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Mike Paris headshot
Mike Paris – Full Circle Community Impact and Inspiration

Before Mike Paris became the bureau manager for the city of Norfolk’s Economic Development Department, he was earning his associate in general studies from Tidewater Community College. Originally from Massachusetts, Paris was unsure what his future career would entail but was advised the degree would transfer well to any four-year program he pursued in the […]

Photo of Deborah Barnes
Deborah Barnes – Associate of Science, General Studies (Dec. 2023)

Deborah Barnes’ graduation from Tidewater Community College has been 14 years in the making. Barnes started taking classes at TCC back in 2009 as a single mom of two kids. While Barnes was studying social sciences and general studies, she sought out academic counseling and tutoring help from the Open Door Project, where she met […]

Group of people standing behind a donation check from the Kenneth A & Patricia A Hall Charitable Foundation
TCC Automotive Program Receives $50,000 Scholarship Donation From The Hall Charitable Foundation

Students, faculty, and instructors at Tidewater Community College’s Regional Automotive Center (RAC) gathered with members of the Kenneth A. & Patricia A. Hall Charitable Foundation to celebrate a life-changing new partnership. The Hall Foundation established a scholarship for the advancement of students looking to improve skills through continuing education and hands-on training in automotive maintenance […]

Person using a welder.
Virginia Beach City Public Schools announces 67 new scholarship recipients in partnership with Sun Tribe and Tidewater Community College

A special scholarship fund created through a solar power partnership is helping area high school students access advanced courses through a dual-enrollment program. CHARLOTTESVILLE and VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Mid-Atlantic clean energy company Sun Tribe and Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) have announced that 67 of the district’s high school students received scholarships for dual-enrollment technical courses at Tidewater Community College (TCC) […]

Chef Heather Tripple at work in Virginia Beach.
TCC alum lands top chef spot at local eatery

Heather Tripple is a proud Tidewater Community College alumna. She got her start in the TCC kitchens under the tutelage of Chef Deanna “Dee” Freridge. She is now the head chef at The Stock Pot in Virginia Beach. Heather earned her Culinary Arts degree in 2014. She remembers the long days of school and work […]

TCC Theatre actors in "The Red Lamp."
Calling all actors

Tidewater Community College Theatre will hold open auditions for the fall production of “Inherit the Wind.”  When:  Sept. 6 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre, room 4102, on the Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road.  Callbacks: To be determined. The story: Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee wrote “Inherit the Wind.” This lively courtroom […]

Hannah and children.
From TCC to the mission field in Romania

Hannah Căldăraru found her “anywhere” at Tidewater Community College. She got her start on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus in 2014 and earned a social sciences degree three years later. She also jumped into student life and was part of the Breakaway Bible Club, serving as president for a year. In that role, she helped lead weekly […]

Penny Chase on Norfolk Campus.
“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 […]

Thomas Armstrong, Classified Employee of the Year.
“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 […]

Alison Napier, Outstanding Adjunct Faculty.
“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 […]