Building a Legacy

In 1970, a young mother decided to enroll at Tarrant County Junior College (TCJC), taking two classes to start her educational journey. During her first semester, she learned she was expecting her second child. After completing one semester of college, Lorraine Luna (pictured) chose to postpone her education and become a full-time mother and wife. Once her youngest son entered the first grade, Luna decided to go back to school and this time, she was on a mission to complete a degree and start a career.

“I have a huge box with literally everything from my time here,” she said with a big smile. Items in her box include an acceptance letter into the Radiologic Technology program, her transcript, a graduation photo of her shaking Chancellor Joe B. Rushing’s hand at commencement and many other items that were (and still are) important to her.

While going through her mementos, she found a scholarship letter awarding her $150 for the year, which to her delight increased to $200 the following year. Today, the average award for a scholarship administered through the TCC Foundation is $885 per semester.

Being a full-time student, mother and wife was not easy; receiving a scholarship meant that others believed in me and my goals.

Lorraine Luna, TCC Alumna

Luna graduated from the Radiologic Technology program with highest honors and was offered a job with Arlington Memorial Hospital’s radiology department, where she helped establish the hospital’s first breast screening clinic. That first job with a degree as a Registered Radiologic Technologist (RTR) doubled her salary.

During her long career in radiology, Luna has had many opportunities to learn from experienced doctors and technologists, which allowed her to gain many certifications and credentials that would later advance her into a managing position at the Women’s Imaging Center, then as the osteoporosis coordinator for Baylor Healthcare System.

“I attribute my success in radiology to the foundation that I gained at TCJC, now TCC; I learned so much from the countless faculty and staff who cared about me and my education,” she said.

As a TCC Proud Alum, Luna decided to give back to her alma mater. “I gave a small monetary gift in 2015, after receiving a postcard from the TCC Alumni Association.” She has been giving back consistently through regular donations and, for the past two years, volunteering her time to serve on the Scholarship Selection Committee. Along with other committee members, she reviews student scholarship applications, then selects deserving students for scholarship awards administered through the TCC Foundation.

After reading numerous applications and essays, Luna realized there was still a great need for scholarships offered to TCC students. Last year, after many conversations with Brian Spence, assistant professor of radiology, and Liz Sisk, senior donor relations officer, the Lorraine Packard Luna Scholarship for Radiologic Technology Students was established and funded. “Lorraine wanted to recognize and honor the legacy of those who have come before her by supporting current and future TCC radiologic technology students in their pursuit of excellence in the field,” said Sisk.

In fall of 2018, the first Lorraine Packard Luna Scholarship for Radiologic Technology Students was awarded to Paul Adkison.

There are certain times in life that people will remember and celebrate; it is because of Lorraine’s gracious act and kindness that I am among those celebrating and I will always remember her generosity.

Paul Adkison, Lorraine Packard Luna Scholarship Recipient

The two met in person at the 2018 Scholarship Recognition Luncheon, where named scholarship donors have an opportunity to meet the recipient(s) of their scholarship. “Paul is a remarkable young man and we have very similar life experience; I was so happy that he was selected to receive this scholarship,” said Luna.

Today, Luna is retired after 22 years in the radiologic field. She enjoys traveling with her husband John and watching their five grandchildren start their educational journeys and careers. “TCC’s commitment to the success of each student is remarkable, accessible and affordable, which is why I am happy to do whatever I can to help promote this College,” she said.

To learn more, visit the TCC Foundation or call 817-515-5277.