TCC’s 59th Nursing Pinning Celebrates Future Healthcare Leaders

Tidewater Community College’s Beazley School of Nursing celebrated its 59^th Spring Pinning Ceremony on May 9, recognizing the Class of 2025 for their hard work and commitment to the nursing profession. Held at the Portsmouth Student Center, the event honored 23 nursing students who are nearing completion of their Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ASN) degree and preparing to be registered nurses (RN).

The pinning ceremony, an honored tradition in the nursing field, symbolizes the transition from a nursing student to a future healthcare professional.

TCC President Dr. Marcia Conston welcomed the attendees, congratulating the cohort for their dedication to service and applauding their achievements so far.

Dr. Jenefer Snyder, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, emphasized the importance of the nursing profession:

“Today graduates, we celebrate you. Becoming a nurse is simply not a job, it is a calling. It demands sacrifice.”

Associate Professor of Nursing Charlita Warren, MSN, RN, spoke on the significance of the ceremony and what it means for the students,

“Today, we come together and celebrate in honor, recognizing a profound moment in the lives of each individual who have chosen a noble path.”

She highlighted that the nursing pin symbolizes the students’ commitment and perseverance in the nursing program and in their future work.

Nursing student Candance Elliot reflected on the historical roots of the nursing pin, sharing the legacy of Florence Nightingale in the 19^th century and her impact on modern nursing. She noted how Nightingale started the pinning ceremony tradition in her educational nursing program in England.

“This practice evolved the tradition of pinning all new graduate nurses as a way to acknowledge the successful completion of the nursing program,” Elliot said.

The keynote address was delivered by Joanne Williams-Reed, DNP, RN-BC, CNS, who serves as the Director of Patient Care Services: Professional Practice, Education, Diabetes & Wound Care Services, at the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Drawing from nearly 45 years of experience, Williams-Reed commended the students to be proud of how far they have progressed.

“You made it through the years of hard work, late night studying, clinical rotations, and tests.”

Then, she encouraged students to remember how important this career path is, her message underscoring the value of compassion, resilience, and lifelong service.

Two outstanding awards were also presented: Community Service and Clinical Achievement.

Yoselin Maldonado received the Community Service Award which required an essay to be submitted that showed how community service influences her personal life and how the community benefits from that service.

Juan Lopez received the Clinical Achievement Award for performing above average in clinical settings consistently. William Bell was an honorable mention for this award.

Nursing professors Shannon Washington, MSN, RNC-NIC, and Evelyn Coutee, MSN, RN, presented the pins for the Portsmouth Campus Spring Cohort students:

Andrea Aguilar Pineda
William Bell
Stacey Carter
Meghan Cosby
Alden Crespo
Afolabi Dorcas
Savannah Duffy
Candace Elliott
Jasmine Harris
Kyleena Justice
Juan Lopez
Alicia Lutomski
Yoselin Maldonado
Iyonna Pugh
Steven Reyes
Hannah Schmidt
Sarah Schulte
Brittany Scott
Dominique Spencer
Nadia Tejada
Kendall Webb
Sharah Williams
Shamyra Yancey

The event concluded with the students reciting the “Nightingale Pledge” before the benediction delivered by Associate Professor of Nursing, Shirley Greenway, MSN, RN. The ceremony marked a significant step forward as these students go into their professional journeys in hospitals and healthcare facilities across the region.

A Driven Student Pursuing a Future in Psychiatry: Nolyn Smith

Nolyn Smith made the most of his college journey at Tidewater Community College (TCC), where he is set to graduate with an Associate of Science degree in Psychology on Monday. With plans to transfer to a four-year institution, Nolyn is focused, determined, and passionate about understanding people and helping others.

A 2024 graduate of Manor High School in Portsmouth, Nolyn began taking college courses at TCC during his senior year through the dual enrollment program. He took 14 college credits as part of the program, which combined on-site high school instruction with in-person classes at TCC’s Portsmouth campus. This early exposure to college-level coursework laid a strong foundation for his academic future.

Nolyn’s journey continued after high school graduation, as he made the decision to continue his education at TCC. He weighed the options of attending larger universities; however, a scholarship from TCC played a role in his choice,

“I chose TCC because coming out of high school, I didn’t have a lot of scholarship offers for bigger name colleges. But I got blessed to receive a scholarship from TCC, so I took that and did my time here.”

Eager to get ahead, Nolyn took classes during the summer of 2024 through the college’s “Learn. Explore. Accelerate. Persevere.” (LEAP) program where he took 12 credits that will transfer to a four-year institution.

Throughout his time at TCC, Nolyn made a lasting impact on campus. He served as a student ambassador, helping new and prospective students feel welcomed and informed.

“As a student ambassador, I help with a lot around campus. We try to get more people educated about events and help at the desk enrolling students,” he shared.

In recognition of his academic excellence and leadership, Nolyn was recently inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. He is super grateful for the unwavering support of his family, professors, and friends, especially his mother,

“My mom has a medical background as well. She encourages and pushes me to do everything that I need to do. She started at an early age and then came back to it. She’s been really pushing me to get it done early instead of trying to wait till later in life to do it.”

In addition to his full class load and campus involvement, Nolyn works part-time in retail. When he does find time to relax, he enjoys playing and watching sports—particularly baseball, a sport he has loved since childhood.

Now, Nolyn faces an exciting decision about his next steps. He is currently deciding between Old Dominion University and the University of Alabama to continue his education. He plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a Pre-Med track and eventually attend medical school to become a psychiatrist.

With commencement on the horizon, Nolyn looks ahead with optimism, ready to embrace the future and all the opportunities that lie ahead.

TCC Pep Rally Sparks School Spirit and Anticipation for Return of Sports

Tidewater Community College energized its campus community with a spirited pep rally on Thursday, April 10, in the Portsmouth Campus Student Center. Students, staff, faculty, administrators, and families came together to celebrate student involvement and build momentum for the return of TCC athletics.

The event, part of the college’s ongoing efforts to boost school spirit. Featured lively music from a DJ, dancing, food, and speeches from campus leaders and student representatives. The event was hosted by emcee LaShawn Scott, who kept the energy high, and the crowd engaged throughout the rally.

Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Karen Campbell introduced the rally’s theme, “Storm Forward,” encouraging the crowd to embrace change and move ahead with confidence. TCC President Dr. Marcia Conston also addressed the attendees, delivering key remarks and motivation that emphasized unity.

“I am excited that we are all here together. We did this for you—the students,” Conston said.

Dr. Conston acknowledged the arrival of fall sports, giving TCC Athletics Director Chad Smith the floor.

The initial announcement of TCC’s return to intercollegiate was back in February’s press conference; however, Smith shared that the first official basketball team practices will begin October 1, with the competitive season starting in November.

Head Men’s Coach Clint Wright and Head Women’s Coach Rebecca Kershaw discussed recruitment efforts and the excitement of rebuilding TCC sports.

Coach Wright noted that nearly 30 male student athletes traveled as far as Texas and New York to attend the recent basketball showcase held at Portsmouth Student Center on Saturday, March 29. Out of the 14 male student-athletes offered a spot on the team, nine accepted. Three of the future student-athletes—Dwight Howard, Bryce Thompson, and Tayshawn Trotman—were present at the pep rally.

Coach Kershaw also spoke about her recruitment successes, highlighting two female athletes who already signed and two others who have verbally committed to the program.

At the pep rally, two student-athletes officially signed with the TCC Storm. On the men’s side, Derrick Grant, a 2024 graduate of Western Branch High School, committed to the program. For the women’s team, Ocean Lakes High School senior Madeline Fisher signed on as well.

Looking forward, the college announced its next basketball showcase event will take place on July 12. Several student-focused initiatives were highlighted including the Open-Door project, mentorship, and other student resources. Attendees also had the chance to participate in a raffle.

As TCC looks ahead to a new era of athletics and student engagement, the pep rally served as a powerful reminder of the college’s commitment to growth, inclusion, and school pride.

TCC Emergency Funds Helping Students Stay on Track for Success

Tidewater Community College has provided individuals in the Hampton Roads area with education and skills-based training for decades. TCC not only offers a wide range of areas of study and trade skills but has resources that help students overcome challenges that may hinder them from learning in the classroom and earning a degree and/or certification.

Around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, TCC started encouraging students to reach out to the newly established office, the Student Resource and Empowerment Center (SREC), to utilize the Student Emergency Assistance (SEA) funds. SEA funds are available to students who are experiencing financial hardship. The intent of this resource was to provide small assistance grants to help students overcome financial issues that make it difficult for students to continue and succeed in their academic programs during the pandemic. It continues to serve the TCC student body today.

Davien Armstrong, Lead Case Manager of SREC, has been connecting students to resources at TCC since July 2022. He previously worked as advisor for Open Door, a federally funded program that helps first generation students and students with disabilities with academic performance.

“When COVID came around and we received a lot of money through the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the funding really opened the door for us to provide assistance on a much broader scale. We were able to help with more items financially than we were previously,” Armstrong said.

The small assistance grants can go towards books, car repairs, childcare, commencement regalia, medical/dental expenses, rental assistance and deposit, required course supplies, transportation, tuition, and other living expenses.

Armstrong notes that there are other types of assistance that SREC has available including diaper distribution, food bank, internet and technology access, mental healthcare services, mothers’ room access, and more. The SREC has services available for all students from a variety of backgrounds.

Armstrong says that SREC also can help students build a financial plan for long term stability as they enter the workforce or go on to a four-year institution to earn their bachelor’s degree.

Recently, students have reached out to SREC with gratitude after they were assisted financially in tough times.

Melody Romines, a General Studies student on the Portsmouth campus, recently received financial assistance to help repair the roof on her house.

She is originally from Texas and said that TCC has been her support system with her family out of state. She served active duty in the military from 2016 to 2022 and worked at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth until spring 2024. She decided she wanted to go back to school to expand her educational background to provide her with more opportunities for her and her children.

Romines said her roof was leaking and worried about the safety of her family with the anticipated arrival of snow and other inclement weather. She said she started supporting her and her two young children on her own after a separation from her ex-husband and subsequently didn’t have the funds to repair it.

“My roof started leaking and needed to be replaced. I filled out an emergency fund request form, and Ms. [Brittany] Scott was able to help me,” Romines said.

She emphasized that TCC quickly provided the financial assistance in a short turnaround time.

“This time last year, I was donating plasma to pay for expendables because my disability check and GI bill only covered my bills,” Romines said.

She said she was able to receive extra diapers and utilize the food bank to help support her family. She also received the CCAMPIS childcare scholarship and now her kids attend the daycare on Portsmouth’s campus while she attends class and works for the Dean of Retention, Valerie Burge-Hall, Ph. D., at the welcome desk.

Romines praises the college and staff for all the support and opportunities she continues to receive, “I’m very thankful that TCC had all these programs, and I’m very thankful that the environment is very open and welcoming. There are people that will help you and provide resources. You just have to be humble enough to ask for help.”

Romines plans on entering nursing and possibly transferring to Old Dominion University to earn her Bachelor of Nursing degree.

Teneka Newsome, a Human Services student also on the Portsmouth campus, received financial assistance for her apartment funds after a turn of challenging events occurred including an eviction and the death of loved ones.

In the fall of 2023, Newsome decided that she wanted to go back to school and advance her education in human services after working as a personal care aid for over 15 years in the behavioral health sector. Newsome had previously struggled with school during her childhood in the rural town of Ahoskie, North Carolina, where she left high school without a diploma because she didn’t pass a state reading level test.

In 2024, Newsome said she was witnessing her world falling apart while still enrolled in school. In the spring, she was living with her parents when a foreclosure occurred, and then her uncle, whom she was very close to, passed away. In the fall, she hit the lowest of lows when she and her children were evicted from her parents’ house. A month later, her teenage son passed away.

Newsome received funds for her new apartment shortly after her eviction. She says that TCC not only helped her financially but gave her the extra support she needed when she was going through deep emotional and mental turmoil. She praises TCC’s mental health resource (Timely Care) and faculty and staff for all the support she received.

“If you’re going through things, don’t be afraid to talk and share because so many people are so willing to help. I know if you come from a long background, there are people who are skeptical to help because they don’t know what the situation really looks like, but then there are people who have good faith who say, ‘I do trust that if I do this for this individual, they’re going to do right. And that’s what I strive to do now. Anything that has been given to me, I try to pay it forward,” Newsome said.

Newsome was accepted into the College Attainment for Parent Students (CAPS) program that guides low-income single mothers throughout their higher education experience. She said that wanted to give back to TCC after all the assistance the college has provided her and her family. Last December, she created a kids’ toys donation and drive for the holiday season as vice president of her Human Services club.

“TCC is a star. The community speaks for itself. Everyone who I have spoken to or encountered have been so welcoming and nonbiased. TCC has transformed my life as a whole. I found support within the community and resources here on campus,” Newsome said.

Newsome plans to transfer to Norfolk State University to earn her bachelor’s degree in social work and eventually earn her master’s degree to be a licensed social worker. She recently earned a certification as a peer recovery specialist.

Armstrong strongly encourages students to seek out resources that TCC offers. “This is entirely a judgment free zone. We’re not here to judge anyone. We’re purely here to help in every sense of the word. We’re not here to pry. We simply want to know, ‘What can we do to help?’”.

The four campuses: Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach all have SREC offices with case managers available during the weekdays.

For more information about SREC, visit https://www.tcc.edu/service-support/empowerment-center/.

Virginia’s House Speaker Don Scott Honors Black History Month with Inspiring Address

Tidewater Community College’s Student Life Committee closed Black History Month 2025 on Wednesday afternoon, February 26 at the Portsmouth Campus Student Center. The Virginia Speaker of the House, Don Scott, served as the keynote speaker to discuss workforce development and shared his story of his rise to earning a spot in the Virginia House of Delegates. TCC students, faculty, staff, and the public were invited to attend the keynote speaker presentation, “African Americans and Labor: Resilience, Innovation, and Empowerment” which included a networking lunch.

TCC’s Associate Vice President for Professional Development Solutions with Workforce Solutions, Kodi Fleming, was onstage with Speaker Scott to discuss workforce development and the industry within our area. Speaker Scott said he is pushing for paid internships and workforce employees’ access to quality training. He praised TCC for providing resources and opportunities for people to earn a certification and go into the workforce with skills that can help them succeed in multiple fields.

In Scott’s keynote speech, he shared about his upbringing with his single mother and siblings in Houston, Texas. Scott attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a degree in agriculture. After earning his undergraduate degree, he served as a naval officer on the destroyer USS John Hancock. In 1994, he earned a law degree from Louisiana State University, hoping to continue into the legal world.

Around that time, Scott said he had many struggles and challenges which led him to serving time in prison. Throughout that time, he reconnected with his faith and felt guided in a better direction.

Scott said he cherishes the workforce development programs. His first job after prison was welding. In 2002, Scott joined the KRA Corporation, a workforce development company, working in case management followed by a promotion a year later to project manager. In 2005, Scott moved from Philadelphia, where he and his wife originally resided, to the Hampton Roads area. At that point, he was running the project and serving as the senior vice president at the firm.

In that decade, Scott addressed this part of his life as the period of “resilience” as he worked his way through a difficult time of his life, regaining his strength and identity as a person.

Scott spoke on how he reached a point where he wanted to be able to use his law degree and skills to contribute to making change in society. In 2014, he passed the Virginia bar exam and was licensed as an attorney in 2015. He opened his own firm where he took on criminal defense, family law, and civil cases. In 2022, Scott partnered with Breit Biniazan Trial Lawyers.

Scott said that “it’s easy to have a pity party” but people can “redefine” themselves like he did. He called this “innovation” because he was able to make a new name and story for himself.

Eventually, Scott stepped into politics. He ran in 2019 for the House of Delegates to represent the city of Portsmouth. He served as the minority leader from 2022 to 2024. In 2023, Scott was nominated unanimously by his caucus and became the first black Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates in history.

“Politics don’t matter, humanity is what matters,” Scott said.

In his time in politics, he has advocated for many important causes including criminal justice reform, economic development, affordable healthcare, and public education.

Scott spoke on “empowerment” as the last message to the TCC community. He encouraged people to speak up and not to be afraid to be their authentic self.

“People need to use their voice to speak up. Representation matters,” Scott said.

“I enjoy working on this team, as everyone works together to get the job done.” — Penny Chase

Penny Chase is TCC’s Wage Employee of the Year. As a trade technician on the Virginia Beach Campus, Chase is known for going the extra mile in her position.

“Penny comes in every day and gets in her golf cart and does what is asked of her, plus more,” said Regina Simmons, custodial supervisor at the Virginia Beach Campus. “Penny is always willing and ready to help. I’ve seen her stop and help students who may be lost or have questions. Everyone knows who she is and speaks highly of her.”

Chase, a Virginia Beach resident, has worked at TCC since 2017.

Chase is largely responsible for the exterior appearance of the Virginia Beach Campus grounds. She ensures that all 80 outdoor trash cans are emptied each shift and picks up any debris littering the campus. She handles a myriad of tasks, largely outdoors, during the cold winter months and hot summers.

Chase says curb appeal is important and she wants to do her part to make a good impression when people come to campus.

“I am both honored and humbled by this award because the people I work with put in far more hours and have more responsibility than I do,” she said. “I enjoy working on this team, as everyone works together to get the job done.”

Chase also noted, “The best part is that I’m outside and get to see an air show with the Navy jets flying overhead each day!”

Chase says her children and grandchildren are her favorite accomplishments. She is the mother of a son, Paul Primmer, and a daughter, Philena Brant. She has three grandchildren who she enjoys spending time with.

In her free time, Chase can be found fishing from any nearby shoreline.

“One thing I always try to do is treat people fairly and work hard.” — Tommy Armstrong

Thomas “Tommy” Armstrong was recognized by the college’s Classified Association for his innovative leadership as facilities manager for Trades Services on the Virginia Beach Campus. Armstrong’s department covers the physical maintenance of the campus, which includes 126 acres of land and 13 buildings.

Armstrong and his team oversee the electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other system needs of the campus. They also respond to all after-hours emergencies, prepare for storms, and clean up after any weather event.

“Tommy believes in top-of-the-line service and performance. He does not cut corners and is willing to roll up his sleeves as a supervisor to accomplish all that needs to get done,” said Virginia Beach Campus Dean Kia Hardy.

Armstrong, a Currituck, N.C. resident, says he is humbled by this award. “It means a lot. One thing I always try to do is treat people fairly and work hard,” he said. “This award is the best I’ve ever received.”

He continued, “I’m accepting this award on behalf of myself and the staff I lead. They are all remarkable and work hard every day to ensure we have a safe and operational campus.”

Armstrong started at TCC in 1994 and has worked in facilities management on every campus. While working in the Electrical department Armstrong was instrumental in installing the fiber optic cabling, that provides phone and internet services across the college.

He also was involved in the building of the new Portsmouth Campus, as he was the trades manager at that campus between 2009-2013.

A man of faith, Armstrong prays for the safety of staff each day. He said, “We work on systems that can cause severe harm or even death. Before coming to work I pray that my staff can go home at the end of each day and also for the knowledge, skills and ability to do all that we are asked to do.”

Armstrong was raised on a farm in North Carolina. He earned a degree from Guilford Technical Institute and is certified by the Department of Professional Regulations as a Master Electrician.

Tommy enjoys spending time with his wife of 36 years, Marie Armstrong, who has always supported his work as a maintenance manager. During inclement weather, she would pack his suitcase and food to get him through time spent on campus overseeing snow removal and monitoring conditions.

The couple has a side catering business and are known for their Carolina-style barbeque and their chicken. They also grow vegetables in a year-round garden. The couple have two grown sons and also cared for their niece, Victoria Smith, who had special needs and passed away at age 32 in 2022.

“My mamma always said a good name is better than riches,” Armstrong added. “She always wanted me to get the ‘Good Citizenship’ award, and I never did because I was very mischievous. This award represents that for me. I finally made it!”

“I love showing students that art is all around us.” — Alison Napier

Alison Napier is the recipient of the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award. She is an art historian recognized for her significant contributions to course development and her focus on student success.

Her passion for Art History comes from her curious nature and investigative spirit. “Art History is fascinating because you look at history, what’s happening in the world, and the cultural impact and then you are able to see how those factors result in the artwork of the day,” she said. “You really get to play an art detective.”

Napier saw that Art History had a stigma of being for the elite and was drawn to being a professor in order to help everyone understand the joy of the subject. Throughout her career, Napier has taught at a variety of schools. She spent 20 years teaching at high schools and has worked at both small and large universities.

She enjoys teaching at a community college and working with a diverse student population who are all in different places in their lives. She says, “I love showing them that art is all around us and how it all ties together in the big picture.”

As an accomplished teacher of online courses, Napier was approached by the Distance Learning department and asked to create Open Educational Resource versions of four art courses. She created those course offerings, and now they use free online resources instead of textbooks.

Napier recognizes that oftentimes class resources can provide a financial barrier to students, and she gladly made these contributions to course development. In addition, she applied the same free resources in her own classes to help keep students enrolled and moving forward in their education.

Napier said, “I was honored to receive this award, and it is proof that we are overcoming the stigma around online courses. It is an acknowledgment not only of me, but of all online teachers.”

Outside of teaching at TCC, Napier is a doctoral candidate writing her dissertation and working a full-time job. She holds two master’s degrees from Old Dominion University – one in humanities and art history and the other in applied linguistics and teaching English as a second language. She is at work on her doctorate in American studies and material culture from the College of William and Mary.

She enjoys free time with her husband and two Labrador retrievers. Napier also enjoys driving her jeep to the beach, swimming and going to art museums to stay current on art exhibits to share with her students.

“It’s wonderful to see students grow in their knowledge of this emerging field.” — Judy Gill

Judy Gill, director of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations and associate professor of mathematics, was honored by the Faculty Senate with the Faculty Special Achievement award for her development of the Drone Pilot Program at TCC.

Gill, who joined the college full-time in 2004 teaches UAS and developmental and college-level math. “I am honored to be recognized by my peers with this award,” she said. “It means a great deal to me.”

Gill was motivated to start the drone program at the college because she had always been passionate about new technology. She saw UAS or drones growing in popularity and becoming an indispensable tool in many industries. She wanted to find a way to help meet the country’s growing need for drone operators.

Gill began teaching drone classes at TCC during Fall Semester of 2022. The full program will be up and running in 2024.

“TCC’s drone classes provide students with a place to utilize their creativity while gaining knowledge in a subject they are enthusiastic about,” said Gill. “It is wonderful to see students grow in their skills and knowledge of this emerging field.

Gill earned her Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 UAS Pilot License and began training to teach drone operations in 2018. She was one of the first faculty in the Virginia Community College system to participate in the Geospatial Technician Education-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Institute at Virginia Tech. The program was funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, administered by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium.

During the program, she learned to plan missions, fly drones, collect data, and maintain Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Through TCC’s hands-on program, students will learn how to plan missions and fly drones as well as gain the knowledge necessary to obtain their FAA Part 107 UAS pilot license. In addition to the skills necessary for operating drones, Gill finds that her students learn interpersonal communication skills and how to collaborate with a team to accomplish goals.

Gill’s passion for drones extends outside of the classroom. She enjoys attending drone light shows when they come to the Hampton Roads area. These displays feature 200-300 drones flying in formation while displaying colorful lights with accompanying music. She also enjoys flying drones for fun and learning about drones both in a recreational and educational setting.

A Virginia Beach resident, Gill holds a master’s in computational and applied mathematics from Old Dominion University and a bachelor’s in mathematics with a concentration in economics from Christopher Newport University. When she is not flying drones, Gill enjoys spending time with her family and pets, going to the beach, and playing pickleball.

“TCC is more than a college. It’s a place that changes lives.” — Heather Boone

Heather Boone is the Professor of the Year, chosen by the Faculty Senate. Professor Boone has taught Graphic Design at the college since 2008 and is being honored for her dedication to student success and engagement.

Boone, a Virginia Beach resident, teaches typography, publication design, interaction design and systems design in online, in-person and hybrid formats.

“TCC is more than a college. It’s a place that changes lives,” Boone said. “Some students have so many obligations with families and full-time jobs and it’s rewarding when they reach their goals, find meaningful work and then reach out to tell you how well they are doing.”

Her recent accomplishments include preparing for the new Visual Arts + Design Center, which is set to open on the Norfolk Campus in the fall. “It’s great to be in downtown Norfolk with plenty of design businesses and activity,” Boone said. “In addition, the design space is beautiful, and we have a lot of room to spread out.”

Boone recently reworked the Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design degree with Professor Mary Lee Shumate. The new degree is cohesive and covers all areas of design from visual communication to website design to motion graphics.

“It is so rewarding when you see students realize they love this career. They become excited by every project and want to see the classes just keep going,” she said. “Helping students find their path is the best part of the job.”

Boone serves as the faculty advisor for the 340 Art and Design annual publication, formerly 340 High Street, and has facilitated ten editions. The most recently printed 23rd edition honors the journey of the Arts Center from Portsmouth to the Norfolk Campus. The 24th edition is currently in production and Boone is scheduled to begin the 25th edition with students in the Fall Semester at the new Arts + Design Center.

When she isn’t teaching, Boone spends free time with her son, William. The pair enjoy swimming, traveling and frequent trips to New York City. William is following in his mom’s footsteps with a passion for art and design. Recently awarded art student of the year in his grade, William is currently designing his own typeface.

Boone holds a Master of Fine Arts in design and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts. She is also an alum of the School of Visual Arts in New York City and Winchester School of Art, part of the University of Southampton, in the U.K.

TCC celebrates annual award winners

Tidewater Community College recognizes five faculty and staff members from across the college with annual special awards on Aug. 17, 2023.

Selected by their peers, the honorees received their awards at TCC’s 2023 Fall Convocation held at the college’s Chesapeake Campus.

Professor of the Year
Heather Boone – Professor of Graphic Design

Heather Boone is the Professor of the Year, chosen by the Faculty Senate. Professor Boone has taught Graphic Design at the college since 2008 and is being honored for her dedication to student success and engagement.

Boone, a Virginia Beach resident, teaches typography, publication design, interaction design and systems design in online, in-person and hybrid formats.

“TCC is more than a college. It’s a place that changes lives,” Boone said. “Some students have so many obligations with families and full-time jobs and it’s rewarding when they reach their goals, find meaningful work and then reach out to tell you how well they are doing.”

Her recent accomplishments include preparing for the new Visual Arts + Design Center, which is set to open on the Norfolk Campus in the fall. “It’s great to be in downtown Norfolk with plenty of design businesses and activity,” Boone said. “In addition, the design space is beautiful, and we have a lot of room to spread out.”

Boone recently reworked the Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design degree with Professor Mary Lee Shumate. The new degree is cohesive and covers all areas of design from visual communication to website design to motion graphics.

“It is so rewarding when you see students realize they love this career. They become excited by every project and want to see the classes just keep going,” she said. “Helping students find their path is the best part of the job.”

Boone serves as the faculty advisor for the 340 Art and Design annual publication, formerly 340 High Street, and has facilitated ten editions. The most recently printed 23rd edition honors the journey of the Arts Center from Portsmouth to the Norfolk Campus. The 24th edition is currently in production and Boone is scheduled to begin the 25th edition with students in the Fall Semester at the new Arts + Design Center.

When she isn’t teaching, Boone spends free time with her son, William. The pair enjoy swimming, traveling and frequent trips to New York City. William is following in his mom’s footsteps with a passion for art and design. Recently awarded art student of the year in his grade, William is currently designing his own typeface.

Boone holds a Master of Fine Arts in design and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts. She is also an alum of the School of Visual Arts in New York City and Winchester School of Art, part of the University of Southampton, in the U.K.

Faculty Special Achievement
Judy Gill – Professor of Mathematics

Judy Gill, director of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations and associate professor of mathematics, was honored by the Faculty Senate with the Faculty Special Achievement award for her development of the Drone Pilot Program at TCC.

Gill was motivated to start the drone program at the college because she had always been passionate about new technology. She saw UAS or drones growing in popularity and becoming an indispensable tool in many industries. She wanted to find a way to help meet the country’s growing need for drone operators.

Gill began teaching drone classes at TCC during Fall Semester of 2022. The full program will be up and running in 2024.

Gill earned her Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 UAS Pilot License and began training to teach drone operations in 2018. She was one of the first faculty in the Virginia Community College system to participate in the Geospatial Technician Education-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Institute at Virginia Tech. The program was funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, administered by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium.

During the program, she learned to plan missions, fly drones, collect data, and maintain Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Outstanding Adjunct Faculty
Alison Napier – Assistant Professor of Art History

Alison Napier is the recipient of the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award. She is an art historian recognized for her significant contributions to course development and her focus on student success.

As an accomplished teacher of online courses, Napier was approached by the Distance Learning department and asked to create Open Educational Resource versions of four art courses. She created those course offerings, and now they use free online resources instead of textbooks.

Napier said, “I was honored to receive this award, and it is proof that we are overcoming the stigma around online courses. It is an acknowledgment not only of me, but of all online teachers.”

Classified Employee of the Year
Tommy Armstrong – Facilities Manager – Trade Services

Tommy Armstrong was recognized by the college’s Classified Association for his innovative leadership as facilities manager for Trades Services on the Virginia Beach Campus. Armstrong’s department covers the physical maintenance of the campus, which includes 126 acres of land and 13 buildings.

He continued, “I’m accepting this award on behalf of myself and the staff I lead. They are all remarkable and work hard every day to ensure we have a safe and operational campus.”

He also was involved in the building of the new Portsmouth Campus, as he was the trades manager at that campus between 2009-2013.

Armstrong was raised on a farm in North Carolina. He earned a degree from Guilford Technical Institute and is certified by the Department of Professional Regulations as a Master Electrician.

Wage Employee of the Year
Penny Chase

Penny Chase is TCC’s Wage Employee of the Year. As a trade technician on the Virginia Beach Campus, Chase is known for going the extra mile in her position.

Chase, a Virginia Beach resident, has worked at TCC since 2017.

Chase says curb appeal is important and she wants to do her part to make a good impression when people come to campus.

Chase also noted, “The best part is that I’m outside and get to see an air show with the Navy jets flying overhead each day!”

In her free time, Chase can be found fishing from any nearby shoreline.

TCC alum lands dream job at NASA

Kyle Epperly is a Tidewater Community College alum twice over. He earned his first associate degree in Automotive Technology in 2006. For the last 12 years, he worked at Hall Automotive as a master technician.

Kyle came to TCC once again looking for a new career. He wanted work that was less physically demanding, more challenging and on the cutting-edge of technology.

He found TCC’s Mechatronics degree online and started a new journey.

While at TCC, Kyle learned about an internship opportunity at NASA Langley. He applied and began working there in January of 2023. He is now an engineering technician apprentice and working on testing structures for spacecraft.

Mechatronics is suited for students like Kyle with a passion for technology who enjoy hands-on work. He said, “The transition from being an automotive technician to working in mechatronics has been easy. I’m still doing what I’ve always loved which is working with my hands and technology.”

Mechatronics students spend about half the time in classroom instruction and the rest in state-of-the-art laboratories. Kyle said, “What I liked most about TCC is that it gave me the skills that I actually use in my job now. Every class was hands-on which really helped me understand the material. You don’t just learn theory but get to see how the systems really work.”

The Associate of Applied Science in Mechatronics covers motor controls, hydraulics, computer programming, pneumatics, programmable logic controllers and more. The broad industry allows students to use the degree to specialize in something they love or do something different each day.

Kyle is part of the Materials and Structures Experiment branch where he performs tests to ensure that materials measure up to NASA’s durability expectations.

The mechatronics industry is constantly growing and expanding which provides people the opportunity to continually increase their knowledge in the field. There are plenty of advanced manufacturing firms in Hampton Roads that provide graduates with ample job prospects. According to the Department of Labor Job Outlook, mechatronics technicians earn a median salary of $60,360 per year or about $29 per hour.

Kyle is confident he made the right decision to return to school and pursue this career. He said, “I am grateful that my family was so supportive and pushed me to find the time to pursue this degree while still working a full-time job. It was worth all the hard work.”

For more information regarding Mechatronics at TCC, contact Thomas Stout at tstout@tcc.edu or call TCC’s Virtual Student Support Team at 757-822-1111.

TCC faculty get an up-close look at offshore wind project

New jobs are on the horizon for offshore wind turbine technicians, welders, electricians and more to support Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) facility, which will include 176 wind turbines.

Tidewater Community College is gearing up to offer additional industry training. With help from the city of Virginia Beach, it’s investing in $300,000 worth of wind turbine equipment.

TCC has also developed a curriculum for Offshore Wind Energy Technicians. The new certificate will launch as the jobs become readily available.

There are currently two wind turbines located 27 miles offshore, with the remaining structures to be constructed up to 50 miles into the Atlantic Ocean.

This month, TCC faculty member Steven Capaldo, assistant professor in the Engineering, Maritime and Skilled Trades Pathway, spent the day on the water touring the area and getting an up-close look at the turbines. He traveled on a boat with Dominion Energy representatives and got an insider’s look at what’s to come.

“It was spectacular to see the structures and learn more about this vital program for our region,” Capaldo said.

Since 2010, TCC has offered a Career Studies Certificate in Renewable Energy Technologies that prepares students for careers in the manufacturing and installation of clean energy technologies such as wind and solar. However, new classes have been designed with an emphasis on Mechatronics, Electrical Technology and Electronics Technology, which are specifically relevant for technicians for the offshore wind farm.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated in 2022 that the mean average annual wage for wind turbine service technicians is $59,880. Technicians are trained to inspect, diagnose, adjust or repair wind turbines. They will perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical and hydraulic malfunctions.

The CVOW initiative will include the turbines, as well as three offshore substations, undersea cables and new onshore transmission infrastructure to deliver emissions-free wind power to homes and businesses.

TCC’s effort to train the next generation of wind energy technicians is being led by Dean David Ekker in the Engineering, Maritime and Skilled Trades Pathway and faculty members Capaldo and Anthony Jones, who teach the maritime trades.

TCC staffer pays it forward at the CMVE

Meet Ed Sivells. He is a proud Navy veteran who is paying it forward at TCC.

Sivells is one of the certifying officials for the Center for Military and Veterans Education (CMVE). Last week, he submitted the 1 millionth application to certify a military-related student for educational benefits through the Veterans Administration’s new enrollment management site.

Ed Sivells with the Veterans Administration video team.

To mark the occasion, Ed is being featured in a video for the VA. And sharing his story.

Sivells is a retired Navy senior chief petty officer. He was a culinary specialist who served the Office of the Secretary of Defense, preparing meals in the White House. He also spent time in Washington, D.C. as an enlisted aide to Admirals.

When he retired from the military, he came to TCC to earn an associate degree and landed a position as a work-study student in the CMVE. He became a full-time staff member in 2017. “I found my calling in this place. When I saw the opportunity to serve military members and their families, it sparked a passion in me.”

He added, “You can hear the sound of relief in their voices when we help them find a path forward. I know what it’s like to walk in their shoes and this job is my way of giving back.”

Sivells earned a Hospitality Management degree from TCC and a bachelor’s in business administration from Regent University.

Sivells encourages other veterans to follow in his footsteps. “TCC is a veteran-friendly school with people here to help. TCC made me feel comfortable in the transition from the military and I’m grateful. Now it’s my joy to make things happen for other members of the military community.”

For more information about the CMVE, visit here.

TCC selected as an education partner for Amazon’s Career Choice Program

Tidewater Community College has been selected as an education partner for Amazon’s Career Choice program, providing Amazon’s hourly employees access to all of TCC’s career and technical programs, as well as the college’s transfer programs that enable students to a build solid academic foundation and save on the cost of college.

TCC President Marcia Conston says, “Tidewater Community College is proud to partner with Amazon’s Career Choice, providing more higher education opportunities for Amazon’s growing workforce in Hampton Roads.” She added, “TCC offers multiple, flexible pathways for students to learn while working full, or part-time. This partnership with Amazon is ideal for students who want to work for an organization that invests in their education and in their futures.”

TCC is one of the largest providers of higher education in the state of Virginia. The college has campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach, as well as the Regional Automotive Center, the Center for Workforce Solutions and the Visual Arts and Design Center which is opening soon.

Amazon’s Career Choice program is an educational benefit that empowers employees to learn new skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere. The program meets individual learners where they are on their education journey through a variety of education and upskilling opportunities including pre-paid college tuition, industry certifications designed to lead to in-demand jobs, and foundational skills such as English language proficiency, high school diplomas and GEDs.

Amazon Fulfillment Center in Suffolk, Virginia.

Amazon’s Suffolk location is home to around 2,500 employees who have an opportunity to take part in Amazon’s Career Choice program. The 3.8 million-square-foot facility is automated with hundreds of robots that help the workers push out the majority of Amazon packages that are delivered in Hampton Roads.

Amazon’s Career Choice program has a rigorous selection process for third-party partner educators, choosing partners that are focused on helping employees through their education programs, assisting them with job placements, and overall offering education that leads to career success.

“We’re looking forward to Tidewater Community College coming on board as an education partner for Career Choice, adding to the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees,” said Tammy Thieman, Global Program Lead of Amazon’s Career Choice program. “We’re committed to empowering our employees by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether that’s with us or elsewhere.”

TCC grads make strides in careers

Meet Nina Vahadi and Delaney Theilman. They are both Tidewater Community College graduates who earned Engineering degrees in May.

During summers both grads are making strides in their careers.

They are now encouraging others to follow their lead. “If I can do this, so can anyone. Take your time and don’t burn out,” Delaney said. Nina added, “Stick to your guns, and don’t let doubt take over. Just keep going!”

Nina and Delaney on TCC’s Norfolk Campus.

Nina, who landed an engineering aide position at Lockheed Martin, is spending this summer as a NASA intern and is working on the Lucy mission. During its 12-year primary mission, Lucy will explore a record-breaking number of asteroids, flying by one main-belt asteroid, and seven Trojans.

“This is really exciting because the mission is focused on the Trojan asteroids to interpret how our solar system started,” Nina said. “I’m going to be working on the hardware for a test flight simulator and can’t wait to get started!”

Last summer Delaney was the leader of TCC’s team for the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Model Design Competition held in June. She led her team to take third place. “Practice makes perfect, and we did plenty of that preparing for this competition,” she said. “We had to come up with our own ideas and not use any kits.”

This ASEE competition is open to students at both 2-year and 4-year colleges. All of the TCC’s participants were members of the Engineering Club and the STEM Club.

Both women say they received phenomenal support from the college. They credit their professors for providing quality education. And also, for supporting them in outside projects.

“When I wanted to bring a wind project to the school, they backed me up and helped me write the grant proposal for the Repowering Schools Small Wind Turbine Research,” Delaney said. “That project is continuing even after I graduate from TCC.”

Nina added, “And when I wanted to bring NASA’s RockOn! program to the school they helped me get the funding.” The RockOn! program enabled students to learn and apply skills in building experiments for suborbital space flight. Student teams from across the nation participated in the program.

Looking back Nina says it’s amazing to see her forward progress. “I started studying biology and was thinking about the healthcare field. And then I realized that I wanted to build things and I found engineering,” she said.

Delaney never thought college was for her until the pandemic hit. “I found myself needing to retrain,” Delaney said. “I’ve been obsessed with Legos forever and spent hours watching TED Talks with women engineers. I was really inspired by their stories and decided to give engineering and TCC a try. I’m so glad I did!”

Both women are proud to represent women in the STEM fields. “There are many women in history who inspire us and have left big footprints for us to follow,” Delaney said. “But you still feel accomplished each step of the way and that in turn helps you keep going.”

Looking ahead, Nina is pursuing an engineering bachelor’s degree at Old Dominion University and will be working full-time at Lockheed Martin. Delany will continue her education at Virginia Tech and is studying computer and systems engineering.

Delaney is a proud Navy wife who has two dogs named Luna and Nova. Nina and her boyfriend also have two dogs they call Rocky and Billy.

Boy Scout leader finds a home at TCC

Zach Grinvalsky just completed his first year at Tidewater Community College and is confident he made the right choice by attending community college. Zach chose TCC because of the flexibility it gave him to work and help support his family while receiving a college education. When starting college last year, he was unsure of what to expect but has since found a supportive community that is always there to help him achieve his dreams.

Zach is on track to earn an Associate of Science in Business Administration with the goal of pursuing a career as a corporate lawyer. He originally started at TCC undecided about what to study, but TCC’s Career Services Center helped him discover his passion for law. He says, they were very helpful in leading me on the right track and getting me connected.”

Outside of classes, Zach is the national chief of Boy Scouts of America’s Order of the Arrow, the scouts’ leadership and mentorship program. He credits TCC with preparing him for this role by teaching him effective time management and organizational skills.

He says “I took what I had learned about staying organized at school and pivoted that into my position at Order of the Arrow.” When he is not attending classes, working or fulfilling Order of the Arrow responsibilities, Zach loves to spend time outside. He and his friends go to the beach, go hiking and walk his dog, Kit.

Zach believes community college is an excellent choice for many students as it offers a lot of flexibility. He says, “TCC specifically has a lot of great programs if you want to pursue different career paths. It is something special that you should take advantage of.” He encourages students to utilize the beautiful campuses and many resources that TCC has to offer.

Skilled Trades Academy expanding to offer more training options for students

A celebratory event marked the start of the expansion of Tidewater Community College’s Skilled Trades Academy (STA) in Portsmouth.

The expansion will provide an additional 12,000 square feet of space for workforce training.

The STA opened in 2019 and is currently a 20,000-square-foot academy, located at 3303 Airline Blvd. It is one of the largest trade academies run by a community college on the East Coast and the only one of its kind in Virginia. It provides short-term workforce training for in-demand careers in construction, maritime trades and more.

Mayor Shannon Glover with President Marcia Conston.

“We are growing because we want to address our workforce needs in the community,” said TCC President Marcia Conston. “Students come here with no background in the skilled trades and leave with skills that enable them to provide for their families long term.”

TCC student Jacob Talmage came to the STA to train for a new career. “I saw the welding program on TCC’s website, decided to give it a try, and now I’m working full-time as a welder in the maritime industry,” he said.

The program included a ceremonial wall demolition with speakers using sledgehammers to knock it down!

The expansion of the facility comes at a time when 79 percent of Hampton Roads businesses express concerns about training employees.

Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover shared his enthusiasm for the expansion of the academy. “Thank you TCC team for direct action to meet the demand for skilled workers in our region,” Mayor Glover said. “We know that as we give people a future, we are saving their lives.”

The current trades offered at the academy are marine coating, pipefitting, pipe laying, welding, carpentry, roofing, sheet metal, wind energy and electric vehicle repair. The expansion will increase program capacity in these offerings by 63 percent.

In addition, the expansion will increase program offerings by 33 percent. New programs include building maintenance, heavy equipment operator, logistics, shipfitter, electrical and HVAC.

The event was sponsored by Elizabeth River Crossings OpCo (ERC) and Virginia Ship Repair Association (VSRA) and TCC’s Educational Foundation.

Event speakers included Tamara Williams, President Marcia Conston, Anna Bonnett, Delceno Miles, Mayor Glover and student Jacob Talmage

ERC Chief Executive Officer Anna Bonnet reflected on their commitment to supporting student success and now expanding that commitment to grow the academy. “We are proud to provide significant financial support for this expansion project,” she said. “As an infrastructure company that connects our cities through tunnels and roads, we are pleased to now connect our region’s workforce to higher-paying, more stable careers.”

TCC Educational Foundation board member Fred Pasquine noted that the STA is a place where people are able to work with their hands and their minds. Pasquine also serves on the VSRA advisory board, giving him a unique perspective on student success. “TCC is equipped to help students succeed with training opportunities,” Pasquine said. “But they can’t do it alone. It takes industry engagement to meet the needs of our community.”

To date, 96 percent of students who are certified in training programs through the STA are hired by regional employers. They are career-ready and have the in-demand trade skills, as well as the soft skills needed to succeed on the job.

New Child Development Centers opening at TCC Campuses

Tidewater Community College values quality education for both you and your children, which is why new TCC Child Development Centers will be opening on the Portsmouth and Norfolk Campuses starting Fall Semester 2023. These centers will provide quality care and developmental learning for children of TCC students, helping them thrive while their parents pursue higher education. Full-time students with a FAFSA on file with the Financial Aid office are eligible to apply for child care scholarships.

The first center will open on the Portsmouth Campus in mid-August followed by a second location on the Norfolk Campus opening in January 2024. The Child Development Centers will be staffed by TCC’s Early Childhood Development program alumni and students. They will focus on teaching children school readiness and important skills through play.

Ciera Streeter, director of TCC’s Childhood Development Centers, urges all students with children ages 3-5 to apply for this opportunity. She said, “Parents will be able to attend in-person classes, complete internships or program requirements and feel relief from financial barriers, all while their children receive high-quality care.”

TCC Child Development Center services are available to any currently enrolled TCC student in need of child care. In addition, students can use financial aid to cover child care costs. Students can authorize TCC to charge the cost of child care services to their remaining financial aid, after the cost of tuition, fees and any bookstore charges have been deducted.

Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, TCC is also able to offer the Child Care Access Means Parents (CCAMPIS) in School scholarships. Students with children and financial needs can receive reduced or no-cost child care. To learn more and apply, visit here. The scholarship will be open for applications between June 15, 2023 – Aug. 25, 2023.

Each center will provide safe, convenient and consistent child care five days a week. Center hours are Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for children 3 to 5 years of age, with after-school and drop-in care available for children up to 12 years of age.

The TCC Child Development Centers are in the following locations:

Norfolk Campus, Norfolk Student Center, TCC Child Development Center, Room 213
Portsmouth Campus, Portsmouth Student Center, TCC Child Development Center, E101

To learn more about child care at TCC and to register your child, visit here. For more information, contact Streeter at cstreeter@tcc.edu or by calling 757-822-1099.

For information about TCC’s CCAMPIS scholarship, please contact LaShell Currie, Childcare Provider liaison by emailing lcurrie@tcc.edu or calling 757-822-1796.

Tidewater Community College Launches Rivian Technical Trades Program

Hampton Roads, VA (June 12, 2023) – Tidewater Community College has launched the Rivian Technical Trades program, a partnership program with electric vehicle maker Rivian designed to train the next generation of electric vehicle (EV) technicians. The program’s first cohort of students joined in March of this year and will complete their training as part of this program this summer.

The program involves five months of training with a focus on electric vehicle service and light repair. Upon completion of the program, students have the opportunity to become Rivian Service Technicians or enter the high-demand EV service job market in a similar capacity.

“We are thrilled to partner with Rivian to provide this quality training opportunity for future technicians,” said Tamara Williams, Vice President of TCC’s Center for Workforce Solutions. “With interest increasing for electric vehicles, this training is just what is needed to prepare the workforce of the future.”

This program is an earn-and-learn program, where students are paid $26 per hour as part of their internship at a local Rivian Service Center if they maintain at least a B average in their coursework.

Student technicians learn the latest electric vehicle technologies inside the classroom and put those theories into practice with hands-on training at the college’s Skilled Trades Academy, as well as at Rivian Service Centers during their paid internships. As part of this partnership, Rivian has provided two vehicle lifts, an alignment rack, and three Rivian vehicles – a Rivian R1T pickup, R1S SUV and one of the company’s custom electric delivery vans for Amazon – to the college for onsite training.

“The Rivian Technical Trades program provides training that will unleash students’ potential to become electric vehicle technicians,” says Nana Danso, Rivian’s Senior Manager of Workforce Development. “It’s specifically designed to spark careers in the burgeoning electric vehicle service sector by building on the skills needed to power the future through electric mobility with a flexible, bi-directional approach.”

The program caters to those who have already completed an automotive technology degree or transitioning military members with relevant experience. Participating students are also required to have a basic knowledge of electrical systems.

To learn more about the program, call TCC’s Center for Workforce Solutions at 757-822-1234 or email workforce@tcc.edu.

ABOUT RIVIAN
Rivian exists to create products and services that help our planet transition to carbon-neutral energy and transportation. Rivian designs, develops, and manufactures category-defining electric vehicles and accessories and sells them directly to customers in the consumer and commercial markets. Rivian complements its vehicles with a full suite of proprietary, value-added services that address the entire lifecycle of the vehicle and deepen its customer relationships. Learn more about the company, products, and careers at rivian.com.

ABOUT TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Founded in 1968, Tidewater Community College (www.tcc.edu) helps students of all ages and backgrounds achieve their educational and career goals. TCC is the largest provider of higher education and workforce solutions in southeastern Virginia, serving both students and local employers with in-demand academic and career programs. It is one of 23 schools that make up Virginia’s Community Colleges.