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Ann and Lou Frangos honored at Tri-C Westshore Campus Food Pantry Grand Opening

Students at Tri-C Westshore Campus needing food and other basic necessities have a new resource. Tri-C gathered with its community partners for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Food Pantry at Westshore on March 2, made possible by Ann and Lou Frangos donors to the Tri-C Foundation.

The event featured remarks from donor and Tri-C Trustee Ann M. Frangos, Tri-C President Michael Baston and Westshore Campus President Scott Latiolais. Frangos has served on the Cuyahoga Community College Board of Trustees for the past four years. 

Hunger remains a fundamental barrier to educational access and completion for a significant number of Tri-C students. The Pantry ensures students in need have access to food, essential resources and financial support in an open, welcoming space.

“We’re fortunate to have caring, dedicated supporters like Ann and Lou Frangos,” Baston said. “Charitable investments to the Tri-C Foundation from these committed leaders support the solutions that address the impact food insecurity has on our students’ success.”

The Frangos’ gift supports the Tri-C Foundation’s efforts to ensure that each campus has adequate, accessible resources to address student food insecurity. Total commitments to meet this need have surpassed $2.1 million to support operations, capital and sustainability goals. Westshore Campus is the third campus pantry to be updated through philanthropic support.

Andy and Adriana Randall lead the way to more student scholarships

Trustee and Foundation board member and member emeritus Andrew E. Randall knows that Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) is an “incredibly important institution.” He has been an ongoing contributor since he attended his first Presidential Scholarship Luncheon in 1997. His wife, Adriana Randall, enrolled in basic courses at Western Campus in the 1990s before transferring to Cleveland State University. These early encounters with Tri-C cemented the couple’s lasting commitment to the College and our students.

Andrew, president and CEO of Cleveland Private Trust, joined the Foundation board in 1996. He served as chairperson from 2002-2004 before being named a director emeritus. He rejoined the Foundation board in 2018. He was also appointed to the College Board of Trustees in 2010 and has just completed his second five-year term. This multifaceted service to Tri-C has created a significant impact on student access and success.

During his tenure, Andrew has worked with three College presidents.

Read more about the Randalls and how they support Tri-C students. 

The Ode Family Foundation scholarship fund will support IT certification

Fred Ode, founder of The Ode Family Foundation, visited the Western Campus STEM facilities to present the foundation’s investment to create The Ode Family Foundation Get IT Certification Fund. The Ode Family Foundation aims to provide under-resourced individuals and families with the necessary assistance for educational and professional growth. The certification fund at Tri-C will support students seeking the credentials to pursue technology careers.

 “The Get IT program is a great first step to show the world you do not necessarily need a college degree,” Ode said. Within three months in this program, a student can qualify for a job in IT and continue their education with courses directly related to the skill set required.  

 “This approach can apply to so many disciplines and allow those who choose to not pursue a degree to arrive at the same level of success as college graduates. I enthusiastically support Get IT and see this as a great opportunity to help redefine post-secondary education,” Ode concluded.

Scholarship Spotlight: The Cheryl Agranovich Scholarship Fund

Supporting nursing and health careers toward professional success

Over the last 30 years, Cheryl Agranovich has experienced every aspect of the world of health.

As a trusted expert and innovator in the field of organizational health and peak performance, she’s an in-demand keynote speaker. Her 4-Step Vital Signs presentation inspires positive change and the power to take ownership over our health.  Her success has fueled her philanthropy, and desire to support others as they work hard to fulfill their career dreams.

Once established, The Cheryl Agranovich Scholarship Fund will support scholarships for Cuyahoga Community College students in nursing and health careers programs, including EMT and paramedic. Reflecting her personal commitment to health and professional success for women and girls, female students are a priority.

Learn more about Cheryl's journey here.

Your Impact

Tri-C is a driving force for the economic prosperity and future of our region. Your support for student success through the Tri-C Foundation is an investment toward a thriving Northeast Ohio now and for years to come.

Did you know.... 49% of Tri-C’s student population is eligible for the Pell Grant, indicating high economic need. Even through Cuyahoga Community College is the most affordable institution in the state of Ohio, without scholarship support, many students would not be able to afford the cost of tuition. 

Students earning degrees and credentials from Tri-C can move themselves and their families from poverty to prosperity.

Office of Resource Development and Tri-C Foundation

Cuyahoga Community College Foundation is a separate 501c(3) organization established in 1973. The mission of the Tri-C Foundation is to provide resources for advancing student success at Cuyahoga Community College and to transform the lives of those Tri-C serves. The vision is to ensure Tri-C has the resources needed to help every student learn, thrive and succeed and to create a prosperous community for all.