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May is my favorite time of year because it's when we recognize our graduates. For them, Commencement celebrates the end of their TCL experience and the beginning of a good career or the next steps to a more advanced degree. The diversity of our 379 graduates perfectly represents who we are as a college. Their graduation demonstrates our impact on the community. Our name says it all.
- TECHNICAL: Career-oriented education for today's high skill jobs.
- COLLEGE: 80+ accredited academic programs and transfer degree options.
- LOWCOUNTRY: Community-directed and locally focused.
Join me in thanking our faculty, staff, alumni and students. Collectively, we bring TCL's name to life. Congratulations Class of 2016!
Sincerely,
TCL President
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TCL Commencement honors 379 graduates
TCL honored 379 graduates at its 2016 Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 13 at the All Weather Facility on Parris Island. Graduates were awarded a total of
509 associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in health sciences, business, industrial technologies and transfer programs.
TCL's class of 2016 also included 25 high school seniors who received college certificates and associate degrees through the Early College Credit Opportunities program.
"Our diverse student body is well represented tonight," President Richard Gough said during his address to graduates. "Whether you are going right into a career or have decided to continue your education, we are immensely proud. You will make the Lowcountry a better place to live and work, and that benefits us all. Thank you."
Other Ceremony Highlights
Keynote Speaker: NASA Astronaut Captain Winston Scott delivered the Commencement address. Scott served on two space missions aboard the space shuttles Endeavor and Columbia and logged a total of 24 days, 14 hours and 34 minutes in space, including three space walks. Scott challenged the graduates to pursue a career that they loved. For Scott, it meant changing his studies from music to aeronautical engineering in order to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. "Find your calling, and then reach for the stars," he said.
Student Speaker: Shadena Myers enrolled at TCL in 2015 and earned her associate degree in general technology at Commencement. Before coming to TCL, Myers served on three tours of duty in the U.S. Navy. Myers credited TCL for helping her transition from military to civilian life. "TCL has turned my life around, and without the support of my family as well as TCL's faculty and staff, I don't know where I would be right now," she said. Myers plans to continue her education and pursue both bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science.
Presidential Medallion:
Patricia McCall Green, founder of the Chocolate Tree and longtime TCL commissioner, was named this year's recipient. In addition, TCL awarded her an honorary associate degree in business at the Commencement ceremony. President Gough said there was no one more deserving. "Much like chocolate, Pat makes any day better. Even in difficult times, Pat helped us focus on our mission and was steadfastly committed to keeping tuition low and our standards high," he said.
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Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant programs recognize 46 graduates at Pinning Ceremony
The College recognized 31 Associate Degree in Nursing graduates and 15 Physical Therapist Assistant graduates at its May 12 pinning ceremony. "We are so proud of these graduates for their perseverance and commitment to excellence," health sciences dean Dr. Glenn Levicki said. "TCL's health sciences programs are rigorous but produce extremely qualified and successful graduates, giving them the confidence they need to walk proudly into the field."
→ See list of graduates here.
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Massage Therapy program earns national accolades
The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) recently renewed its accreditation of the TCL Massage Therapy certificate program through the year 2023.
TCL has the only COMTA accredited Massage Therapy program in the state of South Carolina and was awarded the maximum seven years renewal.
In addition, program director Denise Van Nostran was appointed to the COMTA commission for four years.
"Because of COMTA accreditation and the success rates of our graduates, students have relocated to our area to participate in the TCL Massage Therapy program," Van Nostran said.
Over the past 10 years, the TCL Massage Therapy program has graduated 90 students. And in the last five years, 100 percent of the program graduates have passed the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) and obtained licensure. → Learn more about the program here.
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Military, veterans welcomed to TCL for food and fun
To celebrate "Serve South Carolina Day of Service," the Technical College of the Lowcountry recently hosted two free events for active duty service members, veterans, and their families. More than 400 people attended the two days of activities that featured a free car wash, barbecue, children's activities, and Bingo.
"We had so much fun hosting this special event to show our appreciation," veterans resources director Christina Welsch-Copeland said. "It was a small way for us to express our thanks to these dedicated individuals."
The events were jointly presented by TCL's Student Government Association, Student Support Services and the Veterans Resource Center.
Serve South Carolina's Day of Service is an initiative of the Leadership South Carolina Class of 2016 in an effort to establish an annual day of giving, statewide, in celebration of the community spirit South Carolinians share.
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September 22: Distinguished Donors Dinner
October 15: Oysters, BBQ and Friends by the Bay
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