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Tri-C Foundation remembers Gen. Colin L. Powell

The Tri-C Foundation joins the nation and the world in mourning the loss of Gen. Colin L. Powell (April 5, 1937 - Oct. 18, 2021). We are grateful that he lent his powerful presence to benefit our mission and our students.

The 15^th Annual Presidential Scholarship Luncheon in November 2007, which featured Powell as keynote speaker, was the most successful Foundation and College fundraising event at the time. The event benefited scholarships for all Tri-C students, with the Veterans Scholarship Fund as a particular focus.

Guests were overwhelmed by Powell’s speech, which blended warmth, humor and personal insight on his experiences in the military and as U.S. Secretary of State (2001-2005). He emphasized the need for community support of institutions like Tri-C that help citizens make better lives for themselves through accessible and affordable educational opportunities.

“The American youngster needs opportunity to learn and needs people in his or her life that believe in them. It takes the kind of funds that are raised here through private efforts from people who care about the future of their community,” Powell said.

“Americans have got to be sure we have the best educational system on the face of the earth,” he stated. “We have a fantastic community college system, represented by Tri-C, which is doing a wonderful job in helping youngsters get the skills they need — whether they just came out of the military, or whether they’re not ready yet for college, or they’ve just come to this country and need new certification and skills."

Gift from Char and Chuck Fowler helps campus to address student food insecurity

The Pantry: A Tri-C Connect Initiative was dedicated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, June 10, 2021. Made possible by a $1,020,000 gift from Char and Chuck Fowler, The Pantry – located in the south concourse adjacent to the Metro Campus Center – will provide eligible students with food, toiletries and other basic necessities each week.

Hunger remains a fundamental barrier to educational access and completion for a significant number of Tri-C students. The Pantry aims to address the issue within an open, welcoming space that removes any sense of self-consciousness for those who need food assistance.

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank will stock the pantry, funded in part by the Fowlers’ gift. In addition to financing the construction, the gift also established the Fowler Family Student Success and Resource Fund, which will continue to fund The Pantry while assisting students with short-term financial expenses in times of hardship, including housing costs and child care. 

Scholarship Spotlight

Distinguished alumna honors faculty with scholarship

Ariane Kirkpatrick established the Kathy Baka Inspiration Scholarship in a campus event on Nov. 17, 2021 among family, friends and College representatives. The scholarship honors history professor Kathy Baka, whose passion for education has supported countless students. Kirkpatrick created the scholarship to recognize Baka’s impact on her life. “This is a professor who took a chance and an extra care with me,” Kirkpatrick said. “She showed me just how important it is to make sure I was getting out what I was trying to put in.”

During the campus event, Kirkpatrick also was honored with the Tri-C Distinguished Alumni Award. She presented her contribution to create a scholarship that would continue to impact the lives of Tri-C students. Kirkpatrick is a 1990 graduate and owner/president of the AKA Team. The successful entrepreneur serves on the College's WCED Board of Visitors.

Dr. Terri Pope Westshore Student Success Endowed Scholarship

Through the generosity of William and Terri Pope, The Dr. Terri Pope Westshore Student Success Endowed Scholarship will provide current and future Tri-C students enrolled at the Westshore Campus with the financial support they need to pursue their education and prepare for good jobs in the community.

A longtime member of the Tri-C community, Pope, of Avon Lake, retired from her position as president of the Westshore Campus at the end of July 2021. Since 1988, she has served in numerous academic and administrative roles at the College — the last seven as head of the Westshore Campus.

During her time as a campus president, Pope has overseen numerous initiatives to improve and expand access to learning. She received A 2021 Tri-C Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of her accomplishments.

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.