Multiple Honors

Dr. Jackie Blakley, dean of the Business and Public Services Division, was honored with several recognitions over the last few months. Dr. Blakley learned April 4 that she was named the Upstate winner among the four Remarkable Women initiative

Dr. Jackie Blakley nominees that were featured on WSPATV in March. Sponsored by Nexstar Media Group, its television stations across 114 markets each selected four local women for consideration as that market’s “Remarkable Woman.” Dr. Blakley was featured in a WSPA segment where her many college and community accomplishments were highlighted. Her younger daughter Briana, who nominated her, and older daughter, Sterlin, talked about their admiration for their mother and how she serves as an inspiration for many.

Also, Women’s Empowerment, Inc., honored Dr. Blakley with the Empowering Women in Education award at its annual conference in March.

Westside High School Principal Kory Roberts presented her with the Trailblazer Award during Black History Month.

Article by Mia Tensley Featured On ETV Website

An article written by Comprehensive Studies instructor Mia Tensley is featured in the guest blogger series on ETV’s website. As a result of her teacher recertification coursework, Mia’s instructor suggested she submit an article to Kathy Finger, research and special projects coordinator at ETV. Mia’s piece, titled “Flying a Plane in Turbulence while Orchestrating a Magic Show during a Pandemic” was selected. “It is a great article and wonderful example of TCTC’s faculty being flexible and innovative despite the trying times,” said Dr. Chris Marino, TCTC director of research and evaluation. “It is also an example of dedicated faculty keeping student learning front and center.”

Mia Tensley

in transition

(continued from page 9)

Adrienne Shepard recently joined the team as one of the College’s TC Central specialists. Previously she worked at Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) in the office of admissions for nine years as office manager and dual enrollment coordinator.

Adrienne earned a bachelor of science in human services from SWU. She resides in Central and has two children.

Adrienne Shepard

Tammy Krush joined the Tri-County team in September of 2021 in a part-time capacity and recently accepted the full-time position of office manager for the Arts and Sciences Division. For the past 23 years, Tammy served as administrative assistant/ attendance secretary in the

Tammy Krush Stevens Point School District in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She also was the assistant athletic director assistant at Ben Franklin Junior High School from 2015 until 2020.

Tammy holds an associate degree in hotel restaurant management and food sciences from Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She resides in Anderson.

Congratulations, Sharon Yarbrough

Sharon Yarbrough, Comprehensive Studies math lecturer, received the Vicki Kelly Adjunct Award at the 2022 National Organization for Student Success Conference (NOSS). This scholarship is intended to assist in defraying expenses to the NOSS conference.

Dr. Carolyn Walker Serves As Symposium Judge

Pictured with Sharon Yarbrough, left, is Denise Lujan, NOSS president.

Dr. Carolyn Walker, Business Technology department head, served as a judge at the 18th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium held at USC Upstate on April 8. Her judging assignments were in the areas of Education and Service Learning and Community Engagement. The symposium provides a forum where both faculty and students from colleges and universities across the region can interact to discuss and share information regarding their research,

Dr. Carolyn Walker scholarly and/or creative works.

Amy Borders Is Phi Theta Kappa Advisor of the Year

English instructor Amy Borders, who also serves as the faculty advisor for Alpha Zeta Beta, TCTC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, is the 2022 Advisor of the Year. She was honored at the April 20 All-State Academic Team ceremony for her excellence and commitment to the Phi Theta Kappa program and students.

Amy Borders CCE Receives NCCET Exemplary Program Award

The Corporate and Community Education Division’s Real Estate Professional Sales Training program received the National Council for Continuing Education Training (NCCET) 2021 Exemplary Program award.

TCTC was among the four colleges nationwide honored by NCCET recently. The Real Estate Professional Training program was distinguished for being a leader in workforce development. Since July 2018, instructor Samantha Chrestensen has taught 174 students in the real estate program, which includes two courses: Real Estate First-Year Sales and Advanced Principles in Real Estate.

NCCET identified outstanding programs from across the country that directly aligned with the three-tiered mission of the organization. Winners must either provide new and innovative staff development capability, or introduce new curriculum for an evolving workforce, or provide a new source of revenue for the school.

Pictured from left are Dr. Rick Cothran, dean of the Corporate and Community Education Division; Dr. Anthony Guiseppi-Elie, vice president for academic affairs and workforce development; instructor Samantha Chrestensen; Tessa Corthan, training coordinator; and Sandra Strickland, training and development director.

Oconee Campus Hosts Community Event

TCTC hosted a community event March 29 at the Oconee Campus to provide a targeted introduction to the College, along with technical education and technical career opportunities for the Hispanic community in Oconee County.

For several months, the College has been working with Walhalla City Council Member Saria Melendez and members of the City of Walhalla Diversity and Inclusion Committee on various direct communication/outreach activities to educate individuals about what TCTC can do for them. President DeHay is pictured talking with potential students and their families at the open house at the Oconee Campus. Around 40 individuals attended the March 29 event.

PGA Tour Group Sponsors Team for MOC Golf Tournament

A happenstance conversation between a TCTC faculty member and a PGA tour group representative led to a student team sponsorship in the April 7 Men of Color (MOC) golf tournament. To pay tribute to one of their own who suddenly lost his life several years ago, the organization also made a donation to the TCTC Foundation.

Business Instructor and Men of Color Committee Member August Johnson had no idea his conversation with Sheri Haney, event liaison for the PGA Tour’s Korn Ferry Tour, would lead to the organization’s support of the TCTC MOC golf tournament held at Southern Oaks Golf Course in Easley.

“We were impressed and touched by the passion we received from our meeting with August,” said Jeff Thomas, golf professional. Haney and Thomas work with the Korn Ferry Tour, a small group on the PGA tour that handles scoring and operations at Korn Ferry Tour events throughout the U.S., Bahamas, Panama and Columbia. The Korn Ferry Charities registered to play in the MOC golf tournament and asked that August select four students to represent their team based on criteria that he and TCTC outline. They also will invite these four students to join them for a few hours at the BMW Charity Pro Am in early June. The Korn Ferry Charities also has committed to a donation to the TCTC Foundation in memory of their dear friend and colleague Dennis (Zinky) Zinkoni, who died of a pulmonary embolism at age 55.

The Korn Ferry tour group works out of a large tractor trailer rig they call ‘The Truck’ and they travel around helping local organizations run official tournaments, most of which are charity driven. “We established the Truck Charities shortly after the passing of Zinky,” said Thomas. “Part of our mission at The Truck is to impact and assist many different groups throughout our journey.”

“We are excited to be a sponsor of the Men of Color golf tournament and especially the TCTC Men of Color scholarship. We look forward to the event, its future and its ability to bring students, staff and the community together in such a positive way,” said Haney.

above: Brian Smith, assistant dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and a member of the Men of Color committee, left, presented firstplace plaques to tournament winners Warren Posey, Bill Eakin, Shawn Graves and Leon Hunt. below: TCTC Police Chief Marcus Guess played in the tournament. above: TCTC Men of Color student participants pose for a photo at the inaugural gold tournament. below: Alumnus Caleb Allen, left, who was a volunteer for the day, talks with Chris King, a partner with King Kozlarek Attorneys-at-Law, a sponsor of the event.

Men of Color Golf Tournament Nets $10,000

The TCTC inaugural Men of Color (MOC) golf tournament held April 7 netted more than $10,000. “We are well on our way to endowing a scholarship to ensure a legacy for students of color at Tri-County Technical College,” said MOC committee member Dr. Laneika Musalini.

One of the tournament sponsors, PGA Tour’s Korn Ferry Tour sponsored a student team. The Korn Ferry Charities, The Truck, also will invite these students to join them for a few hours at the BMW Charity Pro Am in early June.

Tournament Sponsors

• King Kozlarek Attorneysat-Law, who contributed at the Honorable

Thurgood Marshall level of $2,500 • Blue Heron • Great Waters Golf

Course • City of Clemson • Sweet Canaan Church • Tri State Golf Group • Amici Easley • Gregory’s Boutique • Steve Goforth/Cross

Greek Golf Club • Bojangles of

Western NC

• McKinney Dodge • Pepsi/Gatorade • Brian Smith • Taylor Made Adidas • PGA/The Truck • State Farm Ken

Rowland • Dixon Golf • Galaxy Golf/Dick’s

Sporting Goods • Carson Services • James Whitfield • Skin’s Hotdogs • Delta Sigma Theta

Sorority Inc. • Dr. Anthony

Guiseppi-Elie • Publix • Mr. & Mrs. JT Boseman • Attorney John Crawford • Mr. William Jones

Last year a scholarship was established specifically for men of color matriculating at TCTC. The initial funding for the scholarship was through two bakes sales which raised $2,500. This year the MOC scholarship will be awarded to two deserving male students of color who may struggle with barriers to education.

The Men of Color (MOC) Committee is comprised of administrators, faculty and staff. The goal is to educate, motivate, inspire, and empower these minority students and to let them know they have a place at Tri-County Technical College.

To donate go to TCTC.edu/give and select MOC scholarships as your designation.

High School Students Complete Manufacturing Works Program

College officials and business and industry partners gathered March 28 to celebrate the eight Anderson County high school students who successfully completed the Manufacturing Works program that was piloted this semester.

Manufacturing Works is a registered pre-apprenticeship with Apprenticeship Carolina and supported by Heather Helble, TCTC youth apprenticeship coordinator. To be a registered preapprenticeship, corporate sponsors are required. Arthrex and First Quality supported the program.

Over the last six weeks, these seniors, who were currently not planning on attending college in the fall, had the opportunity to gain technical skills while exploring careers in manufacturing through this program.

Each student earned an OSHA 10 card and a yellow belt in six sigma, learned technical skills that are useful in today’s manufacturing environment and were introduced to the fundamentals of lean manufacturing. They also practiced their employability skills during interviews with Arthrex and First Quality.

“They are ready for the next step—an apprenticeship, a job or more education at TCTC,” said Jennifer Hulehan, dean of academic and career foundations.

“Of the eight completers, three have started taking the steps to enroll in fall classes at Tri-County. One student has been accepted to another college and two received and accepted job offers (one from First Quality, the other from Arthrex).

Tuition funding came from the South Carolina Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Initiative grant. A participation stipend was funded by the Tri-County Technical College Foundation, the S.C. Dept of Commerce, and the Development Corporation of Anderson County.

The program was developed by the Academic and Career Foundations team led by Hulehan. The program instructors were Melinda Hoover, Berdina Hill and Ken Fletcher.

Manufacturing Works graduates pose with TCTC instructors.

Seminar Focuses on Steps to Success

Students in the Business Management programs got valuable real-life advice from local employers on the do’s and don’ts of interviewing skills and workplace behavior at an annual seminar sponsored by the Business Management Advisory Committee.

The Steps to Success 2022 session topics included a panel of alumni who talked about their experiences as students and the importance of adopting the skills they learned at TCTC, such as adaptability, accountability, and building a network.

Many students are nearing graduation and gearing up for the interviewing process, said Denise Bailey, chair of the Business Management advisory committee and principal, business systems consulting practice leader for Elliot Davis in Greenville who taught a class on soft skills in the workplace. Bailey also is a 2004 alumna of our Accounting program.

Another session dealt with how to be successful in a virtual environment.

Alumni who participated in the panel discussion were Doug Stephens, who holds three degrees from TCTC, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern Wesleyan University and is a physical analyst for Education and Human Development at Clemson University; Caleb Allen, who holds two degrees from TCTC and a bachelor’s degree in human resources from Anderson University, and is talent acquisition partner/ university engagement for TD SYNNEX in Greenville; Vickie Robinson, an administrative office technology graduate, who is an administrative specialist for the Arts and Sciences Division; Lucia Romanchenko, a 2021 accounting graduate who is an accountant at Gergun Transportation in Honea Path; and Ronicka Craig, a business management major, who is branch manager for Spero Financial in Anderson.

Robinson, who worked as a work study in various departments on campus while a student, said her experience served as “my stepping stone.”

While a student, Craig said she benefitted from career services workshops on how to prepare a resume and interviewing skills. “I never applied for a job that I didn’t get,” she said.

Stephens reiterated that career services serves as a valuable resource that continues even after graduation. “You are still able to use those services. Start now building those interviewing skills,” he said.

Allen urged the participants to find a mentor if they don’t already have one. “That really helped me. As I became more interactive with faculty and staff, we talked and I let them know my goals and career aspirations.”

Others highlighted faculty and staff who served as mentors.

Robinson singled out Beverly Vickery, administrative office technology instructor. “Beverly helped me and guided me,” she said.

Craig and Allen cited Dr. Jackie Blakely, dean of the Business and Public Services Division, as a mentor. “Jackie served as a role model for professionalism. She was amazing and someone to look up to. I remember my instructors vividly,” she said. “I knew them personally and had conversations with them. They assisted me professionally and were there for one-on-one conversations.”

Romanchenko coined a line that drew a laugh from the group. “If your grades start falling, your instructors start calling,” she said. “They pushed you to be as successful as you can be. They are there to help you succeed.”

“Building those relationships is important,” added Stephens. “Keep your instructors in your network after graduation.”

Denise Bailey, chair of the Business Management advisory committee and principal, business systems consulting practice leader for Elliot Davis in Greenville, right, talks with Jayda Vaughn about setting up a LinkedIn account. Bailey is a 2004 alumna of our Accounting program. Alumni panelists are pictured from left: Doug Stephens, a physical analyst for Education and Human Development at Clemson University; Vickie Robinson, an administrative specialist for TCTC’s Arts and Sciences Division; Lucia Romanchenko, an accountant at Gergun Transportation in Honea Path; Ronicka Craig, branch manager for Spero Financial in Anderson; and Caleb Allen, talent acquisition partner/university engagement for TD SYNNEX in Greenville.

Alumna Says Botany Instructor/Mentor Influenced Her Life

Last year Mary Anna Vargo was seated in her home office, reflecting on her educational journey that led to a recent job offer with Clemson University as a consumer horticulture agent in the Greenville County Extension office.

“I thought about the beginning and I immediately thought of Beverly Thompson (her botany teacher). I reached out by email and told her my news. I’m where I need to be because of her and I’m grateful for her,” said Vargo.

She wrote in her email: “I have come a long way in my educational journey and whenever I look back at the most influential people in my life, you are definitely one of them. So, thank you very much for being so kind and encouraging in class and for offering that botany course with only three students! It was such a huge deal to me, and it still is,” said Vargo, now 28.

In 2015, 19-year-old Vargo, who had just completed a year of studies at the College of Charleston, was seated in a Botany 101 class, unaware at the time just how influential the course, and Thompson, would be on her life and her career.

She was one of just three girls who were enrolled in the class taught by Thompson as part of a then-new articulation agreement TCTC has with Clemson University’s biological sciences department.

A Piedmont native, Vargo spent her high school years homeschooled by her mother and took dual enrollment classes at TCTC in preparation for a four-year degree and a career in the sciences. She took marine biology classes at the College of Charleston but discovered “it wasn’t the science I wanted. I knew I was in the wrong major,” she recalls. She returned home to Piedmont, where she enrolled in TCTC and began pursuing an associate in science degree full time and at no cost, thanks to Lottery Tuition Assistance.

“I had no clue about a career choice. I just wanted to learn more. I was enthralled by the world of plants once I took Biology 102 and I was hungry to learn more. After speaking to my biology professor, she mentioned Thompson sometimes taught a botany course. I contacted her about offering it … and I lucked out, and she taught it the next semester! I really do not know if I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for her offering that course,” she said.

“The lecture and labs changed the course for me,” said Vargo. “It was the best class ever! She made it so fun. She became my role model. I didn’t even know there was a career in

horticulture/botany. We had a lot of discussions about career options. She recommended I transfer to Clemson University. I am so lucky I found what I love,” said Vargo, who earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in horticulture at Clemson. When she began interviewing for jobs after graduation, she knew she wanted a position where she could be creative. She Alumna Mary Anna Vargo, left, and Beverly Thompson, her former interviewed for the extension botany instructor agent job and was hired. “This is such a fun job. It feels very right,” she said. “Every day is different,” she said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. I hope to have the same effect on other people’s lives as Beverly had on mine.” Thompson said, “It absolutely made my day when I received Mary’s email It was affirmation that this is why I’m here. It’s why I do what I do—to give students the knowledge they need to move forward. When you love what you teach it is very easy to be infectious. I just knew that Mary had the spark and love for plants like I do, and that a degree in horticulture or botany would be a perfect fit. Those girls in that class made teaching fun and exciting. I am so honored to be a part of the journey.”

Commencement Speaker

(continued from page 1) Dr. Heavner has won multiple awards for his leadership, research, and advocacy. Most recently, Prisma Health recognized him with the Award for Excellence in Nursing for his work in response to the pandemic, guiding efforts to capture and track data on COVID-19 and helping to lead the Greenville mass vaccination site. Dr. Heavner’s registry has supported more than 85 research studies and continues to collect data; the vaccination site administered more than 200,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Dr. Heavner is an active member of the upstate community and serves on the board of directors for 864Pride, a non-profit focused on reducing barriers to healthcare access for gender and sexual minorities. He resides in Simpsonville.