colleges and universities in Texas are required to designate a foster care liaison. This role connects students to critical resources like tuition waivers, housing support and academic guidance, helping bridge the gap between access and completion.
But the goal goes beyond access. It is about removing stigma and helping students feel confident navigating higher education.
“ We at TVCC care deeply about all our students,” Associate Vice President of Student Advocacy Melinda Berry said.“ You see that care in our advisors, faculty and staff. But this group of students has unique needs. Our approach is trauma informed. This is not transactional. It is relational. We are building trust.”
What’ s the old saying: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice. At Trinity Valley Community College, the answer is getting an update. How do you get to Carnegie Hall? By being a Cardinal.
On May 25, the TVCC Cardinal Singers will perform on the Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall, one of the world’ s most prestigious venues. The group will present Stabat Mater by Marc-André Bougie and premiere Te Deum, a new work by Terre Johnson.
“ This is an incredible opportunity for our students and for our college,” said Kristin Huggins, Division Chair of Fine Arts and Kinesiology and Director of Choral Music.“ For every performer, the dream is to perform on a stage like Carnegie Hall, and we are so blessed to be invited and to bring these pieces to life.”
TVCC brought together the community for a chance to experience the Home of Champions. On April 22, local law enforcement including the TVCC Police Department hosted a Torch Run for Special Olympics. The run supported Special Olympics athletes across Henderson County and East Texas by funding training, coaching, equipment, facilities and transportation.
At the same time, TVCC hosted a Sustainability Fair that celebrated Earth Day, health sciences at TVCC and the artistic abilities of TVCC’ s Art Department.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore community booths from Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Texas Master Naturalists, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, US- DA-NRCS, Keep Athens Beautiful, East Texas Arboretum, Atmos Energy, the TVCC Science Division, The Creature Teacher, Purtis Creek State Park, Hope Springs Water, Henderson County Master Gardener Association, Black Beauty Ranch, AIM Recycling and Rooted.
The excitement continued with a grand opening ceremony of the new W. P.“ Rip” Drumgoole Field, a major milestone for the program. This is just a glimpse of the excitement offered at the Home of Champions in 2026.
Greater Athens Magazine | May 2026 | 23