TCL launches new chapter of honor society, inducts first-generation students, faculty and staff

The Technical College of the Lowcountry recently held a dinner and induction ceremony for its new Eta Rho Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha, also called “Tri-Alpha” – an Honor Society specifically dedicated to first-generation college students.

The event, held on Nov. 8 at the Culinary Institute of the South at TCL, also marked National First-Generation College Celebration Day, a day widely celebrated and recognized by institutions of higher education across the country.

TCL President Dr. Richard Gough, a first-generation college student himself, was one of 14 faculty, staff and student Tri-Alpha inductees honored Wednesday night.

After Dr. Gough accepted the new charter on behalf of the college, he thanked his parents for encouraging him to further his education.

“They knew that college was the key to further opportunity and growth,” he said. “If you’re going to get ahead in the world, you’ve got to get an education, and I know everyone in this room understands that or you wouldn’t be here.”

He went on to say that TCL is committed not only to the academic success of all TCL students but to empowering and assisting first-generation college students in particular.

“As a first-generation college graduate myself, I fully appreciate the myriad roles you must juggle such as employment, being a spouse or parent, all while striving to work your way through school,” he said.

Starr Hayes, TCL’s TRiO Student Support Services Director, and Dr. Rodney Adams, TCL’s Associate Vice President for Student Services & Coordinator for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, will serve as co-advisors for the new chapter. Both are first-generation college students as well.

As new members were inducted into the Eta Rho Chapter, Hayes, who organized the event, said that being a first-generation college student could be “hard and scary” but encouraged those being honored to now lead the way for others.

“By accepting membership in the Tri-Alpha Honor society you recognize the responsibility to your family and future first generations to be their compass leading them to their destination – when the way seems uncertain to be their light in the darkness, to support others in their journey of firsts,” she said.

In addition to TCL faculty and staff, guests included family members of those inducted as well as Kaitlin Illsley of U.S. Sen. Tim Scott’s office. In addition, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham sent his congratulations by video. Both Senators, it was noted, are first-generation college students.

For information on Tri-Alpha visit www.1stgenhonors.org.

For additional photos and highlights from the evening visit TCL’s Facebook page here.

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