Presidential Scholarship Luncheon

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson discussed success, strategy and persistence while helping the Foundation raise funds for students during its Presidential Scholarship Luncheon.

Atkinson, the reigning NBA Coach of the Year, appeared before 800 people at the annual luncheon during his keynote address. He also spent time with Tri-C students in a special session where they could hear his story firsthand and ask questions.

The Foundation's 2025 Presidential Scholarship Luncheon raised $1 million to provide critical funds that help Tri-C students in need receive financial support to achieve their academic goals. The annual luncheon, presented by PNC Bank, took place on Sept. 24 at the Hotel Cleveland on Public Square. Tri-C President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D., facilitated the dialogue with Atkinson.

"The Presidential Scholarship Luncheon is a powerful platform to celebrate our students and make a lasting impact on their lives and to hear from people that empower them to persist," Baston said. "Coach Atkinson shared a wealth of experience about his success and his resilience. The audience gravitated to the lessons on how he has personally and professionally overcome obstacles."

Funds raised through the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon will support scholarships and help launch the Resilient Scholar Fund, an initiative designed to remove the non-tuition barriers that so often derail students' dreams. The Resilient Scholar Fund will provide targeted financial support to help students overcome these challenges before they become emergencies.

"Too many Tri-C students face an impossible choice: remain enrolled or pay for life's essentials. Pressures from food insecurity, housing instability, transportation challenges and child care costs can force even the most determined students to pause or abandon their education," said Howard Lewis, chairperson of the Tri-C Foundation board of directors.

Atkinson led the Cleveland Cavaliers through a record-breaking season. After being named the franchise's 24th head coach in 2024, Atkinson guided the Cavaliers to a 64-18 record — the second-most wins in franchise history. The Cavs opened the 2024-2025 season with a franchise-best 15-0 start, surpassing the previous 8-0 mark set in the 1976-1977 season. In addition to NBA Coach of the Year accolades, Atkinson was also recognized by the Pro Basketball Writers Association and the National Basketball Coaches Association as their Coach of the Year.

Thank you to our "Superstar" event sponsors: AT&T, A Taste of Excellence, Brewer-Garrett, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Consolidated Solutions, Steve and Dana Demetriou, the Sam J. Frankino Foundation, the Lerner Foundation, Medical Mutual and Thompson Hine LLP.

Learn more about the event here. 

$1 Million Gift From Medical Mutual Launches Resilient Scholar Fund

The Foundation announced a $1 million donation from the Medical Mutual Charitable Gift Fund to help launch the Resilient Scholar Fund during the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon on Sept. 24. The fund will provide targeted financial support to help students overcome these challenges before they become emergencies and stay on track to graduate.

"This fund focuses on supporting students beyond the classroom," said Tony Helton, president and CEO of Medical Mutual. "As the hometown health insurer, we've seen firsthand how Tri-C empowers individuals to lead and contribute meaningfully to our region's workforce. Every dollar invested with Tri-C is a step toward a stronger, more resilient community. We're proud to deepen our long-standing partnership through this contribution to the Resilient Scholar Fund."

"Tri-C and Medical Mutual share a commitment to serving the community and fostering a vibrant and healthy future for Northeast Ohio," said Tri-C President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D. "This shared vision drives our collaboration and emphasizes the impact of exceptional education and workforce development on individual lives as well as the regional economy."

Learn more about student need, this exceptional gift and the impact Medical Mutual continues to have on Tri-C and its students here.

Please join Medical Mutual and the luncheon patrons with your gift here.