Connection September/October 2025
In this Issue …
Kayla Witthoeft Receives Distinguished Alumni Award............3
Career Fair Draws Nearly 340..........5
TCTC Foundation Breaks Fundraising Record The TCTC Foundation wrapped up fiscal year 2024-2025 with an unprecedented record-breaking fundraising year, raising more than $2.6 million in support of student scholarships, professional development for employees, and other College priorities. This is the largest annual total in the Foundation’s 43-year history. TCTC’s Foundation holds the largest endowment of any technical college in South Carolina, with assets exceeding $45 million. It is also among the largest foundations of its kind nationwide. Courtney White, executive director of the TCTC Foundation, outlined this year’s accomplishments at the College’s Annual Report Reception held on October 14. The TCTC Foundation: • Expended $1.75 million to support student scholarships, professional development and educational support. • Raised more than $16,000 for the Student Emergency Fund, and launched an Employee Emergency Assistance Fund, raising more than $20,000 to support colleagues facing unexpected hardships. • Visionary donors like Jim and Julee Kaplan led support for the Dual Enrollment Academy, which aims to raise $5 million over five years. • Becky Jo Clark, Clemson resident and retired educator, public health administrator, and financial planner, named the third-floor terrace in Oconee Hall, creating a lasting space for student connection and collaboration. “Creating transformative student and employee experiences is at the heart of everything we do at Tri-County, and the 2024-2025 academic year was no exception. Thank you again for your support and for helping us break barriers and build dreams,” said White.
Vulcan Materials Company Named Philanthropist of the Year Vulcan Materials Company and Vulcan Materials Company Foundation is the 2025 recipient of the Tri-County Technical College Foundation’s Philanthropist of the Year award. This is the Foundation’s highest and most prestigious honor reserved for individuals, foundations, companies, trusts, organizations or other entities that have made a significant financial contribution, either cash or non-cash, to the Foundation to support the work of the College.
TCTC Foundation Hosts Annual Abney Day Celebration.......7
right: Courtney White, executive director of TCTC’s Foundation, right, presented the Philanthropist of the Year award to Elliott Botzis, vice president and general manager of Vulcan Materials Company South Carolina Division located in Piedmont, left. (continued on page 10)