Scholarships Spark Dreams
The Trident Technical College Foundation’s 2025 Scholarship Luncheon, held on April 8, was more than a celebration—it was a heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of education and the donors who make it possible. In a room filled with gratitude and inspiration, the event spotlighted the journeys of four remarkable students whose lives have been forever changed by scholarship support.
Inventing a Better Future
Dr. Cephus E. Simmons, Sr. is a name synonymous with innovation, compassion and perseverance in the field of radiology. But before he became a nationally recognized inventor and educator, his journey began right here at Trident Technical College.
Sowing Seeds of Success
When Andrea Ross walked across the stage at Trident Technical College’s 2025 commencement ceremony, she wasn’t just receiving a diploma—she was honoring a legacy, overcoming adversity and planting seeds for a brighter future.
Future Alumni Dream, Believe and Succeed
Meet the winners of the Future Alumni Essay Contest! Students were asked to write about how Trident Tech is helping them dream, believe and succeed, and the winning essays paint a vivid picture of resilience, tranformation and the pursuit of purpose through education at Trident Technical College.
A Place of Gratitude
Trident Technical College employees Cris and Darren Felty met as students at St. Leo College (now St. Leo University), where they were both enrolled in the English program and involved in theater.
Thirty years and three kids later, Darren is the Dean of TTC’s Mount Pleasant campus, Cris is the Director of Grants Development & Administration at the college and last year they started a scholarship in their daughter’s name.
Together We Give
Trident Technical College employees are passionate about the success of their students and believe that when they come together, they can make a tangible impact on their future. Sixty-one percent of faculty and staff demonstrated their commitment and dedication to students by raising more than $47,000 during this year's Employee Giving Campaign .
A Propensity for Pizza
Trident Technical College alumnus Ben D’Allesandro isn't sure that he would have been able to open D’Allesandro’s Pizza with his brother, Nick, in 2006, without the money he saved by attending TTC.
“College is insanely expensive,” said D’Allesandro, “I’d still be paying off loans if I had stayed on the traditional route.”
TTC Welcomes Dr. Vicky Wood
Monday, July 1, was a typical hot and humid Lowcountry morning when Dr. Vicky Wood arrived at Thornley Campus, travel mug in hand and eager to start her new position as the college’s sixth president.
Having just moved from Marietta, Ohio, Wood knew that the humidity would be something she would have to get used to. But the slow-moving traffic on Interstate 526 took her by surprise.
The Trident Tech Legacy at HLA
Should you venture into the offices of HLA, Inc. in West Ashley these days, there is a good chance that you encounter an alumnus of Trident Technical College. More precisely, there is a sixty-three percent chance.
When Barry Whalen, president and co-founder, discovered that so many HLA associates had attended TTC, he was delighted, but not surprised.
Celebrating Scholarships
Last Spring, the TTC Foundation held its annual Scholarship Luncheon, an inspiring event celebrating recipients and thanking donors.
We invite you to take a few minutes to watch as Lisa Piccolo, Vice President for Development and Executive Director of the TTC Foundation, talks with four students who shared their struggles, aspirations and gratitude for having been chosen for a scholarship and to the donors that make it possible .
Doggies, Desserts and Dedication
Recently, the faculty and staff of Trident Technical College united in an extraordinary display of support for students during the TTC Foundation’s 2023-2024 Campus Campaign.
Together, they raised an impressive $60,000, with 66% of employees participating, demonstrating their dedication to student success.
Making Smiley Connections
One of the first things you notice about Trident Technical College graduate Denetra Smiley is her infectious smile and joyful disposition.
What is not always evident in Smiley’s positive demeanor is the pain in her heart from the loss of her 28-year-old son, who succumbed to osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, five years ago.
It took her a year to be able to talk about it and now she is helping other families who are dealing with similar grief.
Go Anywhere From Here
Last summer, North Charleston native Dennis Smith became the first student to graduate from the new Marine Engineering Technology associate degree program at Trident Technical College.
Leading to a career as a U.S. Merchant Marine with the Seafarers International Union (SIU), this exciting new program includes a year-long apprenticeship at The Sea Farers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Maryland, along with cooperative work experience at sea.
Che Buono!
She said it was a completely different experience, one that she would never have gotten otherwise.
Twenty students and three faculty members completed a three-week, four-region culinary tour of Italy, learning about its food, wine, culture and history.
A Force for Good
When TTC Foundation Board Chair Tammy Coghill was three, her father’s job at the National Security Agency took the family to England to live for three years. She said it was like living in a storybook.
These days, her life is a bit more fast-paced, but she wouldn't have it any other way.
Foundation Welcomes New Trustees
Trident Technical College Foundation is pleased to announce the election of three new board members: Pat Fosberry of John S. James Co., Ron Jones of Smith Debnam Law, and Spencer Pryor of Charleston County Aviation Authority. Each trustee will serve a three-year term from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026.
Celebrating Youth Apprenticeships at the 10th Signing Day
The Charleston Regional Youth Apprenticeships (CRYA) program hosted the 10th annual Signing Day on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at The College Center on Trident Technical College’s Thornley Campus in North Charleston.
Serving Up Student Support
After 33 years of service to Trident Technical College, Dr. Timothy Brown is retiring. He is also leaving a legacy for students through a culinary equipment fund honoring his mother, who worked as the first cafeteria manager at the once segregated Mayo High School in Darlington, SC.
Spring Spin-Off Worth the Drive
The 29th Trident Technical College Spring Spin-Off Car Show was held on Saturday, April 29, on a sunny day perfect for people to show off their vehicles.
Read MorePerseverance Pays Off
“You’re a nice guy, but I don’t think you have what it takes to be an attorney.”
Those were the words Trident Technical College alumnus Duncan Harle heard when he was applying to law schools, something that would cause many people to give up all hope. But it only made him more determined to reach his goal.
Read MoreAlumnus Addresses Paramedic Shortage
Michael Shirey was appointed Chief of Berkeley County Emergency Medical Services last Fall and has already made an impact on workforce development.
“I want to create a wider career path,” he said. “We are losing people to other medical professions. I’d like to create more opportunities for individuals to find success in EMS, like I did.”
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Celebrating Scholarships
The transformative power of education and community support were on full display at the TTC Foundation 2023 Scholarship Luncheon, honoring the 2022-23 scholarship recipients and celebrating the generosity of our donors.
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A Life of Service
Joe Daning has dedicated his life to public service, starting with his career in the Air Force in 1960 and ending with 14 years as a member of the S.C. House of Representative. Now that he is retired, he and his family have started an endowed scholarship that will impact TTC students for generations.
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TTC Students Win Hackathon
A team of Trident Tech students won the inaugural Hack@SCHack ‘22 cyber hacking competition held Nov. 5 at Denmark Technical College.
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Alumnus Appointed Dean of CIC
Nathan Rex graduated from Trident Tech in 2004. Now he is the Dean of the Culinary Institute of Charleston and one of four alumni deans.
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