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Alumni Profiles

Katherine Guevara, TCC grad, on the Virginia Beach Campus.
“College was hard sometimes, but I was fully supported as a student. What could be better?” — Katherine Guevara, TCC graduate

Katherine Louise Guevara has lived in the United States for just three years. In that time, she has adjusted to a new culture and earned a college degree. “My goal is always to set a good example for my sisters and to take every opportunity and run with it,” she said. Katherine is one of […]

Rickkita Riddick
From TCC to the Ellen Show to serving women and families

In the early days of the pandemic in 2020, TCC alumna Rickkita Riddick flew to Hollywood to appear on the Ellen Show. Not only did she get to meet Ellen DeGeneres, the star of the show, but she also received $10,000 for her family and another $10,000 for the charity she founded and now leads, […]

TCC alumna baking up sweet dreams in Virginia Beach

Walk into 17 Hands Coffee and you will be delighted by the smells and sights around you, from the glass cases filled with delicious baked goods, to the array of aromatic coffees and teas, to the warm décor. 17 Hands Coffee opened in 2019, the dream and inspiration of Tidewater Community College alumna Robin Simmons. […]

Megan Pastore at TCC's Chesapeake Campus.
TCC student is published in national literary journal

Tidewater Community College student Megan Pastore discovered her passion for writing in Rick Alley’s creative writing class. She enjoyed the writing prompts as they sparked her creativity and ultimately earned her national recognition. “I feel a sense of joy and passion that I didn’t know I could feel,” Megan said. “I have a purpose outside […]

TCC graduates Shelby Ouellette at Norfolk Campus.
“Once I found my passion, my education became the most fascinating ride of my life.” – Shelby Ouellette

Shelby Ouellette was working at Starbucks when the store hosted “Coffee with a Cop.” She enjoyed the interactions with police officers and the community so much she decided to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. “That day just sparked something in me that I wanted to do something to effect positive change,” she said. Shelby, […]

Alexis Murphy celebrates her success outside the Beazley Nursing school.
Nursing grad receives job offer and $5,000 signing bonus

Going to school during the pandemic was especially difficult for Alexis Murphy who lost her mom due to COVID-19 in January of 2020, mere weeks after starting nursing school at Tidewater Community College. “The hardest part was my planning mom’s funeral while acclimating to nursing school,” Alexis said. “But it was my way of honoring […]

Ayisha Muhammad at her home.
TCC grad aims to provide quality care and grow her business

Known as the “Amazing Ayisha” by her patients, Ayisha Muhammad is dedicated to caring for elderly and disabled clients as a certified nurse aide through her business, iCare4u, LLC. She hopes to one day open a multicultural care center, a different type of place that emphasizes the cultural and religious needs of the clients living […]

Tim and Lenore Slootmaker on TCC's Portsmouth Campus.
“I came to TCC because of the motto that said I could ‘go anywhere’ from here. And I think it’s true.” – Tim Slootmaker

Timothy Slootmaker has a motto for life, “I’ve got this!” And after seven years, Tim’s determination and can-do attitude are paying off as he earns an Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technolgy from Tidewater Community College. Tim will cross the stage at TCC’s 73rd Commencement Exercises on Dec. 20 with his mom, Lenore, […]

Winsome Sears, Virginia's Lt. Governor.
TCC alumna Winsome Sears elected as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor

Tidewater Community College alumna Winsome E. Sears is Virginia’s newly elected Lieutenant Governor. Sears is the first woman and first woman of color to serve the Commonwealth in this position. During her acceptance speech, she said, “What you’re looking at is the American dream.” She continued by saying, “What we are going to do now […]

Paulette Chevalier in the Respiratory Therapy lab at the Virginia Beach Campus.
Respiratory therapy student lands full-time position with generous signing bonus

Paulette Chevalier spent two decades in the insurance business before pursuing a medical career as a respiratory therapist. “I wanted to get out of the cubicle and into patient care. I felt like this was my higher calling,” Chevalier said. Chevalier started with an anatomy and physiology class at Tidewater Community College and is now […]