Fall 2025 Commencement: Konstance Loper Finds Support at Tri-C

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) became more than just a school for Konstance Loper — it became a family. By age 20, Loper had aged out of the foster care system and enrolled at Tri-C after finishing high school at 17. Here, she found unwavering support from faculty and mentors who guided her through challenges.

As a mother and small-business owner, Tri-C's flexible options allowed her to balance education with life's responsibilities.

"When you're looking for guidance, they have different ways to help you through that," Loper said. "They not only tell you how to move forward, but they can empathize with you and say, 'I also had that type of trouble,' and 'This is how we want you to move forward, and here's how we're going to do it.'"

Loper served as a student ambassador at the Metropolitan Campus and participated in the Honors Program.

She will graduate Magna Cum Laude from the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences when the College celebrates Commencement on Dec. 11 at the Wolstein Center. Her goal is to earn a bachelor's degree in social work from Cleveland State University.

"I took a lot of sociology and social work classes at Tri-C," Loper said. "I aged out of foster care, so I want to help other kids and share my story with them and let them know they can make it out, too — that their life is not over."

What made you choose Tri-C?
I love the hands-on experience here. They are very supportive. As students, we get to build connections with everybody and share different experiences. The staff cares about how we feel.

I felt very nurtured. There were a lot of caring people here that want to see us grow, whether you're younger or older.

Describe your Tri-C experience. Has a specific person, class or event played a role in your success?
In tough moments, if you're interested in learning and you want help, your professors will help you. You have to want that as a student, and you have to advocate for yourself and make sure you're communicating that between you and that professor. They'll get you through it.

How has Tri-C changed your life?
I wanted to give up a few times. The support staff and faculty helped me get through this journey.

Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with students?
Sometimes you've just got to take a leap of faith.

Tri-C will celebrate the academic achievements of its newest graduates during Commencement on Dec. 11 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Check our News and Events page leading up to the event for more highlights from the Class of 2025.

December 05, 2025

By Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu