Nov. 16, 2016 - Zucker family donates $6 million to Trident Technical College
Trident Technical College announced today that the Zucker family will provide $6 million to support the new S.C. Aeronautical Training Center, which is being built on the college’s Main Campus in North Charleston. Trident Tech President Mary Thornley made the announcement during an event held for the Zucker family on the college’s Main Campus in North Charleston.
Anita Zucker, CEO of the InterTech Group, said the family is making the donation to support the efforts the college is making to grow advanced manufacturing in the state.
“The S.C. Aeronautical Training Center at Trident Technical College is more important than ever,” said Zucker. “In this region we are growing dramatically. We are growing with every kind of manufacturing, not just aerospace but also advanced manufacturing in general. Providing training to meet that demand is critical. This will be a facility with an incredible economic impact, on not just our region but our entire state.”
The $6 million donation to the Trident Technical College Foundation is the biggest in the college’s history. The Zuckers’ largest previous donation to the college was a $1 million pledge to the foundation made in 2012. The family has made numerous other gifts to the college over the years to fund scholarships, provide academic support for students, purchase needed instructional equipment, and upgrade college technology.
The gift announced on Wednesday will be used to enhance programs housed in the new facility and support the ongoing operation of the center. In recognition of the gift, the college will name the most public wing of the S.C. Aeronautical Training Center “Zucker Hall.”
The Zuckers designated $500,000 of the pledge to be issued as a matching challenge to fund a solar roof on the center’s aircraft hangar. So far, the TTC Foundation has raised $300,000 toward the match, with Home Telecom, Charleston Development Board Foundation and C&A Unlimited each giving $100,000.
Trident Tech broke ground for the new building earlier this month. The facility will house the college’s Aeronautical Studies programs, readySC training for Boeing South Carolina, and other readySC advanced manufacturing training. It will also provide classroom and lab space for the college’s advanced manufacturing continuing education programs, and Industrial and Engineering Technology programs. The center will feature open bays to accommodate aircraft, large aircraft parts and training aids. Classrooms and labs will be used to train students in subjects including aircraft assembly and maintenance, composite materials, avionics, mechatronics, robotics and automation, and additive manufacturing (industrial 3-D printing). The center is expected to open in fall 2019.
“The Zucker family runs one of the largest privately held companies in the state. Because they have such a deep understanding of workforce challenges and opportunities, the Zuckers focus much of their attention, talent and philanthropy on educational issues,” said Trident Technical College President Mary Thornley. “This gift will be absolutely transformational for Trident Tech students who will benefit from the opportunities this amazing family is making possible.”
The Zuckers have been involved with the college for decades. The late Jerry Zucker served on TTC’s Electronics Engineering Technology Advisory Committee. Anita Zucker is a former member and chair of the TTC Foundation Board of Trustees. She currently serves on TTC’s Area Commission, the college’s governing board.
“Making a gift like the one our family is making to Trident Technical College is one that I hope sends a message about the quality of the instruction taking place at this institution,” said Zucker. “Our family is investing in people. We want to give every person from every walk of life access to the training that will be provided here. By supporting this institution we make those opportunities available.”
The TTC Foundation operates independently of the college as a nonprofit corporation, advocating and raising funds for the college to support the region’s economy.
Oct. 19, 2016 - TTC Palmer Campus celebrates the life and the legacy of Philip Simmons for Spirit Week 2016
Trident Technical College’s Palmer Campus will celebrate the life and the legacy of master blacksmith Philip Simmons for Eastside Day 2016 to be held Thursday, Oct. 27. Eastside Day is a part of the Palmer Campus’s Spirit Week held annually to celebrate the students of TTC and the heritage of the Eastside Community where the college’s downtown Charleston campus is located. Spirit Week 2016 is slated for Oct. 24-28.
In collaboration with the Philip Simmons Foundation, the Eastside Neighborhood Association, TTC’s Visual Arts departments, as well as the Culinary Institute of Charleston, the Palmer Campus has planned a week of student-driven activities that the community and TTC students, faculty and staff are invited to attend. All events are free.
Kicking off the week will be a student welcome on Monday, Oct. 24, at the campus courtyard and park. Spirit Week will continue with a College Transfer Fair and Health Expo for TTC students Oct. 25-26.
Thursday’s Eastside Day activities are open to the public and dedicated to celebrating Simmons, who lived in the Eastside Community from 1919 until he passed in 2009. His house, located in walking distance from Palmer Campus at 30 ½ Blake Street, is now the Philip Simmons Museum House with a gift shop and operating workshop, where the art of his craft is being continued by his nephew Carlton Simmons and cousin Joseph Pringle. Following a celebration in the park, interested participants will have the opportunity to tour the Museum House. The tours will leave from campus at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Students and members of the community are also invited to visit the Library Commons Gallery for a reception on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to view artwork by TTC Visual Arts students. The week will conclude with a Safety Awareness Fair on Friday, Oct. 28.
Aug. 31, 2016 - South Carolina Apprenticeship Initiative Regional Workshop scheduled at Trident Technical College
Trident Technical College (TTC) Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development is pleased to host the upcoming South Carolina Apprenticeship Initiative Regional Workshop on Thursday, Sept. 29 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at TTC’s Main Campus in North Charleston in the Continuing Education Building (Bldg. 910), Rm. 122.
TTC is partnering with the South Carolina Technical College System to deliver apprenticeship training via the South Carolina Apprenticeship Initiative (SCAI) and has been awarded over $160,000 from the SCAI grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to use for this training. Representatives from Apprenticeship Carolina will be on hand at this special workshop to explain the program, and representatives from the Enterprise Zone Act will answer questions and demonstrate how these programs can be used to stretch a company’s training budget. Once a company’s registration is finalized, they are eligible to receive a $1,000 tax credit per year for up to four years. More than $12,000 in training funds is available for each qualified company with up to $2,500 available per apprentice.
Industries served must be in Advanced Manufacturing (NAICS 31-33), Information Technology (NAICS 51) or Professional Services (NAICS 54) in the following occupations (see ONET codes): engineering installation (17-0000); maintenance and repair (49-0000); production (51-0000); computers (15-1100); business/finance (13-0000); design/media (27-1000 and 3000).
To RSVP or for additional information, contact Yvonne Brown, Assistant VP of Continuing Education, at 843.574.6083 or Yvonne.Brown@tridenttech.edu or Tori New-Cater with TTC’s Business Solutions at 843.574.6177 or victoria.new-cater@tridenttech.edu. Visit www.tridenttech.edu/ce to learn more about programs offered by Trident Technical College’s Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development.
Aug. 17, 2016 - Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and Trident Technical College hold Youth Apprenticeship event
The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and Trident Technical College celebrated career education with hundreds of business leaders and educators at a State of the Region: Education and Youth Apprenticeship Signing Day breakfast on Aug. 9. The event was held at TTC’s College Center on Main Campus in North Charleston.
The program spotlighted the partnership between the Chamber, TTC and the region’s public school districts with the signing of the 2016-2017 class of Charleston Regional Youth Apprentices and the kickoff of the fourth year of Career Academies. The event also featured the unveiling of the 2016 Talent Demand Study Update, CEO of The InterTech Group Anita Zucker, as well as a panel discussion on the Youth Apprenticeship Program led by TTC President Dr. Mary Thornley.
Following the program, participants of the third class of the Youth Apprenticeship Program officially signed with their employers as apprentices at local businesses representing culinary, hotel operations, industrial mechanics, junior computer programming, machine tool, computer networking, manufacturing, contracting services and health care.
Through the Youth Apprenticeship Program, TTC connects qualified high school students with participating employers. The employers interview and hire the students, who then begin employment while taking high school and college courses. At the completion of the apprenticeships, students will have earned a high school diploma, a TTC certificate, a journeyman credential from the U.S. Department of Labor and two years of work experience.
All costs associated with the program including tuition and books are paid by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. Currently, there are over 65 business partners who have or are interested in hiring youth apprentices for the 2016‐17 academic school year.
May 10, 2016 - Outstanding students honored at Awards Day
Trident Technical College students and faculty members were recognized for their outstanding achievement and involvement in student organizations at TTC’s Awards Day ceremony held at the college’s Main Campus on May 5.
The President’s Award/Kurtzman Prize, the highest honor which includes a monetary gift given to a graduating student on the basis of academic achievement, contributions to the college and community service, was awarded this year to two students, Linda Ash and Emily Jax.
CEO Rick Hammond was on hand to present the S.C. State Credit Union Award, which also includes a monetary gift, to Victor Moscoso, as a returning student who demonstrates a commitment to service, exhibits perseverance toward completing higher educational goals, displays commendable personal attributes, and serves as an exemplary role model to other students.
The Klein Tools Award, which honors the outstanding electrician graduate from the Electrical and Automated Technologies program with a set of tools valued at more than $1,000, was presented by Klein Tools Inc. District Manager David Inman to TTC student Billy Wall of Walterboro.
The Dr. Frankie Miller Leadership Award, in honor of the former dean of the Culinary Institute of Charleston (CIC), Frankie Miller, was awarded to Abigail Hamrick. Hamrick was recognized with a $500 scholarship check from the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and an award from the CIC.
Also among the award recipients was Cameron Bolus who received a Graphic Design award for designing a greeting card that will be used by the President’s Office.
The Merit Award winners were also recognized by TTC President Dr. Mary Thornley for their academic and personal excellence, identifying each recipient as the top student in his or her program of study. The Merit Award winners are: Accounting-Reyna Mamani, Administrative Office Technology-Betty Baldwin, Associate in Arts-Kelsey Budd, Associate in Arts-Laura Prioleau, Associate in Science-Laura Downing, Associate in Science-Cameron West, Commercial Graphics/Animation-Angela Smythe, Commercial Graphics/Digital-Genevieve Eckman, Commercial Graphics/Graphic Design-Danielle Jenning, Commercial Graphics/Photography-Lauren Walker, Computer Technology/Information Systems Specialist-Katelyn Watford, Culinary Arts Technology-Ladonna Bruce, Culinary Arts Technology/Baking and Pastry-Rayma Shumpert, Culinary Arts/Sports and Health Nutrition-Judith Gorsky, Dental Hygiene-Tara Hirsch, Early Child Care and Education/Special Education-Tina Yonce, General Technology/Medical Assisting-Kristina Phillips, Homeland Security Management-Randolph Allen, Hospitality and Tourism Management-Cynthia Zukowski, Human Services Generalist-Laurie Steinke, Management/Fire Service-Nathan Adams, Management/Human Resources-Elizabeth Daughtry, Management/Leadership Development-Trent Needler, Media Arts Production/Film Production-Andrew Metcalf, Media Arts Production/Post Production-Eric Johnson, Medical Laboratory Technology-Ashley Newton, Network Systems Management-Benjamin Lebeau, Nursing/ADN-Emily Jax, Paralegal-Tracie Hopkins, and Radiologic Technology-Alice Palumbo.
There are approximately 40 student organizations at TTC in which students have the opportunities to network with other students who have similar interests, gain additional practice in their fields of study, interact with future colleagues, and offer time and energy to community service. Three organizations were recognized with Outstanding Student Organization awards. Winning the top honor was the Society of Broadcasters, followed by Champions for Change as first runner-up and the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association as second runner-up.
Awards of Distinction, given to student organizations that have won the Outstanding Student Organization award for more than three years, were presented to Phi Theta Kappa and the Hospitality and Culinary Student Association.
Outstanding Advisors and Outstanding Members of Student Organizations were also recognized. Phi Theta Kappa advisor Daryl Milligan won the top honor for Outstanding Student Advisor. First runner-up was given to Champions for Change advisor Geneva Fleming and second runner-up was given to Jane Benton for the Radiologic Technology Association.
Additionally, several students were recognized as Outstanding Members of a Student Organization, while 15 students were recognized for their selection to the 2016 edition of Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.
May 10, 2016 - Trident Technical College honors employees for years of service
Trident Technical College recently honored 126 employees for a combined 1,665 years of service at the college. Employees were honored for five-45 years of employment with a breakfast and small token of appreciation, while those who had been at TTC for 30, 35 and 45 years had the opportunity to give special remarks. Four employees were recognized for 35 years of service, while Trident Tech’s longest-serving employee, Itaski Jenkins, was recognized for 45 years of employment at TTC.
April 18, 2016 - Trident Technical College employee wins statewide award for innovation
Summerville resident Laurie Boeding, dean of business technology at Trident Technical College, is the 2016 recipient of the A. Wade Martin Innovator of the Year Award, which is given each year by the S.C. Technical College System Foundation.
The A. Wade Martin Award recognizes individuals in the technical college system who employ innovative approaches to meet the ever-changing needs in the technical education arena and whose achievements impact most positively in the system’s statewide efforts in economic development and the education of technical college students. A. Wade Martin was the executive director of South Carolina’s first technical and industrial training program.
Boeding won the award for her efforts to put TTC on the forefront of cybersecurity education. She revamped the Network Systems Management program with cybersecurity and cyberforensics components, pursued grants to fund cyberforensics competitions and STEM workshops, recruited new members to the academic advisory board, built partnerships with local school districts and government agencies, and brought instructional equipment and software used by students up to industry standards. She has also reached out to promote the career field to girls, since women are a minority in the information technology field.
“Laurie has been a champion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in the Charleston area for many years. Her passion to see students succeed in this area is evident in her commitment to support programs in the Charleston tri-county area,” said Shanda Johnson, SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic STEM outreach director. “Laurie has been involved in nearly all community initiatives supporting STEM education, especially when focused on underserved and underrepresented groups.”
Boeding’s multi-layered approach has resulted in an advanced cybersecurity curriculum that other colleges are using as a model. Trident Tech’s well-equipped labs are now the pinnacle to aspire to, with high schools and other colleges looking at TTC’s labs when designing their own. Four-year colleges and universities are reaching out to the college to discuss transfer program options and Boeding and her faculty members have been invited to collaborate nationally on cybersecurity curriculum. Her efforts have not only resulted in making Trident Tech a leader in cybersecurity education, but have strengthened and promoted STEM and cyberforensics locally and across the state.
“Laurie has been a vital link between the college and our service area and has developed innovative approaches to keeping that link strong and effective,” said Connie Jolly, assistant vice president for academic affairs. “She is a tireless advocate for her students, the community and the college. Cyberforensics is a new emerging career field and Trident Technical College is on the education forefront as a result of Laurie’s work.”
The Executive Committee of S.C. Technical College System Foundation selects the award recipient from nominations submitted by colleges in the state technical college system. The award recipient receives a framed award and a check for $500.
Photo Caption: Trident Technical College Dean of Business Technology Laurie Boeding receives the A. Wade Martin Innovator of the Year Award from S.C. Technical College System President James Williamson.
April 7, 2016 - Kids' College and Teen University summer camps registration is open
Trident Technical College Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development is accepting registrations for the 2016 Kids’ College (Ages 7-11) and Teen University (Ages 12-17) summer camps. The innovative series at Trident Technical College inspires, educates and engages students, by featuring fun and educational offerings in subject areas including college prep, computer technology, leadership skills, young professionals, creative arts, culinary, baking and pastry as well as math and science. Each camp runs for a five-day period, meeting three-and-a-half hours each day (8:30 a.m.-noon or 1-4:30 p.m.) and costs from $99 to $199 per camp. Camps are offered in five locations around the Lowcountry from June 13 to Aug. 5, 2016. Almost 1,300 students participated in the 2015 programs.
March 23, 2016 - Administrative Professionals Day Conference to be held April 20
Trident Technical College Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development is pleased to announce the program lineup for the 22nd Annual Administrative Professionals Day Conference, “Cultivating Change by Fostering Connectivity.” The 2016 conference is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20, 2016 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in The College Center on the Main Campus of Trident Technical College in North Charleston. Registration fees range from $109-$149 per person.
This one-day event features guest speakers from the community and faculty from Trident Technical College in addition to a gourmet lunch catered by Duvall Catering and Event Design. Antonio Robinson serves as conference emcee. Rodney Barrentine delivers the National Anthem as part of the opening of the conference. A breakfast buffet is also provided.
March 22, 2016 -New Kids’ College and Teen University spring break camps start March 28 for ages 7-17
Trident Technical College Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development is launching a new series of camps to keep youth ages 7-17 engaged during spring break. Expanding upon its popular Kids’ College (Ages 7-12) and Teen University (Ages 12-17) summer camps series, the spring break camps are scheduled from March 28-April 1 in college prep, math and science, computer technology and leadership skills. Most camps run for a five-day period, meeting three-and-a-half hours each day (8:30 a.m.-noon or 1-4:30 p.m.) and cost from $119 to $199 per camp. Camps meet at Trident Technical College’s Main Campus in North Charleston.
March 5, 2016 - 30th Annual Quest Academic Competition
Students from 42 public schools throughout the tri-county area battled for top honors at the 30th Annual Quest Academic Competition held today at Trident Technical College.
Students participated in four levels of competition: Level I-grade 6, Level II-grades 7-8, Level III-grades 9-10 and Level IV-grades 11-12. Students competed and earned points in team competitions in math, science and social studies, and in individual competitions in composition, public speaking and visual arts. Schools whose students earned the most total points won overall awards at each level. Special competitions that did not contribute points toward the overall awards were held in automotive, computer aided design, computer programming, culinary, engineering design and construction, French, horticulture, Spanish, video/film and welding.
Overall awards were given to 12 schools. At Level I (grade 6) Gregg Middle School won first place, Buist Academy for Advanced Studies placed second and Rollings Middle School of the Arts finished in third place. At Level II (grades 7-8) Charleston County School of the Arts took top honors, Rollings Middle School of the Arts placed second and College Park Middle School earned third. At Level III (grades 9-10) Academic Magnet High School won first place, Ashley Ridge High School placed second and Cane Bay High School placed third. At Level IV (grades 11-12) Academic Magnet won first place, James Island Charter High School placed second and Fort Dorchester took third place.
Approximately 1,200 students participated in this year’s Quest. The competition was developed by TTC to promote academic excellence, provide an academic challenge to students, and recognize top students, teachers and schools.
For a list of winners and photos, click here.
Feb. 5, 2016 - Trident Technical College to hold free big band concert
Start your Valentine’s Day celebration at Trident Technical College on Friday, Feb. 12, as Charleston’s Premier Big Band featuring Nancy Clayton plays the standards of the Swing era.
The music of George Gershwin, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and others will fill the College Center in the Complex for Economic Development (Bldg. 920) on Main Campus, 7000 Rivers Ave., North Charleston from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
The concert, sponsored by the college’s Division of Humanities and Social Sciences and Student Activities, is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. A limited number of free tickets are available at the college’s Student Activities office in Bldg. 410/Rm. 130, on Main Campus. For more information, call 843.574.6012.
Jan. 19, 2016 - Trident Technical College launches new Workforce Pathways Scholarship program
Trident Technical College’s Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development is offering a new Workforce Pathways Scholarship that will provide up to $2,000 per student per term for short-term training in select STEM-related career fields.
The Workforce Pathways Scholarship was funded by the S.C. General Assembly through the S.C. Technical College System. With $850,000 in funds available for Trident Tech students, the program has the potential to benefit hundreds of local residents who need workforce training to get a job or advance on the job.
The scholarship will cover the cost of course fees and textbooks for qualified TTC continuing education courses in the areas of health care, manufacturing, information technology, and transportation and logistics. A complete list of eligible courses can be found under Funding Opportunities on TTC’s Continuing Education website at www.tridenttech.edu/ce. Training available through the scholarship program will prepare students for career fields including medical coding, emergency medical technology, medical assisting, phlebotomy, web design, networking, welding, and advanced manufacturing.
Click here for more information.