More than 50 of this year’s Abney Foundation Scholarship recipients are seen with Executive Director David King (front, center) and Executive Director Emeritus and Trustee Carl Edwards.

Faculty, Staff, and Students Thank Abney Foundation

The Abney Foundation has given consistently to Tri-County over the years, helping thousands of students to attain their educational goals. No other foundation, individual, or company has contributed so generously to the Foundation. “That’s what it‘s all about—changing lives,” said Grayson Kelly, executive director of the Foundation, which sponsored Abney Day 2015 on September 1. The event was designed to show appreciation for the College’s largest contributor to date.

“We’re fortunate to benefit from those before us and their contributions. Thanks to the Abney Foundation for their continued contributions to change lives for the better,” said Grayson.

See inside to read more about the Abney Foundation’s history and its impact on faculty and staff and our students.

Passionate people TRANSFORMING LIVES AND BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.

In this Issue ...

Blue Ridge Gives $100,000 For Oconee Campus .............10

Spotlight on the EIT Division ............................. 2

Upstate Warriors Solution Support TCTC Veterans ........14

Students Kick Off Semester By Getting Connected ...........12

A Publication from the Office of the President September 2015

2 • CONNECTION

Your Support Gives an Edge to Students

A t our Fall Faculty/Staff meeting on October 7, we will kick off “Give an Edge,” our Foundation’s Employee Giving Campaign for the 2015-16 academic year.

If you are not familiar with the work of our Foundation, this issue of Connection gives you the opportunity to read about three of our supporters—an individual, a company, and a foundation—and the positive impact they have on our programs and the students we serve.

Mr. Henry Harrison, a businessman with a background in law enforcement and a love for animals, recently pledged to raise $25,000 in support of the Foundation’s Animal House campaign. His pledge will help to fund the new feline housing facility, which is part of the renovation and new kennel project for our Veterinary Technology program. In 2013, friends of Mr. Harrison also raised funds to name the Henry C. Harrison Criminal Justice program in his honor.

Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative recently made a $100,000 pledge in support of the Oconee County Workforce Development Center. Recently approved by our Commission, Oconee County, and the School District of Oconee County, this Center will co-locate an Oconee Campus of Tri-County Technical College, a new Career Center for high school students, adult education, and county economic development offices.

The Abney Foundation, the largest donor in the history of the TCTC Foundation, has supported the College for decades. Thousands of Tri-County students have been recipients of Abney scholarships, and tens of thousands of Abney dollars have been spent on equipment to support education and training, such as the human patient simulators in the Health Education Division.

Why do these three donors and hundreds of other individuals and companies give so generously to the Foundation? Because they believe in our mission and are willing to invest in our vision to transform lives and build strong communities in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties. They also are willing to invest in your professional development through mini-grants and teaching chairs.

Your gift is equally important. No gift is too small. In fact, more important than the amount you give is the act of giving itself. By giving, you demonstrate that you, too, believe in and support the work of the College.

I hope that you will join your colleagues in making a donation to the Foundation as part of the “Give an Edge” campaign.

“No gift is too small. In fact, more important than the amount you give is the act of giving itself. By giving, you demonstrate that you, too, believe in and support the work of the College.”

~Ronnie L. Booth, Ph.D.

Connectionis published ten 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

Hamilton Career Center

100 Vocational Dr., Seneca, SC

Main Number

(864) 646-TCTC (8282)

Toll-free

1-866-269-5677

TDD/Voice

1-800-735-2905

Website

www.tctc.edu

Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Tri-County Technical College.

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. Ronnie L. Booth, Ph.D., President

Connecting

Dr. Ronnie L. BoothPresident

September 2015 • 3

Faculty in the Engineering and Industrial Technology (EIT) Division could have taken a break between the summer and fall semesters, but instead four instructors, a dean, and department head rallied together to design and build four hydraulic/pneumatic trainers for the IMT 131 class at the Easley Campus.

“We all pitched in,” said Bobby Watt, Mechatronics instructor, who took the lead on the project and was joined by interdepartmental colleagues in this collaborative effort.

“We were all on board,” he said, of Ron Talley, Doug Wilson, John Norris, Department Head Doug Allen, and EIT Dean Dan Averette, who worked a week and a half cutting plates and mounting components. “It was a great collaboration between departments.”

Doug asked Bobby to investigate the cost of purchasing trainers needed for larger classes at the community campuses and at the career centers. “We had 20 trainers that had been bought over the years, and we need 20 more,” said Bobby. Through his research on parts and prices, he discovered they could be purchased for $25,000 apiece, or they could be built for $2,500 each. “That sealed the deal,” Bobby said.

“Originally, we purchased pneumatic trainers from Learning Labs at about $20,000 each,” said Dan. “This time, going through Bosch, we were going to be able to reduce the cost of each trainer to $12,000 each. However, we did not receive the ARC Grant we needed to afford this purchase at $288,000 (24 trainers). The EIT Division still had the need for these pneumatic trainers to serve our students at community campuses and career centers. Therefore, the collective decision was made to build the trainers in house. The cost to produce one trainer built in the EIT Division was less than $3,000. We have a savings of between $9,000 and 17,000 for each trainer. Considering the lower cost, we have savings to date of $36,000 or $216,000 when all the trainers are built,” explained Dan.

Bobby said the group didn’t see the experience as sacrificing vacation, instead it built camaraderie among his colleagues.

“Working alongside each other for six to eight hours a day gave us a chance to get to know each other as people, not as fellow teachers. We had a good time. I’ve seen a change in the relationship with all of us. I’m proud of our work,” Bobby said. “We built a useable product without sacrificing quality while saving the division money that can be spent on other equipment priorities.

“I’m 64 years old. I could retire,” said Bobby. “But I’m here at Tri-County because I love it. I’m here for the students and personal satisfaction. And I definitely got that from this project. I’m grateful to the Dean and Department Head for joining us during their time off to work and build for the good of the division. We’re all in this together,” said Bobby.

“We’re not through,” he added. The group plans to build 16 more with the help of a lab assistant this semester. They will begin in the next few weeks.

on the EIT Division

A big THANK YOU to the following faculty and

staff members, who devoted their summer break to

produce pneumatic trainers to make it possible to

offer the IMT 131 Hydraulic and Pneumatic course at

Easley Campus this semester:

• Mechatronics instructor Bobby Watt’s contribution was the design and layout of the components for the trainer. He determined all the required pneumatic components, mounted parts, and secured the best quality components, keeping cost in mind.

• Mechatronics instructor Doug Wilson was very helpful in presenting suggestions for the trainers, along with manufacturing and assembling these trainers.

• Engineering Graphics Technology instructor John Norris set up the CNC lathe and produced 88 pneumatic cylinder end activators for micro-switches from 15 feet of delrin rod.

• Industrial Technology Department Head Doug Allen and IET instructor Ron Talley helped in the manufacturing and assembling of the trainers.

• Division Administrative Assistant Tonia McClain was the go-to person in ordering all the components and parts needed to bring this project to a complete success.

• EIT Dean Dan Averette worked on assembling trainers and drove to Augusta to pick up polycarbonate (lexan) sheets for half the price.

The team, who rallied together to design and build four hydraulic/pneumatic trainers for the IMT 131 class at the Easley Campus, is pictured from left, Tonia McClain, Doug Wilson, Ron Talley, Bobby Watt, Doug Allen, and Dr. Dan Averette. Not pictured is John Norris.

SPO

TLIGHT Spotlight

4 • CONNECTION

Abney Foundation Paves Way for Faculty/Staff SuccessesAbney Foundation student scholarship recipients

total nearly 14,000 in number with endowments at 14 colleges and universities across South Carolina. Executive Director Emeritus and Trustee Carl Edwards says he never knows where or when he will come in contact with someone who has benefited from the Foundation’s benevolence.

He tells of a time when he was on an airplane going to New York and was seated beside a young lady whom he engaged in conversation. He learned that she was an Abney Scholar at Clemson. “There are so many out there. It’s amazing. We love to hear from students after graduation. The board members are interested in what happens to these scholars.”

He and Executive Director David King met two former Abney Scholars who are on Tri-County’s staff—Grants Director Laneika Musalini and Social Science Department Head Penny Edwards—at our Foundation-sponsored Abney Day 2015 on September 1. The event was designed to show appreciation for the College’s largest contributor to date.

Both Laneika and Penny are first-generation college students who say, without a doubt, the Abney Foundation paved the way to their successes. Here are their stories:

Laneika MusaliniReceiving an Abney scholarship was life changing for Laneika

Musalini, who entered Tri-County as an 18-year-old single mother in 1998. “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. But I had goals,” she said.

The plan was to graduate from Tri-County, 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 completed the Office Systems Technology (OST) degree at Tri-County. She joined Clemson in 2000 as an Administrative Assistant for the Anderson County Extension Office and began our University Transfer program, taking classes on her lunch hour. Two years later she began working as the Grants and Human Resources Specialist for the Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences Department at Clemson. “I left Tri-County with no student debt. My OST degree helped to fund the next journey of my education,” she said.

“The Abney scholarship led me to so many opportunities,” said Laneika, now married and the mother of four. She transferred to Anderson University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Resources. After taking a break, she returned to get her

master’s degree from Clemson University where she graduated with highest honors from the Human Resource Development program.

After working in Clemson’s College of Business and Behavioral Sciences, where she was Grants Manager from 2008–2012, she joined Tri-County as Director of Grants. That same year her son, Antonio, 18, began looking at colleges, and she began to realize the magnitude of her Abney scholarship and what she calls the multiplier effect of higher education. “The Abney scholarship

Laneika Musalini and David King, executive director of the Abney Foundation

The Abney FoundationThe Abney Foundation was originally formed in 1957

by Mrs. Susie Mathews Abney, widow of Mr. John Pope Abney, the founder of Abney Mills in Greenwood, SC. At that time, five trustees, including Mrs. Abney, were appointed to govern the trust. The principal office was located in Greenwood. At her death in 1969, Mrs. Abney left a sizeable bequest to The Abney Foundation.

The mission of The Abney Foundation is to aid organizations that are operated exclusively for educational, religious, charitable, scientific, and literary purposes. The highest priority is placed on higher education.

There are Abney Foundation Scholarship endowments at fourteen colleges and universities across the state of South Carolina.

More than $28,621,000 has been awarded to 13,443 Abney Scholars, including 578 students for the academic year 2014-15. The combined endowment balances exceed $42,992,600.

September 2015 • 5

got me started and allowed me to finish at Tri-County and get to the next step without staggering loans to pay back,” she said. She also didn’t want Antonio to be saddled with student debt. He entered his junior year with a strategic plan to find scholarships. It paid off. An honor student at Westside High School, Antonio had nine university acceptance letters and was offered nearly $600,000 in scholarship opportunities. He chose to attend Clemson—all expenses paid for up to 10 years, thanks to a highly-competitive Gates Millennium Scholars program. He is one of only 11 students in South Carolina to win the award. “He can graduate debt free with a piece of paper that can take him anywhere,” she said.

“My kids grew up seeing me in school. They knew education had to be important for me to make those sacrifices so they can have a better life. I also instilled in them the importance of having goals. My experience made me understand the importance of receiving the Abney scholarship. It makes a tremendous lifelong difference,” she said.

Laneika says she was very excited to finally meet the benefactors of her education at Tri-County. “They are passionate about education. They were approachable and personable. They wanted to know my story.”

Like Abney Foundation founder Susie Matthews Abney, Laneika feels that it is her responsibility to pay it forward, to help others. “My Abney scholarship came at just the right time. After I graduated, I couldn’t give back financially so I decided to dedicate my time and service to organizations that are important to me, like Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM), because I can identify with the single parents they serve. Not everyone has the means to give back financially, but your time and talent are just as important as a monetary gift.”

Laneika has been recognized for her commitment to her community over the years. This year she received the 2015 ATHENA Young Professional Award from the Anderson Chamber of Commerce.

Last year she was named by Clemson University to the Roaring Ten for 2014. The Clemson Young Alumni Council recognizes outstanding individuals for their impact in business, leadership, community, educational, and/or philanthropic endeavors. The honor is given to ten individuals who also exemplify Clemson University’s core values of honesty, integrity, and respect.

She is a member of Tabernacle of Deliverance and Praise in Anderson and is a founder of the Women’s Empowerment Conference. She serves on the Board of Directors for AIM and is a member of the National Council of University Research Administrators. She serves on the Anderson University Alumni Association Board of Directors and received the Dream Achiever Award from the YWCA of Greenville.

Penny EdwardsPenny Edwards was just 16 years old when she graduated

from Blue Ridge High School in Greenville County. A stellar student, she was ranked fifth in her class of 400-plus graduates. Academically and emotionally, she was ready for college. But there were financial barriers, as well as administrative details, that threatened to derail her entrance to college.

Since Penny decided to apply for early graduation in the latter half of her junior year, she couldn’t be classified as a senior and therefore was ineligible for academic-based scholarships. Despite her GPA and honor student status, she was limited in college scholarships because she wasn’t classified as a senior.

“I was a first-generation college student. While my parents had minimal savings and lower-paying jobs, they still didn’t qualify for any need-based grants,” said Penny. The one scholarship she did land was Abney, which paid $1,000 a year for four years while she was pursuing a double major at Lander University. “My parents and I said, ‘now we can do this.’ This gave me an opportunity to take some of the burden off my parents and avoid loans going into college. That Abney scholarship allowed me to go to college,” said Penny, who completed her high school senior English credits in summer school, graduated August 4, and entered Lander University two weeks later.

With the help of Abney, a $500 Rotary scholarship, money from her parents, and a work-study job in the Biology lab at Lander, Penny made it work. “The Abney scholarship smoothed the path for me,” said Penny, who, in her sophomore year, declared a second major and was one of the first at Lander to successfully pursue a double major. Even though student loans became necessary later on in her academic path, she graduated with bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Psychology, the start of which would not have been as accessible without the Abney scholarship.

After working as a Research Technician at Greenwood Genetic Center, a Counselor with Lutheran Family Services, and Mental Health Associate at Springbrook Behavioral Health, she decided graduate education in Clinical

Penny Edwards and Carl Edwards, executive director emeritus and trustee of the Abney Foundation

(continued on page 14)

6 • CONNECTION

Faculty/Staff Benefit From Abney FundsFaculty and staff who have been the recipients of Abney

Foundation professional development funds had the opportunity to talk with Carl Edwards and David King and thank them personally during the Abney Day Celebration September 2 on campus.

“You help us to shine in the classroom,” said Chris McFarlin, program coordinator for the Criminal Justice (CRJ) program. “When I talk with new students, I want them to know what’s special about Tri-County, what makes us different. You can look at the quality of faculty in our programs. We all have varying backgrounds. CRJ is a science that is constantly changing. Laws and policies change. We have to stay on top of these changes. The funds allow us to go to conferences and for training. That helps set our program apart.”

Dean of Public Services Jackie Blakley said instructors can stay abreast through conference and courses. “We greatly appreciate your support. Things change so rapidly, and we have to teach students to be ready for today’s workplace. This helps our students who give us positive comments about being prepared for the workforce because of the education they receive at Tri-County.”

Dr. Lynn Lewis, dean of the Health Education Division, said the Nursing programs have a regional reputation of excellence as a result of great faculty and prepared students who go to work in local health care facilities. “Our faculty are further educated by the funds you provide,” she said. This year a donor-endowed teaching chair funded attendance at a conference dealing with accreditation for the new Pharmacy Technician program. In addition Surgical Technology faculty attended required conferences. “Without these funds, we could not remain on our cusp of excellence. We couldn’t serve our students as well as we do. We definitely couldn’t do what we do in the way that we do it.”

“I’m impressed with what you can accomplish with these funds, and it’s enlightening how you use them,” said Mr. Edwards.

“We get the acknowledgement letters of appreciation, and we read them,” said Mr. King. “But this connects the dots and lets us see the impact on folks here and throughout the campus.”

“Staying abreast impacts the community as well as students’ lives. We see the return on your investment every day,” said Senior Vice President Galen DeHay.

FY16 Professional Development Funds at a Glance• $231,900 is designated for professional development for

faculty and staff• $76,700 came from Abney Teaching Chair and professional

development funds• Overall, 33 percent of Professional Development funding

comes from endowments funded by the Abney Foundation

Abney Foundation Donation Funds Human Patient Simulator

This year, through a $50,000 donation from the Abney Foundation, the College was able to purchase a wireless human patient simulator, a teaching tool designed to look and respond like a real patient, for the Nursing Department. These learning tools teach students how to care for critically ill patients in a safe, simulated environment while honing their clinical and critical thinking skills.

In 2004 Abney invested in training our health care technicians by contributing $120,000 to purchase three human patient simulators.

Faculty and staff meet with Carl Edwards and David King.

Pictured from left to right are Carl Edwards, executive director emeritus and trustee of the Abney Foundation; David King, executive director of the Abney Foundation; Kayleen Hamilton, a freshman associate degree Nursing student; and Janet Fuller, associate degree Nursing instructor.

September 2015 • 7

Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt Is Luncheon SpeakerWe welcome S.C. Secretary of Commerce

Robert M. (Bobby) Hitt, III, as our Annual Report Luncheon keynote speaker this year.

The luncheon is set for October 29 at the College’s Pendleton Campus beginning at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon annually attracts approximately 250 community, business, industrial, government, and political leaders from Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties.

Mr. Hitt was appointed by Governor Nikki Haley to serve as Secretary of Commerce in January 2011. Previously the Manager of Corporate Affairs at the BMW Manufacturing Company in Spartanburg, he brings a wealth of economic development experience to the Department of Commerce and has personally worked with the previous five commerce secretaries.

Hitt served as the Director of Planning and Development for the Nelson, Mullins, Riley, & Scarborough law firm in Columbia. In that role, he was involved in bringing the BMW Manufacturing Company to the Upstate, one of the State’s largest success

stories. He worked for 17 years at The State and The Columbia Record newspapers. He served as the Managing Editor of The Columbia Record from 1980 to 1987. In 1988, Hitt was named Managing Editor of its sister paper, The State, a position he held until 1991.

Hitt is past Chairman of the S.C. Manufacturers’ Alliance, has served on the executive committees of Advance SC and Upstate Alliance and on the boards of St. Francis Hospital System and Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC.

Hitt is a native of Charleston and graduate of the University of South Carolina which recognized him as its Distinguished Journalism

Alumni of the Year in 2001. In 1987, he received the prestigious Nieman Fellowship for journalists, which allowed him to study for a year at Harvard University where he focused on management and law.

He and his wife, Gwen, have two sons, Lucas and Robert Paul, and one grandson, Ben.

Robert M. (Bobby) Hitt, III

Success Strategies Addressed At Leading Edge WorkshopScience instructor Dennis Lee was among the presenters this month for the Today’s Leading Edge Workshops. Dennis’ presentation was titled “Strategies for Success in Science Classes.” He outlined strategies for effective studying so that learning science material can become more manageable and less stressful.

The Leading EDGE Workshop Series is a year-long program that addresses a variety of topics to help students be successful in higher education and in life. Topics include financial management, study skills, interviewing skills, healthy lifestyles, and leadership, among others.

Murphree Shares Safety TipsMitch Murphree (below), Commercial Truck Driving instructor in the Corporate and Community Education Division, offered expert commentary for a WHNS Fox 21 news report covering several recent accidents along Upstate interstates involving tractor/trailer trucks. Mitch cautioned the public to leave at least 100 feet of space between their vehicle and the truck; to pass on the left side whenever possible; not to linger when passing trucks due to blind spots; and to avoid distracted driving.

The Corporate and Community Education Division offers several transportation and logistics courses, including Commercial Truck Driving. Unlike many other truck driving schools, Tri-County offers a class size of no more than four students. Small classes allow for more individualized attention during training.

8 • CONNECTION

in transitionHUMAN RESOURCES

Lauren Johnson is the new Human Resources Specialist in our Human Resources Office. She comes to us from Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, where she was an Auditor for two years. Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

from Francis Marion University and recently earned an M.B.A. in Human Resource Management from Strayer University. She is a member of Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, where she served as President in 2009, and the Society of Human Resource Management. Lauren lives in Greenville and has a daughter, Cadence.

ARTS AND SCIENCES DIVISIONJulia West is our new Music instructor

who serves as Faculty Sponsor of the Music Club and Director of the Choir and Jazz Band. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Music from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, and a master’s in Music from Florida State University.

She was a graduate assistant from 2013–15 at Florida State before accepting the position here.

In 2010 and 2011, Julia was the district winner (for the state of Washington) of the Metropolitan Opera National Council competition and won third place (the Regional Encouragement Award) in 2010 and 2012. She lives in Central.

ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY DIVISION

After serving as an adjunct lecturer for eight years in the Industrial Electronics Technology (IET) program, Jason Poole is now a full -time instructor. Jason earned an IET degree in 2006, Industrial Supervision, now Manufacturing Management and Leadership in 2007, and Mechatronics in 2011. He was a work/study lab assistant in 2005, 2007, and 2008. While serving as an adjunct, he worked in hotel maintenance for Microtel in Anderson for five years.

He serves on our Faculty Senate and is a member of the IET Advisory Committee. He was a nominee for the adjunct faculty award this year. Jason is the drummer, guitarist, and sound engineer at Faith Baptist Church in Norris. He lives in Central.

Timeko McFadden Selected for National ACTFL InitiativeSpanish instructor Timeko McFadden

has been selected to participate in the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Languages and Literacy Collaboration Initiative.

The ACTFL is dedicated to the improvement and expansion of the teaching and learning of all languages at all levels of instruction. This national initiative connects collaborative teams of

world language educators and colleagues from other disciplines from across the United States in a project focused on developing learners’ literacy skills.

Timeko will serve on a team of six language professionals– three from South Carolina, one from Texas, and another from Wisconsin—who will work together for the next year and a half on assessments and activities to implement in the classroom

that will reinforce bi-literacy. Many students are bilingual but not bi-literate, which means they aren’t proficient in writing a foreign language, explained Timeko. She and her team will write the curricula and focus on oral and written proficiency. “For so many years, foreign language educators have focused on speaking the language; now we are focusing on writing as well. We will connect foreign language educators from K–12 and beyond so we are all on the same page,” said Timeko.

The development of the Languages and Literacy Collaboration Center (LLCC) will give all educators access to a multitude of resources. Through webinars, mentoring, a virtual resource portal, and online discussions, educators will collaborate around strategies to reinforce and strengthen learners’ literacy skills. Teams of five–ten educators will collaboratively develop model units and lessons for diverse learners. These model units and lessons may be discipline-specific or interdisciplinary depending on the site team membership and focus.

Our College Family

Lauren Johnson

Jason Poole

Julia West

Timeko McFadden

August 2015 • 9

Staff Advisory Board 2015-2016The purpose of the Staff Advisory Board is to serve

as an advisory body through which staff members may make recommendations to the Executive Staff relative to interests, concerns, and issues that affect them.

Debbie Powell (Chair) College TransitionsScott Jaeschke Student Support and

EngagementJamie Black Curriculum and Instruction/

Institutional EffectivenessJessica Scott Student Support and

EngagementJessica Cullen Business AffairsJason Hart Business AffairsSusan Womack Corporate and Community

EducationBeth Byars Foundation, Public Relations,

and Human ResourcesTracy Woods Community Campuses

Grayson KellyExecutive Director of the Foundation

1. What is the best part of your job?Connecting donors, whether business, industry, or individuals with students and faculty who directly benefit from the contributions that they give to the College. Whether it be scholarships or professional development, those gifts give opportunities for our students and employees to better themselves and see real life change happen.

2. Whatisthefirstjobyoueverhad?Summer janitor at Palmetto High School when I was 13 years old. I cleaned floors, hauled off garbage, and cut grass.

3. Whatisyourfavoritetimeofday?Early morning. Coffee in hand, getting ready for my day, talking to my wife about what we have going on, and catching up on the news from overnight.

4. Whatfiveitemswouldyouliketohavewithyouonadesertedisland?A knife, a hammock, a water purifier, a lighter, and soap.

5. Whatmakesyoulaugh?A lot of things and people. I especially love bloopers.

Robert NewtonCriminal Justice instructor

1. What is the best part of your job?Being able to offer students here at TCTC more than just course knowledge, but life knowledge that I have been blessed with.

2. Areyouanearlybirdornightowl?Night owl for the most part.

3. Whatisthebiggestriskyou’veevertaken?Telling my now wife that I loved her. She was a very special friend in college and over a twenty-year time frame of friendship, I never said anything. Ultimately, life cycled and I risked that friendship by telling her how I felt.

4. Whatisthelastbookyouread?Amazing Encounters with God (by Clayton King)

5. Whoknowsyoubest?My wife

Getting To Know YouClaudia PooreCirculation Manager in the Library

1. What is the best part of your job?There are many—getting here early enough to get a parking space! Also, helping students with information they need for classes, meeting new faculty and staff, and getting a visit from past students who come by to let me know how they are doing.

2. Whatwordwouldfriendsusetodescribeyou?This was a hard question for me to answer, but after asking several friends, the one word is blessed.

3. Whatdoesaperfectdayofflooklikeforyou?Football season at Death Valley, along with tailgating with friends and family. It includes watching the Tigers run down the hill, the excitement of all of the fans, and, of course, winning the game!

4. Whatisyourproudestaccomplishment?God has blessed me with thee wonderful children who have great families and have given me three awesome grandchildren.

5. Whatmakesyoulaugh?When I do something goofy.

Claudia Poore Grayson Kelly

Robert Newton

10 • CONNECTION

Blue Ridge Awards $100,000 Gift to Support Oconee CampusBlue Ridge Electric Cooperative awarded the Foundation a $100,000

grant to help fund the building of a Tri-County Technical College campus that will be located in the Oconee Industry and Technology Park on Highway 11 in Westminster.

The planned multifaceted complex will co-locate an Oconee Campus of Tri-County Technical College, a new career center for high school students, adult education facilities, and county economic development offices. Blue Ridge will provide electric service to the new campus, as well as to the rest of the commerce park, which is situated within the Cooperative’s assigned territory. Beginning in 2015, the Cooperative’s grant is to be paid to Tri-County in equal annual installments over a five-year period.

This new partnership among the College, Oconee County School District, and Oconee County will create a unique center for technical education, work-based learning, and economic development. The Oconee Industry and Technology Park was chosen as the top site because of its size, as well as its proximity to all four of the county’s public high schools.

“We have the opportunity to create a dynamic center where education, economic development, workforce training, and industry come together in ways we have yet to imagine,” said Dr. Booth. “In addition, co-location will save money through shared infrastructure, labs, and equipment.”

Henry Harrison Pledges $25,000 for Vet Tech FacilityLongtime Foundation supporter and animal lover Henry

Harrison, pictured below with Veterinary Technology Department Head Ashley Brady, didn’t think twice about supporting the Foundation’s major gifts campaign to raise funds for scholarships and animals’ medical needs in the College’s Veterinary Technology program.

He is the owner of two birds and two cats, one of whom is Lake Kitty, a semi-feral cat who resides at Mr. Harrison’s lake house.

In honor of his commitment to Tri-County’s purpose and mission, coupled with his love of animals, Mr. Harrison pledged $25,000 to the campaign to support the feline housing facility, which he affectionately calls Henry’s Cat House.

To date the Foundation has raised $30,025 for its Veterinary Technology major gifts campaign through various giving opportunities, such as Scholarship Gifts, Medical Fund (covers treatment and surgery expenses for animals received from local shelters), Memorial Gifts (a way to honor a beloved companion), Dedicate a Brick Paver, and In-Kind Gifts (such as pressure washers, generators, shelving, animal crates, transport trailer, cat cages, portable kennels, towels, blankets).

College officials broke ground May 21 on a new $1.5 million veterinary technology expanded housing and learning facility that is designed to better prepare students and consequently contribute to their future success in the veterinary workplace.

Foundation News

From left are Joel Davis, Blue Ridge board member, Oconee County; Grayson Kelly, executive director of the Foundation; Len Talley, Blue Ridge board member, Oconee County; Dr. Booth; Alan Blackmon, Blue Ridge manager of engineering; Mendel Stone, Blue Ridge board member, Oconee County; Galen DeHay, senior vice president at Tri-County; and Dan Cooper, director of economic development and government relations at the College.

above: Henry Harrison with Lake Kitty

right: Ashley Brady and Henry Harrison

September 2015 • 11

Counselors Get Updates at Appreciation BreakfastThe Annual Counselors’ Appreciation Breakfast was held to express thanks to the high school and PACE partners for their outstanding work this year with the Career Pathways Program, college readiness initiative, college application days, and their participation on PACE committees. Here Amanda Blanton, director of high school engagement and outreach, gives the group an update on the Career Pathways to Success program which enables students to achieve a Tri-County credential by the time they graduate from high school. It gives them a head start on college, allowing them to complete an associate degree within one year of full-time study after high school.

Last year the Career Pathways Program enrolled more than 50 high school students from all seven school districts in the fields of Industrial Electronics, Mechatronics, and HVAC. One hundred and sixty six students are enrolled in CPP this fall.

Foundation Kicks Off Give an Edge Campaign October 7 with Baked Potato Bar

The Foundation will kick off its Give an Edge employee fundraising campaign October 7 with a baked potato bar in the Café followed by details at the faculty/staff meeting later that afternoon.

The kick-off is set for 12–1:30 p.m. in the Café on the Pendleton Campus. The faculty/staff meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the Marshall Parker Auditorium.

“I hope everyone will join us,” said Tammy Fiske, director of annual giving. “This gives the Foundation a chance to thank employees for supporting College needs through a personal gift to the campaign,” she said.

“Our goal is to raise funds that are critical to supporting scholarships, equipment needs, professional development funds, and individual program needs. We had a very successful campaign last year with faculty and staff giving more than $30,000 total to programs, initiatives, endowments, and scholarships, resulting in a 12-percent increase over last year,” she said.

“We’ve had great success in different areas. Employees giving by means of monthly payroll deduction increased 45 percent last year. That is the most common and most popular way to gift to your area of choice,” she said.

“The number who give is more important than the dollars

given in an employee campaign. I urge our College faculty and staff to participate at whatever level they can,” said Tammy.

“Tri-County offers dozens of categories for giving. For instance, you may contribute to Equipment/Technology; Scholarships; Professional Development; or College Priority Needs. Or you may designate your contribution to go to another area of the College,” she said.

“People tend to respond to a genuine need when they have a personal connection to the need. Many of us depended upon financial support on our own path of higher education, and our instructors see needs in their programs on a daily basis,” she said. Contributing to professional development funds means the employee is directly growing the Mini-Grant Fund, as well as the Teaching Chair funds, she said.

“Your donations have provided students with the technology, scholarships, and opportunities they need to be successful. You have made a positive impact on the future of Tri-County. Financial support is often the key to graduation and a changed life. Your gift is impactful and greatly appreciated,” said Tammy.

Look for a brochure highlighting ways to give, as well as e-mail updates on weekly giveaways and employee testimonials throughout the six-week campaign.

Call Tammy at Ext. 1812 if you have questions about where to direct your giving, as well as details on the types of giving. “My door is always open,” she said.

The internal campaign ends November 18 with a “Sweet Celebration from 12–1:30 p.m. in the Café.

12 • CONNECTION

Students Kick Off Semester by Getting Connected

“Get Connected” events were held on the Pendleton, Anderson, and Easley Campuses. Get Connected gives students the opportunity to connect to life outside of class and learn about campus clubs, organizations, and community connections. Students also have the opportunity to win prizes, eat great food, and meet new people.

right: Speech instructor Dana Griffith, far left, poses with several of the student leaders who traveled to Washington, D.C., for the annual leadership trip in May. The goal of the trip is to learn about U.S. history, our government, and to honor our veterans. From left are Lauren Nix, of Anderson, Koshier Dawson, of Anderson, and Darius Geer, of Pendleton,

far right: Taylor Volkert, of Anderson gets information about the Tutoring Center from Pat Seawright, director.

Dr. Booth Hosts President’s List ReceptionDr. Booth hosted a reception September 23 for the students who were named to the President’s List for Spring and Summer

2015. These individuals earned a perfect (4.0) grade point average and are enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program.This event was

a chance for Dr. Booth to talk one on one with the students and to offer a word of congratulations for a job well done.

“We’re very proud of you. It‘s our job to help you to be successful and to get where you want to be,” he said.

Dr. Booth, middle, poses with students who were honored for their 4.0 grade point average at a President’s List reception.

September 2015 • 13

Faculty/Staff Present High-Impact Practices (HIPs) SeminarsAll full-time and adjunct faculty and all permanent staff

received a Welcome to HIPs Professional Development Opportunities Brochure earlier this month. To support the scaling up of High-Impact Practices (HIPs) at the College, throughout the semester, faculty and staff will be presenting seminars on HIPs already in place at the College. They also will focus on high-impact teaching practices that can be implemented as additional HIPs are developed and expanded. To register for any activity, select the event on the College Activities Calendar in eTC. On the Message Center tab, click on the “register” icon.

As part of the HIPs seminar series, Cheryl Garrison, job placement coordinator, led “Co-op (Work-Based Learning): A HIP in the Making.” She discussed the definition of work-based learning at Tri-County and gave various examples of students working in co-ops, internships, apprenticeships, and scholars programs (BMW, Michelin, and Duke). Work-based learning has grown from 26 students and six companies in 2013 to 130 students and 90 company participants in 2015. “Our reach is continuing to grow with the majority being in manufacturing. There are great jobs that lead to great careers. This is an easy sell, and students’ earning potential is exceptional,” she told participants.

Cheryl explained that work-based learning can be defined as a HIP—almost. Significant investment of time, real-world applications, and experience with diversity are all currently present in the process. She said the reflection and the integration of learning components are missing at the moment, and she is working to

add a reflection piece via a questionnaire the participants will fill out before the work-based learning opportunity. This will set the stage for a later reflection piece. Cheryl also plans to add an evaluation component for employers.

Mandy Orzechowski, Engineering Technology department head, was the facilitator for one of the High Impact Practices (HIP)s-related professional development opportunity sessions held earlier this month. She discussed how EGR 184 (Problem-Based Integrated Technology I) has incorporated a capstone project that gives students the opportunity to showcase their learning. Mandy also discussed how the capstone project in EGR 184 meets HIPs criteria. Capstone courses are classified as HIPs because they improve deep learning, and promote general gains, along with gains in practical and personal skills.

What Makes a Student Experience a High-Impact Practice (HIP)?• Significant investment of time (12

hours minimum)• Periodic opportunities for reflection

and/or integration of learning• One of the following:

✓ Frequent feedback✓ Experience with diversity✓ Interaction with peers/faculty✓ Performance expectations at

appropriately high levels✓ Real-world applications✓ Public demonstration of

competence

Cheryl Garrison, job placement coordinator, far right, led “Co-op (Work-Based Learning): A HIP in the Making.” Attending were, from left, Dr. Jerry Marshall, mathematics instructor; Laneika Musalini, grants director; Tonique Dennis, administrative assistant for the physical plant; and Pat Seawright, director of the Tutoring Center.

Mandy Orzechowski, Engineering Technology department head, standing, was the facilitator for one of the HIPs-related sessions. Pictured from left are Brad Bowen, Criminal Justice instructor, Dr. Jerry Marshall, mathematics instructor, Scott Brabham, Welding instructor, Dr. Dan Averette, dean of the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division, and Matt Woodall, Welding instructor.

14 • CONNECTION

Psychology was her path. Penny earned a Master’s of Science from University of Florida’s Clinical and Health Psychology program. Soon after her daughter was born, she embarked on a career teaching at Tri-County where she has been for a decade.

When Penny received an e-mail about attending the roundtable to meet with Abney Foundation representatives, she was reminded of how their generosity paved the way to college for her as a teenager and continues today in her role as Department Head for Social Sciences.

Last year she benefited through Abney professional development funds that provided monies for her to participate in the Leadership Pickens County (LPC) Program. Like Laneika, she recognizes the multiplier effect in terms of how many students and/or advisees she has the potential to reach in the classroom or through community connections. “With the knowledge gained in the Leadership Pickens class, I am able to share information with students about programs and services of which they aren’t aware. If they live in Pickens County, I can give them valuable information on resources in the community they didn’t know existed. I also did not know they existed before the Leadership class. Additionally, this valuable information can be shared with our faculty when they are assisting a student,” said Penny.

As part of her class’s leadership project, she and her team worked on a beautification project for the Hagood Senior Center

and through fundraising were able to donate $2,500 to the senior center. Furthermore, graduating from the LPC Program led to her being named to a three-year term on its Board of Regents. “Thanks to the Abney funds and the LPC program, I’ve learned leadership skills and have established enduring connections with community partners. I will maintain those connections through my service on the Board of Regents.” said Penny.

Already this year, Penny conducted a team-building session for the new Leadership Pickens class and will assist with the Education session in December and the Recreation and Tourism session in April. “Community knowledge and community connections have been huge payoffs,” she said.

“I am incredibly grateful for my opportunities as a result of Abney funds. They have helped me move forward professionally in impacting students and being a supporter of our faculty. After being the recipient of an Abney scholarship and professional development funds, I am now in a [department head] position that advocates for professional development funds to assist other faculty. Ultimately, the multiplier effect is evident with my involvement in the community and at Tri-County; it’s come full circle in so many ways.”

Upstate Warriors Solution Support TCTC VeteransRepresentatives of Upstate Warrior Solution presented a ceremonial check to support veterans’ services at Tri-County Technical College to Stephanie Winkler, disabilities services coordinator (center), and Dr. Brian Swords, Easley Campus director and interim dean of students (far left). The check was presented during a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the new Upstate Warrior Solutions office in Clemson September 17. Stephanie led the College’s efforts to open Patriots’ Place, a veterans’ resource center on the Pendleton Campus.

The $16,500 gift, which Tri-County received during the last fiscal year, is being used to fund a part-time position to assist with veterans’ activities, identifying post-911 veterans, educational materials, and special events, such as Backpacks for the Brave.

The mission of Upstate Warrior Solution is to connect warriors and their families to the resources they need, lead them through the process of self empowerment, and inspire the community to embrace warriors and their families as valued neighbors and friends.

Abney Foundation Paves Way (continued from page 5)

September 2015 • 15

Compton Promotes Program at Broadway Lake Family Day“The TCTC tent at the Anderson

County/Broadway Lake Family Day Saturday was a hit,” said Manufacturing Management and Leadership Program Coordinator Stan Compton, who spent the day (August 22) talking to folks about his rebranded and updated program, as well as other educational opportunities at Tri-County.

“It was a great experience. People were interested in the College’s programs and services,” said Stan, who urges other faculty and staff to participate in similar community events. “It’s a good way to promote Tri-County,” he said. “It was a fun day well spent.”

Campus Safety Director Jonathan

Finch was inspired by the Student Veterans Association and sent Dr.

Brian Swords this note: “I wanted to thank you for asking me

to serve as the Advisor for the Students Veterans Association (SVA). During the conversation we had the other day with the veterans, you probably remember me telling them instead of the conversation always being about what they can get in terms of benefits, assistance, etc., they should make helping others, service projects, etc., a part of their mission. Well, with that in mind, I am going to take a few minutes to share some motivation!

“This past Tuesday, Officer Teresa Summers, who was working our front desk, told me there were five to six guys crowding the window demanding to speak with Chief Finch. This was the SVA group you had introduced me to the other day, and I was very quickly impressed with their motivation and initiative. They quickly explained that the previous evening they had met with a Tri-County student veteran who has a disabled son. The student had brought his son by Patriots’ Place, and a few of the SVA folks had gotten a chance to play and interact with the kid for a few minutes. The child is extremely ill, and the SVA team immediately determined this was something they wanted to help with.

“That attitude displayed by these young TCTC student veterans is amazing just by itself, but it only gets better. After meeting with them on Tuesday, they continued their push, and the following day at 3 p.m. they met with the family and provided toys for the child, a dog bed for the child’s service-dog, etc. Numerous TCTC folks have become involved as well. Lou Moritz, who has experience with the Make-a-Wish

Foundation, has spoken with the family, and Officer Summers showed up this morning at work with a car full of items she and her husband had purchased for the family last night to include a handicap shower chair, and, of course, Stephanie Winkler continues to be the single most helpful and motivated employee at TCTC when it comes to our student veterans!

“Not only is this just a great experience with someone having been helped, there is no doubt in my mind TCTC students have been impressed with the immediate and overwhelming support shown by TCTC employees. I look forward to working with this impressive team.”

Brag&

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Pictured from left are student veterans Alex Thompson; Drew Pitman, who reached out to Georgia Canine and others for medication, a tempur pedic bed, leashes, and collars for the service dog; Julio Salazar; William Griffin; Officers Jackie Howard and Teresa Summers; student veteran Nathan Barron; and veteran family Kelly and Jeff Morton and their son Christopher, 9. Kelli is a Surgical Technology graduate.

left: Program Coordinator Stan Compton spent the day promoting the College and his Manufacturing Management and Leadership program.

center: A view of the Broadway Lake Family Day

16 • CONNECTION

Executive Staff Summary• OCONEE CAMPUS: Tri-County and its partners from

Oconee County and the School District of Oconee County will begin next steps in commissioning a design study for the future Oconee County Workforce Development Center, which will co-locate an Oconee Campus of Tri-County Technical College, a new Career Center for high school students, adult education, and county economic development offices.

• STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER: The College’s next step in obtaining approval to construct a Student Success Center will be a hearing before the Joint Bond Review Committee (JBRC), scheduled for October 13 in Columbia.

• NEW HIRE ORIENTATION: As part of our talent management initiative, a project team has developed a new standardized orientation process for all new hires. Future plans include the development of a staff version of the Learning College 101 class for new faculty.

• OTHER: Talent management, policy and procedure changes; progress thus far on 2015-16 Strategic Plan; and Professional Development Day (December 14).

Celebrating Constitution Day

Constitution Day 2015 was celebrated at all of our campuses with cake, free pocket Constitutions, and a voter registration drive. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution.

Congress declared September 17 as United States Constitution Day to celebrate the original ratification on September 17, 1787, when the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention held their final meeting and signed the U.S. Constitution.

At the Anderson and Easley Campus celebrations, students enjoyed free pocket Constitutions, refreshments, and a trivia quiz.

Dr. George Peery, professor emeritus of Political Science at Mars Hill University, pictured center, spoke to a crowded auditorium about current issues and how they connect to the Constitution. Pictured with him are faculty, staff, and student leaders.

Jack Roshe, a Bridge to Clemson student, registers to vote at the Pendleton Campus. Pictured with him are staff members of the Anderson County Voter Registration office, front to back, Laura Gambrell, voter services supervisor; Carrie Brown, registration clerk; and Lisa Campbell, senior elections clerk.