TCL dedicates new nursing simulation center in honor of Frank and Stevie Raiti

The Technical College of the Lowcountry officially dedicated its new state-of-the-art nursing simulation center Sept. 25, honoring longtime supporters Frank and Stephanie “Stevie” Raiti of Hilton Head Island.
The Frank and Stevie Raiti Nursing Simulation Center, located in the Health Sciences building on TCL’s Beaufort Mather Campus, was made possible by a gift from the Raitis, who have supported the college for years.
The couple also established the Joseph Raiti Memorial Scholarship in Practical Nursing at TCL.
“We invest in TCL because we see the need in our community,” the Raitis said in a statement. “And we have witnessed TCL’s commitment to meet that need through dedicated instruction and pragmatic management of all their resources, both human and fiscal. TCL is a great resource for our community, and we are happy to support their efforts to provide a well-trained workforce that is so vital at this time.”
The approximately 625-square-foot facility features two mock hospital rooms, classroom space, a control room with new software and technology, and mechanized mannequins that stand in for patients. The center will allow nursing students to practice skills such as CPR, patient assessments and medication administration in a safe, controlled environment before entering clinical settings.

TCL President Richard Gough praised the Raitis for their commitment to workforce development. “They are not just supporters in talk but in financial support as well,” he said. He added that the center will have a “generational impact” not only on students but also on the patients they will go on to serve.
Interim Dean of Nursing Vandy Amason said the simulation center has already had a “transformative impact” on the program.
“It’s a dynamic learning environment where future nurses will gain the confidence, competence and critical thinking skills they need to provide exceptional care,” Amason said. “Practicing in a safe and controlled environment helps students feel more prepared and less anxious before they go into clinical settings. Students report feeling more prepared and empowered, and faculty are thrilled to integrate advanced simulation into their teaching.”
Community leaders and health care partners also attended the dedication, including Beaufort Memorial Hospital CEO Russell Baxley. He said the center will help meet the region’s rising demand for health services.
“We couldn’t provide the health services we provide without the Technical College of the Lowcountry and the generous benefactors and donors we have here today that make things like this possible,” Baxley said. “It is centers like this that can train more nurses that Beaufort Memorial and other healthcare systems can recruit. I commend everyone here for growing the program. We are lucky to have such a great institution like TCL here in Beaufort with great administrators and great staff.”
TCL officials said the center represents a major step forward in nursing education for the Lowcountry and will serve as an essential resource for training future health care professionals.
More information on TCL’s nursing and health sciences programs is available at www.tcl.edu/academics/pathways/