Presidential Scholarship Luncheon 

Tri-C Foundation Welcomes George Stephanopoulos, Raises Significant Funds for Scholarships 

More than a thousand people attended the 2009 Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Presidential Scholarship Luncheon, helping raise significant dollars for student scholarships.  

The sold-out crowd filled the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel Grand Ballroom on Tuesday, October 13 to hear keynote speaker, ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos.  The Orange High School graduate shared tales about the beginning of his political career in Cleveland, and how it led him to where he is today. Stephanopoulos is currently the chief Washington correspondent for ABC News and host of ABC’s Sunday morning political affairs program, This Week with George Stephanopoulos.  He came into the national spotlight while working in the Clinton administration as senior advisor to the President for policy and strategy. 

Danita Harris, anchor at WEWS-TV5, was emcee, and Stephanopoulos’ father, The Reverend Robert G. Stephanopoulos, Ph.D., gave the invocation.
 

Presidential Scholarship Luncheon History

In 1992, the Greater Cleveland corporate and philanthropic community celebrated the inauguration of Jerry Sue Thornton, Ph.D., as the third President of Cuyahoga Community College by establishing the Presidential Scholarship.  To ensure continued support for critically needed scholarships, the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon was created to raise funds for those students who might not otherwise be able to afford a college education.  The Luncheon is the Tri-C Foundation’s opportunity to raise critically needed dollars for scholarships, bring together members of the community, present a dynamic keynote speaker, and showcase the College and its mission.

Since its inception, the Luncheon has generated more than $6.4 million for scholarships that recognize outstanding students and assist those with financial need.  A capacity crowd of more than 1,100 community members attends this premier event.

Past Presidential Scholarship Luncheon speakers include:

• Bob Costas
• General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)
• Oprah Winfrey
• Tom Brokaw
• Tim Russert
• Edward Norton
• Peter B. Lewis
• Sam Donaldson
• Ed Bradley
• Senator John Glenn
• Cokie Roberts
• Hank Aaron
• Harry Belafonte
• Maya Angelou

The Luncheon’s annual net proceeds are distributed to the numerous Tri-C Foundation scholarship funds including the First Generation Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Gap Scholarship, and Veterans Scholarship.