November/December
In this Issue …
Tri-County Technical College Celebrates Re- Opening of Newly-Renovated Oconee Hall
Tri-County Technical College re-opened the doors to a newly renovated academic building, Oconee Hall, on November 20, as College leaders, commissioners, faculty, staff, students and community partners gathered for a celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the fully updated facility.
Faculty moved into Oconee Hall in December with students attending classes in spring 2025.
When Oconee Hall opened in 1980, it was the first multi-level structure on the College’s Pendleton Campus. The 36,000-square-foot building housed some of the most modern classrooms and laboratories and virtually every student in every program received training in general education courses in the building.
Forty-four years later, with TCTC’s enrollment topping 5,800, Oconee Hall is still the busiest building on the Pendleton Campus with roughly 80% of students taking at least one class in this building. Over the past 20 months, Oconee Hall underwent a complete renovation which increased the building’s size by 44% while retaining 87% of the original steel structure.
Oconee Hall was remodeled with the student in mind. It features expanded classroom sizes and three new classrooms, a courtyard, student collaborative spaces, and an outdoor terrace. The new building has 20 total classrooms between the second and third floors. The first floor houses a new faculty neighborhood concept which enables students to easily find and connect with their instructors and academic advisors. Also, there is a 3,400 sq. ft outdoor terrace with additional collaboration spaces. This renovation increases student capacity by 60%.
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below: The ribbon cutting ceremony for Oconee Hall.
S.C.
Oconee Hall
Connection
is published six times each year by the Office of the President and the Public Relations Department.
Mailing Address (All Campuses)
P. O. Box 587
Pendleton, SC 29670
Pendleton Campus 7900 Highway 76 Pendleton, SC
Anderson Campus
511 Michelin Blvd. Anderson, SC
Easley Campus 1774 Powdersville Rd. Easley, SC
Oconee Campus
552 Education Way Westminster, SC Main Number (864) 646-TCTC (8282)
Toll-free 1-866-269-5677 tctc.edu
Connecting
Thanks and Appreciation
As 2024 comes to a close, I want to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to our faculty and staff, donors, elected officials, K12 partners, community partners, and business and industry partners. We accomplished a great deal together in 2024 and have much to celebrate.
Dr. Galen DeHay President
First, I want to celebrate the fact that our enrollment numbers continue to rise for both credit and non-credit students, and our I-BEST program achieved its best spring enrollment to date. Second, we raised more than $1 million for TCTC programs, including a $500,000 donation from the Gene Haas Foundation in support of our CNC program. Third, we hosted countless events, including three commencement ceremonies and our sixth annual Men of Color Luncheon featuring retired South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald W. Beatty. We also served as a stop on the International Network of Michelin Cities tour through Anderson. Lastly, in November, we reopened the newly renovated Oconee Hall—the busiest academic building on the Pendleton Campus.
As I look ahead to 2025, I am filled with optimism and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead. As always, we will continue to focus on student success and on advancing our vision of transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time.
Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. TriCounty Technical College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Tri-County Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Tri-County Technical College does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, qualifying disability, veteran’s status, or national origin.
As I look ahead to 2025, I am filled with optimism and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead. As always, we will continue to focus on student success and on advancing our vision of transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time.
Thank you for your engagement and partnership. I wish you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season.
In your service,
Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President
Dr. Laneika Musalini Receives 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Laneika K. Musalini, a 2000 graduate of the Office Systems Technology (now Administrative Office Technology) program, is the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. She received the award at the College’s Annual Report reception held October 29.
The recipient of this award must have been awarded a degree, diploma or certificate from Tri-County; must have graduated at least one year ago; and must have made significant contributions to the College, the Alumni Association or the community.
Dr. Laneika K. Musalini never hesitates to say yes any time TCTC, her alma mater and former employer, calls with requests to address student organizations, to assist with alumni engagement events, or to catch up with former colleagues.
When TCTC Foundation Executive Director Courtney White invited her to lunch in May, Dr. Musalini said she was shocked and speechless when White announced she is the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni award in recognition of her many contributions to the College and the community.
“I couldn’t believe it; I was taken aback,” said Dr. Musalini, who since 2023, has served as director of the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs for Metropolitan State University of Denver where she also serves on the provost council and the academic affairs leadership team. She continues to reside in Anderson and works remotely.
“This award is different because it is near and dear to my heart. TCTC is where I got my footing as an 18-year-old single mother and where I built a foundation for my education and career. TCTC is very special to me.”
This May marked 24 years since she received her first college degree, an associate degree in Office Systems Technology (now Administrative Office Technology). In a full-circle moment, she will attend TCTC’s fall commencement on December 19, this time as the keynote speaker to the class of 2024.
Unbeknownst to her, her first degree was just the beginning of her educational journey. “I had a lot of obstacles to overcome but TCTC was a steppingstone for me. Back then I didn’t realize how pivotal it would be in mapping out my future,” said Dr. Musalini, now married and the mother of four.
“I still think about my OST instructors Gracie McLaughlin and Sue McLane and the real conversations we had and how it planted seeds in me. They were so encouraging and supportive. I really felt like I belonged and there was a sense of community.”
Receiving an Abney Foundation scholarship was life changing for Dr. Musalini. “I couldn’t afford a four-year college, so Tri-County was the only place I applied. It was close to home, and I could work part time, take care of my son, and maintain my grades. I was a marketing work-study while at TCTC. But I had goals,” she said.
The plan was to graduate from TCTC, gain a skill, get a job, and begin pursuing a four-year degree. With help from an Abney
scholarship and a vocational business school scholarship from the Hanna-Westside Extension Campus, she earned an OST degree and relied on AIM and its Women and Children Succeeding (WACS) program for assistance with eliminating barriers that existed for her as a single mom.
She joined Clemson University in 2000 as an administrative assistant and took TCTC’s University Transfer classes on her lunch hour. She transferred to Anderson University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Resources. She was promoted to grants manager for Clemson’s College of Business and Behavioral Sciences and earned a master’s degree from Clemson where she graduated with highest honors from the Human Resource Development program.
“I feel TCTC shaped me into the professional I am today,” said Dr. Musalini. “The Abney scholarship led me to so many opportunities. It was very impactful for me. TCTC made Anderson University possible for me.”
She joined TCTC as director of grants in 2012. During her 10-year tenure, she raised more than $20 million by writing successful state and federal grant proposals. She also chaired the project charter team for the diversity and inclusion initiative and served as the liaison to the TCTC Board of Visitors.
In 2021, she graduated from Wingate University with a Doctor of Education degree, earning a 4.0 and the outstanding dissertation award. She has been recognized by local, state and national organizations time and time again for her passion, service, commitment and collaboration with other individuals and organizations to enhance and improve educational opportunities for folks in her community and beyond.
Dr. Musalini received the 2015 ATHENA Young Professional Award from the Anderson Chamber of Commerce. She was named by Clemson University to the Roaring Ten for 2014 and received the Anderson County United Way Community Trailblazer award in 2017. She was named to the South Carolina Black Pages 20 under 40 African Americans in South Carolina in 2019.
She is a member of Tabernacle of Deliverance and Praise in Anderson and is the founder and president of Women’s Empowerment, Inc.
She serves on the Pendleton Foundation for Black History and Culture Board and is a member and former president of the Anderson University Alumni Association Board. She is a member of the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) and chaired the Presidential Task Force on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. In 2020, she was honored by NCURA with the Distinguished Service Award.
Empowering Every Journey
Community, business, industrial, government and political leaders from Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties attended a reception October 29 where President DeHay distributed copies of the annual report, a 44-page publication that highlights the major College and Foundation accomplishments of 2023-2024.
This year the theme of the annual report is Empowering Every Journey. The publication features stories about students/ graduates and their mentors who played a powerful role in their successes. These stories take many forms, but one thing is common: students’ lives were transformed by their educational experiences and those who helped them along the way.
Scan the QR code to read their full stories in the Annual Report.
Mentors Make a Difference
Eric Roper and Dr. Mandy Elmore
Alumnus Eric Roper (right) reconnected with Dr. Mandy Elmore, TCTC’s vice president of academic affairs and workforce development, through LinkedIn earlier this year. Roper is project manager for Hargrove Engineers and Constructors in Greenville.
Kim Arnold and Shannan McKinney
Kim Arnold (left), vice president of operations and administration for the Urban League of the Upstate, said she and her cousin, Shannan McKinney, serve as sounding boards for each other. Arnold said the relationship has been a lifesaver as she has navigated various stages of her life which include a job layoff early in her career as a single parent, and multiple brain surgeries for a recurring non-cancerous tumor.
Crystal Lopez, Dakota Phillips and Michael Link
Crystal Lopez (center) entered TCTC’s Welding program this fall with a LIFE scholarship and dual enrollment college credits. She said instructors Dakota Phillips and Michael Link are role models for her.
Jessica Gross and Meredith Dickens
Jessica Gross (left) received her Early Care and Education (ECE) degree from TCTC in 2022. She said Meredith Dickens, TCTC public services department head and her former ECE instructor/advisor, opened her eyes to the fact that her dream of becoming a teacher was achievable.
Maritza Gaona Lopez’s Mentors Become Extended Family
Maritza Gaona Lopez, fourth from left, considers three influential individuals, Don and Sue Baldwin and Jean Robinson, all residents of Central, like members of her extended family. Gaona Lopez, resident care manager for assisted living at Clemson Downs, is pictured with them, her parents, and her daughter, Camila.
S.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Don Beatty Was Guest Speaker At Men of Color Luncheon
The College hosted its sixth annual Men of Color luncheon November 7 on the Pendleton Campus.
The luncheon serves to educate and empower young men of color to expand their endless possibilities in life. The luncheon has continuously grown in number to include 300 attendees this year from area middle schools, high schools and TCTC.
South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Don Beatty served as the keynote speaker. In lieu of a speech, Chief Justice Beatty engaged in a dialogue with WSPA’s Jamarcus Gaston about his life and career. His advice for the young men in the audience was, “Invest in yourselves and prepare yourselves through education.”
“It is uplifting to see so many young men of color with so much potential,” he said. “I’ve not been in a room full of this much potential in young people in quite some time. I am not only impressed but I’m honored,” said Chief Justice Beatty. In 2007, the Legislature elected Beatty the second Black justice on the state Supreme Court since Reconstruction. He became the court’s Chief Justice on January 1, 2017. He retired in 2024.
Looking back on his career, Beatty said he grew up in a family where humility was important, so his successes are very impactful to
speaker retired South Carolina Supreme
right, engaged in a dialogue with WSPA’s
about his life and career.
him. “I wasn’t supposed to be here,” he told the group. “I’m a kid from the projects. Being a Supreme Court justice is not something you grow up thinking about,” he said. “But I did grow up thinking there is nothing I couldn’t do if I wanted to. It was up to me.”
top, left: We appreciate South State Bank’s continuing support by serving as the presenting sponsor this year. Their support provides a $1,000 scholarship for a male student of color annually. Pictured from left are Chris Collins, vice president, commercial relationship manager; Megan Chavis, branch manager; and Jimmy Lindsey, foothills regional president.
top, right: Antonio Scott, assistant principal at West-Oak Middle School, pictured with Nursing Department Head Jackie Rutledge and Commissioner Helen Rosemond-Saunders, brought his class to the luncheon. Scott took TCTC University Transfer classes in 2012 before transferring to Anderson University to earn a bachelor’s degree. He went on to earn two master’s degrees from Clemson University.
bottom, left: Also, thanks to Trammell and Mills Law Firm, who was the speaker sponsor for the event. Pictured from left to right are Brandon Montgomery, Monroe Scott, Floyd S. “Trey” Mills III, Richard Yeargin, III, and Dr. Jackie Blakley, dean of TCTC’s Business and Public Services Division.
bottom, right: Chief Justice Beatty, right, poses with Timothy Cureton, an Associate in Science student, who attended the event.
Guest
Court Chief Justice Don Beatty,
Jamarcus Gaston
First-Generation Celebration
TCTC’s annual First-Generation Celebration for students, faculty and staff was held November 6 on all campuses. First-generation students are defined as the first in their family to receive a college degree. There are approximately 2,000 first-generation students at TCTC, said Travis Durham, director of student engagement and accountability and a first-gen himself.
“We are here to support you. We can help you to overcome fears and barriers,” he said. Durham shared advice for students and asked other faculty and staff to do so. “Ask more questions and get more engaged. You’re not on an island. You have a community here to help you succeed. We’re here to help,” he said.
Robyn Westmoreland, technical services coordinator and work study supervisor for the Learning Commons and a 2015 alumna, said, “TCTC made such an impact on me that I wanted to work here. I want to do for students what TCTC did for me.”
Jessica Smith, assistant director of recruiting, admissions and
orientation, said, “Ask questions, find mentors. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.”
Dr. Laura Kaufmann, faculty developer/curriculum consultant, said, “Be brave enough to fail and then try another way to succeed. Failure is never failure—it’s just an opportunity to try a different way.”
Tuskegee Airman Gives Livestream Presentation on Veterans Day
In observance of Veterans Day, TCTC hosted, via livestream, Tuskegee Airman Dr. Eugene Richardson, 99, who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Dr. Richardson, a member of the group that became known as the Tuskegee Airmen, shared his story with faculty, staff, and students.
The Congressional Medal of Honor was awarded to Dr. Richardson and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen by President George W. Bush in the White House in 2007.
Barron Wilkins, pictured at right, a veteran and close friend of Dr. Richardson, was on campus to provide a history and background of the Tuskegee Airmen and to introduce Dr. Richardson. Wilkins is pictured with TCTC instructor Mia Tensley as he donated a photo of the Tuskegee class members to the College.
First-Gens Jessica Smith, second from left, and Travis Durham, far right, pose with Kari Logan and Dr. Mark Dougherty.
First-Gens Hali Sanders, front left, and Robyn Westmoreland, front right.
First-Gens Robin Long and Dr. Laura Kaufmann.
Business Management Seminar
Focuses on Steps to
Success
More than 100 students in the Business Management programs got valuable real-life advice from business professionals at an annual seminar sponsored by the Business Management Advisory Committee.
The first session of Steps to Success 2024 included a panel of alumni who talked about their experiences as students and how TCTC prepared them for the workplace. Maine Dawkins, senior project manager for Sparks Research Company in Clemson and a 2010 Business Management alumnus, served as moderator for this panel discussion. Panelists included Shan Smith, owner of Good Sense Automation and a three-time TCTC graduate; Susan Dillard, a 2024 Administrative Office Technology graduate with a Medical Emphasis, who works as a clerical assistant at the Seneca Library; and Danielle Queen Ungaro, an Accounting graduate who is an accounts receivable manager for TTI in Anderson.
The second fireside chat session dealt with the topic “What I
Panelists from left: Earle Oxner, business optimization manager for TTI; Dr. April White Pugh, TCTC registrar; Jason See, director of strategic partnerships, Worthwhile; and Nathan Walker, manager of digital business systems consulting, Elliott Davis.
Fourteen years ago, Maine Dawkins, right, posed with Shan Smith, at the time a TCTC Industrial Electronics Technology faculty member, prior to Dawkins receiving a Business Technology (Management) degree. Dawkins and Smith reunited at TCTC’s Business Management program’s annual Steps to Success seminar and recreated the photo taken at the 2010 graduation. That year Dawkins received the Outstanding Management Student award, along with the Outstanding Phi Theta Kappa Student Award.
Wish I Knew Before Starting my First Job after College.” Panelists included Earle Oxner, business optimization manager for TTI; Dr. April White Pugh, TCTC registrar; Jason See, director of strategic partnerships, Worthwhile; and Nathan Walker, manager of digital business systems consulting, Elliott Davis.
Smith, who taught at TCTC in the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division for 10 years, is a three-time graduate of TCTC with degrees in General Engineering Technology, Industrial Electronics Technology, and Business Management. He also holds a degree from
Thanks to Denise Bailey, chair of the Business Management Advisory Committee, for continuing to champion the Business program. Bailey is principal, business systems consulting practice leader for Elliot Davis in Greenville and a 2004 alumna of our Accounting program.
Also thanks to Dr. Kimberly Whitehead, a professor in the College of Business at Anderson University, who served as moderator for the second session.
Arizona State University. Smith is chief operating officer of Good Sense Automation, LLC. Dawkins is senior project manager for Sparks Research in Clemson. He also holds a Business Administration degree from Southern Wesleyan University.
Alumni panelists, from left, Shan Smith, Susan Dillard and Danielle Ungaro pose with Maine Dawkins, moderator.
Denise Bailey, chair of the Business Management Advisory Committee.
Our College Family
excellence through service
Faculty, Staff, Students Engage in Community Service
Kasey Risinger (right) and Tammy Kropidlowski (left), both from the Arts and Sciences Division, signed up to volunteer with United Way to hand out Hurricane Helene relief food boxes at Fellowship Baptist Church. Two Medical Assisting students, Hannah Galloway and Kaitlynn Cooper, also volunteered their time. Service-learning activities are part the Medical Assisting curriculum, keeping students engaged and it provides an opportunity for them to give back to the community.
“The gratitude we received from the community was humbling. Folks were so very grateful for these boxes. We hope to encourage others to find ways to give back and support those in need! Together, we can make a difference,” said Kropidlowski.
Bridge to Clemson Program Receives Award
The Bridge to Clemson program is the recipient of the 2024 John N. Gardner Institutional Excellence for Students in Transition award. The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition recognized the program during its national conference recently. The John N. Gardner Institutional Excellence for Students in Transition Award is presented annually to institutions that have designed and implemented outstanding collaborative initiatives enhancing significant transitions during the undergraduate experience.
Sharon
Yarbrough
Awarded Scholarship to Attend AMATYC Conference
Sharon Yarbrough, an adjunct instructor in Comprehensive Studies, pictured front left at podium, was awarded a scholarship to attend the 50th AMATYC conference held in Atlanta, Georgia. Yarbrough is pursuing a master’s degree in Mathematics.
This opportunity provided Yarbrough a way to connect with other educators and learn about the challenges facing other educators in two-year colleges across the country. She plans to introduce new teaching techniques into her classroom in the spring semester.
Amy Roberts – Adobe MAX Expert
Amy Roberts, program director for Media Arts Production (MAP), was selected to be an Adobe MAX Expert at the prestigious Adobe MAX conference held in Miami, FL, October 14-16.
For two days, Roberts worked with conference attendees, answering questions, demonstrating new features in Adobe software, and showcasing how to best use Adobe’s suite of products. Her certifications in Adobe products further highlight her expertise, and her involvement in the conference allowed her to provide direct feedback to Adobe on software updates.
“Amy’s dedication to keeping up with industry trends ensures that our students are learning the most up-to-date techniques and tools. Her role as an Adobe MAX Expert underscores her commitment to excellence and her integral role in the success of our program,” said MAP co-program director Stacy Schiff. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate Amy’s accomplishments, knowing that her vast experience and connection to Adobe continue to benefit our students and the entire MAP department.”
Transformative Service Awards Given To Employees
The Service Excellence Team (SET) held its second annual employee Transformative Service Awards banquet November 13. Faculty, staff and administrators were nominated by their peers and 17 colleagues received Transformative Service Awards which recognize individuals who exemplify transformative service and consistently demonstrate the College’s core values of integrity, respect, learning, collaboration, innovation and diversity and inclusion. They are:
• Katy Hardy
• Heather Irwin
• Tammy Kropidlowski
• Casey Lewis
• Lacee Mitchell
• Crystal Pitrois
• Amy Roberts
• Mia Tensley
• Dr. Kyra Zhang
• Vickie Henderson
• Dr. Stephan Irwin
• Dr. Tom Lawrence
• Kristen Lundkovsky
• Donna Palmer
• Kasey Risinger
• Aristide Sechandice
• Trini Tumlin
President Galen DeHay said, “You all have truly gone above and beyond for our students and in our communities. You demonstrate remarkable dedication and innovative thinking. Your efforts are inspiring to your colleagues and to me.”
Model UN Students Showcase Work at Fall Festival
At the Pendleton Fall Harvest Festival (October 26), Political Science instructor Veronica Luckow and some dedicated Model UN students from TCTC showcased the incredible work they’re doing. Model UN at TCTC is more than just a club—it’s a transformative co-curricular learning experience. Students can enroll in a Model UN class paired with an international relations course and the out-of-class club experience, offering a comprehensive understanding of global issues.
In April of 2025, our students are planning to attend the prestigious Model UN conference in Washington, DC, and they’re raising funds to make this dream a reality. You can support their efforts by visiting TCTC.edu/give and designating your funds to Model UN.
Supporting our Model UN students means empowering them to tackle global issues, develop critical thinking, and hone their skills in public speaking, leadership, and teamwork. Representing
in transition
Kathleen Costello joined the Registrar’s Office as the scheduling coordinator program assistant. Her higher education journey started with campus ministry, followed by student activities and later admissions. Costello is responsible for student record management, providing support, and implementing scheduling practices that meet the College’s and student’s needs.
different countries deepens their understanding of international relations and cultural diversity, while research and negotiation prep them for any career. Your support truly helps shape future global citizens!
Janice Hartsoe joined the Registrar’s Office as the assistant registrar. She has served in a registrar’s office setting at a variety of higher education institutions for more than 25 years. Hartsoe is responsible for the daily operations of the Registrar’s Office.
Kim Dyar is the executive assistant to the vice president of academic affairs and workforce development. Dyar comes to TCTC from Clemson University, where she worked in the College of Forestry and Life Sciences. In her role at TCTC, Dyar will provide support to Dr. Mandy Elmore and the divisions within Academic Affairs.
Fran Broome has joined the Arts and Sciences Division as a psychology instructor. Broome has served an adjunct with the division and was employed for 17 years with the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
Welding Students Create Customized TCTC Letters
The next time you pass by the plaza entrance of the newly renovated Oconee Hall building, take a moment to admire and appreciate the fully customized TCTC letters fabricated by TCTC Welding students and faculty this year.
Richard Macbeth, director of project management, approached Paul Phelps, interim dean of the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division, in spring of 2024 with the idea of TCTC’s Welding students fabricating signage to be placed outside of the newly renovated Oconee Hall building. “Paul asked me if I thought this would be possible, so I went to the instructors scheduled to teach the WLD 160 fabrication course in the summer 2024 semester with the idea. Without hesitation, they gladly accepted the project,” said Matt Woodall, Welding department head.
The WLD 160 course is the Welding program’s capstone course. All students enrolled in these courses are second-year welding students finishing up either the Welding AAS degree or Industrial Welding certificate programs. “This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to use all of the skillsets they have acquired in all of the other process specific lab-based courses they have completed thus far,” said Woodall.
“We incorporated this project into the summer 2025 session C, morning, and evening courses. I had the morning WLD 160 students build the “T” letters and the evening WLD 160 students build the “C” letters. After all the letters were finished, we coordinated between both morning and evening classes to set and weld the letters to the base, then weld in the “wave” pieces in between the letters. “This was all customized with no material specifications or fabrication methods included by the architects or engineers. The CNC program also stepped in to help with editing the CAD drawings provided to produce the “wave” that runs in between the letters,” said Woodall.
“I’m super proud of this group of individuals that includes faculty, staff and students, and the way they worked together to complete this project. This project was not easy. It was both challenging and rewarding all at the same time. There were moments of excitement, frustration, failure, and success during the fabrication process,” said Woodall. “We try to incorporate training exercises that mimic real life, on-the-job experiences for students in our programs. This was about as real world as it gets. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these students to work on something of this magnitude that will be appreciated by all for years to come. It’s opportunities like these that showcase the true talent of the programs we have at TCTC.”
Oconee Hall Re-Opening
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In addition, the building was constructed using green building standards and is fully accessible.
“This investment will help continue to deliver on our mission of providing students an exceptional and affordable learning experience that improves their quality of life while advancing economic development in the region by preparing a highly skilled workforce,” said Dr. Galen DeHay, president of Tri-County Technical College.
He thanked the TCTC Commission for “recognizing the need to renovate this building and supporting the renovation project from start to finish,” along with the Anderson, Oconee and Pickens County Legislative Delegations, for securing $5 million in state capital appropriations in support of this renovation project.
The $22 million renovation project includes professional fees, construction, IT infrastructure and furniture, fixtures and equipment.
DP3 Architects is the architectural firm, and the contractor is Harper General Contractors.
President DeHay also thanked the Cannon Charitable Trust for their donation of $285,000, which was used to purchase and install the building’s elevator.
Dr. Mandy Elmore, TCTC vice president of academic affairs and workforce development, recognized the College’s Arts and Sciences faculty and staff, adding that their “dedication and commitment to our students is what will make this newly transformed teaching and learning environment thrive.”
Dr. Elmore said, “But more than these physical spaces, this building is a place for you to learn, grow and challenge yourself. It is a place where ideas can come to life. It is a hub for creativity, learning and personal transformation.”
Courtney White, executive director of the TCTC Foundation, far right, poses with from left, Anne Thayer, TCTC Foundation Board member; Rep. Don Chapman; Sen. Mike Gambrell; and Rep. Bill Whitmire
Becky Jo Davis Clark, a retired financial planner, seated beside Jonathan Cauthen, director of development for the TCTC Foundation, is pictured with guests on the Oconee Hall third-floor terrace. Clark has pledged $300,000 to name the Oconee Hall outdoor terrace.
Students Learn Valuable Information at BudgetCon
More than 300 students participated in the second annual BudgetCon, a simulation workshop where students work through various stations to create a monthly budget based on the entry-level pay for their chosen career field. This event was available to all TCTC students and is required for COL 103 (College Skills) students and was hosted by the Academic and Career Foundations Division on November 13 and 14. It was staffed by a variety of volunteers from different academic divisions representing all campuses.
BudgetCon included information on deductions from gross pay to net pay, choosing realistic housing and transportation options, information on student loan repayment, investments, and savings, as well as additional information on building and managing credit.
Following BudgetCon, students write a 500-word reflection.
Students who participated range from recent high school graduates to non-traditional individuals returning to school, reinforcing that people in varying stages of life can learn from the experience and the class.
Several students in Tracey Hotham’s College 105 class, who are recent high school graduates, said the information was eye opening, especially when they realized what amount would be left from their paycheck after paying monthly bills, like rent, car payment, utilities and groceries.
It made an immediate impact on Audrey Hartzog, a 19-year-old University Transfer student whose parents support her financially
now. She said she plans to adjust her spending patterns today— several years before she graduates and goes into the workforce. She has made the decision to stop dining out as much. “I also plan to take advantage of public transportation to save money on gas,” she said.
Natalie Tobar, who wants to be a high school Spanish teacher, said she is familiar with a teacher’s salary, but she discovered she would still have to cut back on spending.
So did Amber Ashley, whose goal is to be a nurse. She realized that even though nursing is a good paying job, she also would have to make some adjustments in her monthly budget, like canceling streaming subscriptions “because, in reality, if I am working nursing hours, I won’t have time to watch television as much.”
Most live with their parents now, so they aren’t paying rent for housing and they can eat meals at home with the family. But they got sticker shock when they learned the cost of purchasing a home or renting an apartment, coupled with grocery bills.
The price tag on a new car flabbergasted Breanna Spruel. “When you add rent with car payment and insurance, it’s astronomical,” she said. They learned they may have to look at pre-owned, lesserpriced vehicles when they are ready to purchase. Ashley said she discovered that rent for a modest one-bedroom, one bath apartment is minimally $1,000.
“This seminar opened my eyes and prepared me for what I need to know,” said Hartzog. “I’d rate it a 10.”
Students Anna Beatricz (left) and Audrey Hartzog (right) participated in BudgetCon 2024.
College Skills instructor Tracey Hotham, right, assists a student during BudgetCon.
P.O. Box 587 Pendleton, SC 29670
tctc.edu
Engineering Technology Students Create Models for Anderson Rotary
TCTC’s Engineering Technology department completed a project for the Anderson Rotary Club.
Anderson County United Way Executive Director Carol Burdette, who chaired the Arrangements Committee for the Rotary Club Zone Summit, contacted Foster Sims, department head for Engineering Technology, in the spring, after the International Network of Michelin Cities participants toured the Pendleton Campus.
She requested some unique centerpieces for their summit taking place in Pittsburgh—known as the “City of Bridges.”
“To help, we laser-cut 50 bridge and skyline models to serve as table centerpieces at the summit,” said Sims. “I designed the bridge cutout, and our EIT lab specialist, Eddie Mugerdichian, along with our work-study students, took turns operating the laser cutter. The laser ran constantly for about two weeks to cut all 50 of them.”
Once completed, Pam Wagner, a florist from West Virginia, added floral arrangements around each bridge, bringing the centerpieces to life.
Carol Burdette (left) is pictured here with Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick.