Charlie McManus and Jacqueline Plattner, owners of Tacoma’s Primo Grill restaurant, will receive honorary Associate Degrees at Tacoma Community College’s 42nd annual Commencement ceremonies June 16.

The Legislature allows TCC to present honorary degrees to those community members who have made outstanding contributions to the college and the community and who have greatly improved student access and success.

McManus and Plattner are being honored by the college for their dedication and support of TCC students. Over the past eight years, the restaurant owners have supported a special art scholarship for TCC students. Each year, during the restaurant’s anniversary celebration, a special dinner and auction is held at Primo. Event proceeds go to support the TCC Foundation-sponsored scholarships for deserving art students. Over the years, the couple has raised more than $70,000 to help students.

“TCC and Primo Grill have had a longstanding partnership, said college President Pamela Transue. TCC art students helped design and paint Primo’s tables and Charlie and Jacqueline stepped up to raise funds for scholarships. It’s really been a great relationship.”

McManus has worked in restaurants since coming to the United States from Ireland. Before opening Primo Grill in 1999, he was executive chef for Altezzo Ristorante at the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel.

McManus and Plattner are well known throughout the Tacoma area. “We believe in strong local connections,” said Plattner. “We display the artwork of local artists and support local wineries and also local farmers of produce, meats and seafood.” Being part of our community is very important for us.” McManus added that “we believe that successful businesses become so by building relationships with the community.”

The honorary degrees will be presented at TCC’s Commencement ceremonies, 7 p.m., June 16 at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall.