Presidential Scholarship Luncheon

The Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Presidential Scholarship Luncheon is a premier event with a long tradition of raising critically needed scholarship funds for Tri-C students, helping them access education as they pursue the American Dream.

The Right Honourable Theresa May, former prime minister of the United Kingdom, reflected on the challenges and rewards of leadership, as she helped the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) Foundation raise scholarship funds for students. May served as keynote speaker at the event, which took place virtually Thursday, May 13.

Dollars generated at the event create scholarships that turn students into graduates and dreams into success stories. Money raised during the 2021 event benefit students pursuing careers as first responders.

Since its inception in 1992, the Foundation’s Presidential Scholarship Luncheon has raised nearly $22 million for Tri-C students.

“Lives change from these scholarships and the generosity of Foundation donors,” said Louis G. Joseph, chairperson of the Tri-C Foundation. “Now more than ever, given the impact of COVID-19, we need to provide opportunities to achieve. This is an investment in our community’s future.”

In the virtual discussion, May offered unique insights about the intersection of politics, technology and business at a time of profound global change.

May served as British prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party from 2016 to 2019. She was the second woman to ascend to the premiership, following Margaret Thatcher (1979-1990).

Pat Pastore, PNC regional president of Cleveland and a director on the Tri-C Foundation board since 2019, moderated the discussion with May. PNC Bank served as presenting sponsor of the virtual event.

Learn more about the event and our sponsors in the program.

Presidential Scholarship Luncheon Chairpersons

Rick A. Chiricosta: Chairman, President & CEO, Medical Mutual
Louis G. Joseph: President & CEO, Brewer-Garrett
Cathy A. MacMillan: Pepsico Foodservice Senior Key Account Manager
Brad McLean: President, AT&T Ohio
Megan O’Bryan: President, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation
Pat Pastore: PNC Bank Regional President of Cleveland
Chris Peterson: Vice President, Stores, Barnes & Noble College
Matt Reville: Chief Operating Officer, Consolidated Solutions

Past Presidential Scholarship Luncheon speakers:

The Right Honourable Theresa May (2021)
Bill Walton (2019)
Robert M. Gates (2018)
Octavia Spencer (2017)
Ted Koppel (2016)
Earvin "Magic" Johnson (2015)
President George Bush (2014)
President Bill Clinton (2013)
Madeleine Albright (2012)
The Right Honourable Tony Blair (2011)
Condoleezza Rice (2010)
George Stephanopoulos (2009)
Bob Costas (2008)
General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) (2007)
Tom Brokaw (2006)
Tim Russert (2005)
Edward Norton (2004)
Peter B. Lewis (2003)
Oprah Winfrey (2002)
Sam Donaldson (2001)
Ed Bradley (2000)
Senator John Glenn (1999)
Cokie Roberts (1998)
Hank Aaron (1997)
Harry Belafonte (1996)
Maya Angelou (1995)
Mark McCormack (1994)
Robert Lewis (1992)