Thank you to 2024-2025 Employee Campaign Captains!
Working in higher education, particularly at a 2-year Technical College, is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. Being able to help people achieve their goals and realize their dreams is something that very few people can say about their jobs. Just go out somewhere in the Lowcountry with your TTC shirt on and you will find that everyone has a TTC story, whether they attended, a family member attended, they came to QUEST or just took a Gingerbread class at Christmas. The impact we make cannot be measured, but I have found that for everything we give, we receive tenfold in job satisfaction and sense of making a difference.
“Through the years, I realized that a village is not only needed but vital for the development and happiness of its inhabitants. As the TTC family once proved this true for me, now it’s my turn. Students aren’t meant to do this alone. And we, as a village, are here to help them succeed in this life. That’s why I will always support our students, especially when it’s as simple as donating to the scholarship fund.”
“I support TTC students and the Foundation because students often juggle education, family responsibilities, and one or two jobs. By supporting these students, we reduce some of the stress that can hinder their ability to concentrate and succeed academically. This support can help them achieve their goals and contribute to a stronger workforce.”
“I am a firm believer in 'paying it forward.' So many people have invested into me over the past 40 years. This has allowed me to reach my goals of becoming an educator. It is now time for me to 'pour into' the next generation. Giving to the Foundation provides the opportunity to 'build a bridge' that helps others achieve their goals and dreams.”
"I give to the Foundation because I know that even a little can go a long way to help our students and employees. Trident does so much for me as an employee, and I like that I have this chance to give back to our community through the Employee Giving Campaign. "
"I believe that education can transform lives for the better. I support the Foundation because it helps students get that education that will transform their lives and enable them to reach their full potential. "
"The benefit of contributing can directly impact a student’s ability to succeed academically and professionally. It can also help eliminate barriers that student’s otherwise may not be able to overcome."
"As a student, I was helped and want to pay it forward. As a employee, I received Tuition Assistance to complete my Master's Degree. As an instructor, I like to help my students succeed."
"Well into my second decade of teaching for the college, I have witnessed students overcome numerous obstacles as they work at improving their lives, those of their family members, as well as their communities. Donating to the Campus Campaign is one way that we can help students to be seat ready and to be on the right path to their new careers. Even the smallest of donations leads to greater student persistence."
"The reason I give yearly to the Employee Giving Campaign is because of my desire to see first generation college students attend college and fulfill their dreams, without worry. As a first generation college student myself, I understand the struggle that students have with adjusting to college life and the many concerns that come with the unknown. One concern I do not want those students to experience is how to afford taking college classes."
"I have given to the TTC Foundation since I started working here in 1998. At first, I did it because I like giving to organizations that I believe in. Having been a TTC student before being an employee, I knew what TTC could do for students. Over the last 26 years, I have had even more opportunities to get to know our students and what their challenges are. I've also seen fellow employees benefit from the tuition assistance program and it helped me obtain my Masters Degree. It just makes sense to me to give where I can see firsthand where the money goes and how it transforms the lives of so many people. It just makes sense. "
"I support the foundation because I believe in our students. The foundation helps remove financial roadblocks that can keep our students from staying in school and achieving their dreams."
"My reason for giving to the TTC Foundation Scholarship fund comes down to one word, opportunity. A TTC college education provides opportunities and environments for students to learn not only from their instructors, but also from their exposure to new ideas that can change their view of themselves, their capabilities and interests. It also provides opportunities for our students through an enlarged set of contacts and resources that can help them both in an out of the college setting, setting them up for success for years to come. And finally it provides them an excellent career opportunities that can change their lives and the lives of their families for generations. By giving, I can provide the help needed to make sure that a student has the resources they need to persist at their dreams. It is a tangible way to show that I believe in them, and a direct action that can help them accomplish their goals."
"Why have I supported the College since before I graduated? Because of the opportunities and transformation I experienced as a student here. I know exactly how very special the TTC learning experience is and want to provide a similar experience for our students – 'mine' and everyone else’s. I am proud to be both a graduate and 20-year employee of this college. When I started my educational journey, I never dreamed I end up as an educator. I began to believe in myself because of the student experiences I had as a student. I have succeeded in ways I never imagined when I started my educational journey in 1989. As a full-time faculty member, I continue the journey. Who knows which of our students have embarked on a similar journey and will share a similar story a few decades from now?"
Brandon Branham
Director, Student Readiness
Bryan Smith
Network Systems Team Manager