On Oct. 31, it was time again for Tulsa Community College to host its annual “Pictures with the President” event, which introduces international students to the president of TCC, Dr. Leigh Goodson.
Students have said how much they look forward to this event. “Pictures with the President” has been recognized as a welcoming and encouraging event for students that represent many nationalities and cultures from around the world.
The invitation to visit with the college president gives an opportunity for the students to discuss their experiences, difficulties, and any new perspectives about living and studying in a foreign country.
A Student’s Perspective
Nicolle Huaman Torres, an international student from Peru, is thriving at Tulsa Community College. After completing her ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, she is now pursuing a major in business administration. This year is her second time attending the “Pictures with the President” event.
“Meeting and having the opportunity to talk to the president of TCC is an inspiring and motivating experience. For me, it is an honor to be able to show my family, who invest so much in my education, a photo with the TCC leader. This experience is not only memorable, but it also reinforces my commitment and motivates me to keep moving forward,” shared Huaman Torres.
Huaman Torres’s commitment and contributions to several student organizations, in addition to her academic accomplishments, further enhance the TCC community.
“An opportunity to meet, talk, and share thoughts with the president of TCC” – Emânoel Batista Coutinho is an aspiring international student from Brazil majoring in mechanical engineering.
Coutinho is an active member of the International Student Organization, serving as the Student Government Association representative. Reflecting on his time at TCC, he shared, “I have enjoyed my time at TCC. My experience here has been delightful. I have had the chance to join clubs, have fun, and learn a lot. I am genuinely happy with Tulsa Community College.”
“It was an incredible opportunity for international students to connect with TCC’s leadership. We had the chance to meet, talk, and share our thoughts with the president. The event was well-organized—the president answered many questions and shared inspiring stories. Everyone also got a photo to commemorate the occasion,” expressed Coutinho.
Inspiring Leadership
In an interview with the TCC Connection, Dr. Goodson shared the story behind the event and her vision for the international students at TCC.
According to Dr. Goodson, the “Pictures with the President” event began as a spontaneous moment during a reception organized by Dr. Doug Price, director of Faculty Development and Global Learning. At the reception event, students asked for individual photos with the president after a group picture, and soon, a line formed.
“It felt like I was a celebrity!” the president recalled. Seeing how much it meant to the students, Dr. Price suggested making it an annual tradition, and Dr. Goodson enthusiastically agreed.
Dr. Price came up with the idea of a terrestrial globe model representing the countries where students previously lived before coming to TCC. He gifted the globe to former college president Dr. Tom McKeon, and it remains displayed in President Goodson’s office as a symbol of the college’s commitment to international students and its dedication to diversity and inclusivity.
“It reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusivity,” shares Dr. Goodson. “We care about where students are in their lives and how we can help them reach their goals, even if they’re not there yet. Everyone belongs here, and everyone can learn.”
The president emphasizes that TCC’s values extend beyond special programs embedded in the college’s core mission. Whether students come from Uzbekistan, Tulsa, or elsewhere, the goal is for them to have an experience that enriches their lives and supports their success, no matter the challenges they may face.
Celebrating Diversity and Belonging
TCC’s dedication to creating a welcoming, diverse community is demonstrated college-wide by many events, such as “Pictures with the President. Coutinho shared, “These kinds of activities serve as a reminder to international students that they are welcome and important members of the TCC community.”
Every person at TCC has the chance to develop, connect, and flourish as Pres. Goodson and other leaders continue to assist and encourage students from all over the world. The college is committed to giving all students, regardless of background, an educational experience that helps them widen their perspectives and achieve their goals.