Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach Kenny Atkinson To Speak at Tri-C Presidential Scholarship Luncheon

Sept. 24 event to raise scholarship money to help students pursue higher education dreams

CLEVELAND — The Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) Foundation will welcome Cleveland Cavaliers and 2025 NBA Head Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson as the keynote speaker for its Presidential Scholarship Luncheon.
 
The luncheon, presented by PNC Bank, will take place on Sept. 24 at the Hotel Cleveland on Public Square.
 
Since its inception in 1992, the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon has raised $25 million to help students with financial needs pursue higher education.
 
"This is such an outstanding opportunity to experience an inspiring speaker and support Tri-C students," said Howard Lewis, chair of the Tri-C Foundation. "We are so grateful that the community comes together to help Tri-C students get the resources they need and be successful in their educational goals. No wonder this is one of the region's premier fundraising events."
 
In addition to providing scholarships, money raised from the event removes other barriers to student success, including food insecurity, housing and transportation — all daily concerns for many students.
 
"The Presidential Scholarship Luncheon is one of our most impactful traditions — an opportunity for the community to come together and help Tri-C students achieve their dreams through education," said Tri-C President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D. "I'm excited to welcome Coach Atkinson, whose leadership journey and dedication to excellence will undoubtedly inspire our students and guests alike. We're eager to hear his story and vision for success."
 
Atkinson just 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.
 
Prior to joining the Cavs, Atkinson spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, who captured the 2021-2022 NBA Championship. He also served as an assistant coach with the French national team, which won a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
 
He played professionally for 14 years in the CBA and USBL before competing for teams in France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Spain. Atkinson was a standout player at the University of Richmond, earning All-CAA First Team honors as a junior and senior, and helped lead the Spiders to a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 1988.
 
Atkinson will become the latest in a list of distinguished speakers with Ohio ties to headline the event, including actor Patricia Heaton (2022), Tim Russert (2005), Peter B. Lewis (2003) and Sen. John Glenn (1999). Other headliners have included past U.S. Presidents George W. Bush (2014) and Bill Clinton (2013), athletes Earvin "Magic" Johnson (2015) and Bill Walton (2019), author Maya Angelou (1995) and entertainer Oprah Winfrey (2002).

August 29, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu