FORT WORTH, Texas — When Roger Heath walked into the Tarrant County College Board of Trustees workshop last week, he came with more than good intentions. The TCC alumnus and partner at McCurdy/Heath stood before the board to announce something tangible: a donation of high-density shelving to help stock the still-in-design Northeast Campus Science Building.
As a 30-year-old student, Heath sat in TCC’s classrooms, navigated its hallways and built the foundation for a legal career that saw him rise to law firm partner. Motivated to support the institution that launched his professional life, he kept alert for ways to contribute.
When McCurdy/Heath identified surplus shelving at its facility, he saw the perfect opportunity to give back.
The units, inspected by TCC facilities staff in May and stamped in excellent condition, require roughly 1,100 square feet of floor space and run entirely without electrical power. They’re the right gift arriving at exactly the right moment.
“By maximizing storage without increasing the building’s energy footprint, this will free up valuable square footage for hands-on learning labs and collaborative study spaces,” Heath said. “It ensures that essential science equipment and research materials are organized and readily accessible from day one.”
The TCC board voted June 11 to authorize the chancellor to accept the donation. The College will cover removal, transport and installation costs, estimated at $400 per unit.
“We are grateful to McCurdy/Heath and to Roger for bringing this gift forward,” said TCC Chancellor Elva LeBlanc. “As we prepare to open the new science building at TCC Northeast, having this shelving in place before we even unlock the doors is a meaningful head start.”
For Heath, the moment was personal. For TCC, it was practical. And for students who one day will study in the building, it will simply be part of the place where their futures took shape.
“TCC is the most important path to higher education in our county,” he said. “Had it not been there for me, I might not have been able to pursue my dreams. I hope this donation in some way helps the latest generation of students pursue their dreams as well.”
Tarrant County College serves nearly 100,000 students each year, offering accessible, affordable pathways to in-demand careers and university transfer. Across multiple campuses and TCC Connect — a fully online learning option — the College partners with more than 1,200 employers to help build the workforce that drives North Texas forward. Bold Steps. Better Futures.