Greetings from Tri-C,
As always, we hope this update finds you well and thriving. At Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), we value the strong relationships we have with you, our civic and community leaders. This quarter, we start with a turning point moment for Tri-C as we bid farewell to outgoing President Dr. Alex Johnson and welcome incoming President Dr. Michael Baston.
In this quarter's newsletter we also share college news-of-note as well as resources that may be of use to your constituents. Highlights include:
- Tri-C Welcomes U.S. DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg & Congresswoman Shontel Brown
- Tri-C Jazz Band Sells Out Lincoln Center (Twice!) & Achieves a Creative Arts Center Goal
- Tri-C Students, Faculty and Staff Shine in State & National Spotlights
- Tri-C Awards 2022 Community Champions, Advisory Committee, Outstanding Alumni
As we work together to find new pathways for regional growth and success, we hope this information proves useful to you and your constituents. and invite you to share it within your communities. Of course, please contact me if Tri-C can be helpful to you or if you have ideas to further support our students.
Thank you,
Claire
Claire Rosacco
Vice President for Government Relations & Community Outreach
Cuyahoga Community College
Work & Cell: 216-406-8821
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A Tri-C Times Salute – We invite you to learn more about the many College Awards and Personal Achievements achieved during his Presidency in the Spring 2022 Issue of our quarterly magazine - dedicated to Dr. Johnson with our collective thanks. |
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After 40+ Years in Higher Ed, Tri-C President Dr. Alex Johnson Takes His Leave
Dr. Alex Johnson took the helm as Tri-C President during the College's 50th Anniversary year (2013). Serving as the fourth President for the institution, numerous achievements and advancements have taken place under his leadership - most notably, increased graduation rates and increased numbers of graduates. Other highlights include:
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2014 – A $10M gift establishes the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Humanities Center - focused on preparing future Cleveland leaders.
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2017 – Tri-C earns its first Bellwether Award - given annually in three categories to community colleges with outstanding and innovative programs or practices.
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2019 – The renovated Metropolitan Campus Center & Tri-C neighborhood Access Centers open – bringing additional opportunities for growth & study to citizens in our communities.
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2021 & 2023 – Tri-C recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 Community College in America - the nation’s signature recognition for America’s community colleges.
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2022 – Ohio Chancellor Randy Gardner officially launched Tri-C's first four-year degree process at Dr. Johnson's June 23 Gala.
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In Recognition of His Steadfast & Stalwart Service |
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In his One Last Thing column, p. 22 of the Tri-C Times, Dr. Johnson notes: "Together we have solidified Tri-C's place as a powerful engine that helps drive Northeast Ohio's economic success. Together, we have fulfilled the promise that Tri-C is a place where dreams take root and flourish." Agreed. Read more
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For the Fifth Time In Tri-C's History ... |
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Tri-C Selects Michael A. Baston, Ed.D., as next College President |
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Michael Baston as he becomes the College’s fifth president, beginning his term on July 1. Since 2017, he served as president of Rockland Community College, Suffern, NY.
Nationally, Dr. Baston is noted for his work with two- and four-year college leadership teams, helping them integrate student success initiatives to advance college completion and labor market entry success.
Dr. Baston notes, "It is a high honor to be selected to serve as the fifth president of Cuyahoga Community College. Tri-C’s legacy of commitment to students and the community, and enormous regional economic impact is a testament to the extraordinary leadership both past and present. I look forward to leading this vanguard institution toward a bold, bright and ambitious future." More.
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Good News Conversation Starters |
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Tri-C / RTA Workforce Partnership Centerpiece of Visit by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Congresswoman Shontel Brown
After touring Tri-C's Transportation Innovation Center in Euclid, a Fireside Chat was held with community leaders. The Secretary noted, "We need skilled workers more than ever, and we’ve seen how Tri-C and regional employers are bringing [together] their piece of that puzzle." More
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Tri-C Plays Lincoln Center
Two Sold-Out Concerts Create
A Milestone Event
The Tri-C JazzFest Academy’s Spirit of the Groove ensemble performed two sold-out shows at NYC’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, led by renowned trumpeter Dominick Farinacci. Incoming President Michael Baston and
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Tri-C's First Four-Year Degree In Motion After presenting Dr. Johnson with proclamations from both ODHE & Governor DeWine at the June 23rd Gala, Ohio Higher Ed Chancellor Randy Gardner signed the official letter approving an applied bachelor's degree to move forward at Tri-C – the institution's first four-year degree. |
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Groundbreaking for The Cleveland Scholar House – a 40-unit service-enriched apartment complex for single college-student parents and their minor children. Tri-C is a core partner in the project, being managed by CHN Housing Partners with United Way of Greater Cleveland coordinating wraparound services. More
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Tri-C Commencement Celebrates 2,200+ Graduates at Progressive Field |
At the June ceremony, the College also awarded Honorary Degrees to United Way President & CEO August Napoli, RPM International Inc. VP Randell McShepard, and retired Jewish Federation President Stephen Hoffman. Noted one participant – “Every face told a story of triumph. It was joy on display." More
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Meet a Few of Our Graduates |
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A Gathering of Champions
Tri-C Annual Awards, Alumni & Advisory Committee Honors
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A Conversation with Dr. Alex Johnson, hosted by Tri-C Board of Visitors Chair Bob Smith begins the event.
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Annual Advisory Committees Award – Since 1993, Tri-C has hosted an annual event to honor and celebrate the contributions of Tri-C’s Program Advisory Committees. Community and staff experts sit on the Committees, providing input to the development of Tri-C Programs and ensuring students are well-positioned for success in their chosen fields.
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The 2022 Outstanding Advisory Committee is the Ford ASSET Committee – Congratulations!
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Outstanding Tri-C Alumni Honors – In 2022, the Distinguished Alumni Award goes to worldwide advocate and civic leader Erin Huber, '07. Rising Star Alumni awards also will be presented to Ukrainian-born chef Olena Firman, '17 & Agustin Torres, '18, now serving as director of client relations at the first Spanish-speaking law firm in Ohio. More
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Community Champions – Each year, Tri-C honors Community Champions making a difference in the lives and career paths of Tri-C students. Nominated by Tri-C Faculty/Staff, awards are given in three categories – Individual (three winners in 2022), Small Business (<50 employees), and Large Business (>50 employees). See highlights of the honorees below.
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Meet our 2022 Community Champions |
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Individual Award Winner – Audra T. Jones – An entrepreneur, author, leadership coach & more, Audra has supported Tri-C students for 10+ years in the GED Department and as an adjunct faculty in Business.
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Individual Award Winners – Joyce & William (Bill) Litzler – Community leaders dedicated to enriching the lives of Tri-C students in many ways, from their first gift in 2006 to an endowed scholarship benefiting Seeds of Literacy & other GED graduates continuing their studies at Tri-C.
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Small Business Award – Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio – accepted by Pam Schuellerman, President & CEO - This group leads programs making homes safe and healthy including SHE BUILDS - focused on women-headed households.
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Large Business Award – Bank of America – accepted by Jeneen Springer Marziani, President, Bank of America Cleveland. Bank of America is a key Tri-C partner, funding multiple programs connecting students to jobs & helping them thrive.
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Individual Award Winner – Monica A. Starks – An adjunct faculty member, empowering students to stand up for key issues through her volunteerism, including with the Stand for Racial Justice Task Force and Let's Talk About It series.
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Tri-C Veterinary Technology Program Among the Leading Veterinary Institutes in the State
The Tri-C Veterinary Technology program continues its march toward academic excellence. Preparing students to be registered, licensed and certified veterinary technicians positions them for an in-demand field and building a bright career path in a range of settings - from private practice to research facilities to zoos. More
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Cyber Skills for All: Grant Will Help Tri-C Educate Clevelanders for Digital Economy
As a Cyber Skills for All grant recipient, Tri-C will help develop cyber skills and a cybersecurity workforce throughout Cleveland. Tri-C will work alongside Microsoft and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in this effort. Recent census data ranked Cleveland as the least-connected large city in the U.S. More
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Area Students Learn About Tri-C
In an innovative program, Tri-C's Speakers Bureau is hosting a five-week series of speakers at area schools. The series culminates in an on-campus visit and lunch, where students learn about career paths and Tri-C programs – including College Credit Plus. Most recently, 16 seventh-grade girls from Nathan Hale Middle School participated in the program.
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Fathers & Families Day at League Park On a beautiful Saturday in June, Tri-C joined in at the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative’s event at League Park. The forum, which drew a crowd of 500, was created to promote healthy father-child relationships, address problems that result from “father-absence,’’ and provide a fun family day and recognize outstanding community Dads and organizations. |
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Encore 55+ Learning – Tri-C will offer the next series of the popular virtual and on-campus courses beginning September 20. Details
Tri-C Access Centers Offer Online Workforce Training & More –Learn more about Tri-C programs at the neighborhood centers. More
Tri-C Speakers Bureau – Need a great speaker for your next event? Our free programs can entertain, educate and inspire! More
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Tri-C Students & Alumni
Making Their Marks in the World
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A Front Row Seat To History |
Tri-C Alum Shahzeb Malick (second from left) is serving in the Congressional Leadership Development Program (CLDP) in D.C. as an intern with Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN). The program is designed to offer American Muslim students an opportunity to serve on the Hill.
At Tri-C, Shahzeb served on Student Government and was chosen to speak at Tri-C's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. event.
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Inviting Students Into the Voting Lane |
Tri-C Democracy Fellows had an early start on their non-partisan student voter engagement year – working at the first annual Lakewood High School Celebration of Voting Event in May. Tri-C Government Relations Director and Democracy Fellows mentor Katie Montgomery spoke at the event.
Tri-C welcomed its fifth cohort of Democracy Fellows in 2022. Learn more at Tri-C.edu/TriCVotes. |
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Distinguished Faculty & Staff |
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Tri-C Places Second in Nation at NCLC - Assistant Professor Jim Funai named 2022 Educator of the Year
Tri-C placed second in the nation at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) - the highest place finish in the College's history. Peyton Musgrave earned top individual honors among 510 students – she's the third Tri-C student to take top honors since 2014. More
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Tri-C’s Alicia Booker Garners ‘Cleveland Women of Distinction’ Honors
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Tri-C Vice President Renee Richard Named
Woman of Achievement
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Three other College employees were named YWCA Women of Professional Excellence - Karen Miller (top right), College Provost and Executive Vice President of Access, Learning and Success, Chief of Staff Ronna McNair (bottom left) and chemistry professor Anne Distler. More
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Serving Our Veterans – a Tri-C Priority |
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Tri-C – A Top Military Friendly School |
For the 13th year in a row, Tri-C has earned a
Military Friendly School designation.
The honor is given in recognition of Tri-C's commitment to serving veterans and active military students as well as their families. The Military Friendly Schools survey is "the longest-running, most comprehensive review of college and university investments in serving military and veteran students." More
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Memorial Day 2022 – Why We Remember
Dr. Todd Kitchen, Tri-C Eastern Campus President, delivered the keynote speech for the College's annual Memorial Day Commemoration at the Western Campus. Entitled Why We Remember, guests joined in a processional placing flowers on a remembrance table in honor of those who sacrificed all for their country.
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Tri-C Earns Purple Star Award for Veteran Support – Tri-C is one of Ohio’s first Higher Ed institutions to be named a Collegiate Purple Star campus. The designation recognizes schools making a major commitment to military students and families – a Tri-C tradition for 50+ years. Ohio is the first state to issue these honors. Tri-C is honored to be in the inaugural class. More
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Opened in 1963, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) is Ohio's first community college and remains one of the state's largest community colleges, serving more than 51,000 students each year. To date, more than 1,000,000 have come through Tri-C's doors.
The college offers two-year associate degrees, certificate programs, and the first two years of a baccalaureate degree. The curriculum includes over 1,000 credit courses in more than 300 career, certificate and university transfer programs. Courses are offered at four campus locations, two Corporate College facilities, many off-campus sites, and via television and internet.
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