Fall 2025 Commencement: Mikhail Gaines Builds Skills at Tri-C
Mikhail Gaines has always had a knack for working with his hands and understanding mechanics. He's been working on cars since he was 7 years old and was doing handyman jobs before he started high school.
Gaines, 28, wanted to discover careers that might be a good fit for his mechanical skills. During an online job search, he saw the word "mechatronics" and looked up what it meant. An ad for Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) popped up. As he read about the College's Smart Manufacturing program, he knew it was the right fit.
"I am passionate about taking an idea and turning it into reality," Gaines said. "When faced with real-life scenarios and concepts, I like being able to see my applied skills solve complex problems, as an engineer should be able to."
Gaines will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Smart Manufacturing from the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Computer Science when the College celebrates its Fall Commencement on Dec. 11 at the Wolstein Center.
He will continue toward the Integrated Digital Manufacturing Engineering Technology bachelor's degree. He plans to develop his skills and work in manufacturing.
"I want to start investing in my own ideas as an entrepreneur and build a manufacturing company employing people in the community who want to provide for their families," Gaines said.
Describe your Tri-C experience. Has a specific person, class or event played a role in your success?
I have gotten multiple opportunities to work hands-on and ask questions of all my professors. Even outside of class, the staff gives great advice and shows leadership. One person that I truly have to say went above and beyond is Professor Nicholas Jarrett. He showed up to every class early and even offered extra hands-on training with robotics and other applied skills. I've written full programs and watched the robot do what I had to critically think of to make it do.
How has Tri-C changed your life?
Tri-C gave me the opportunity to recreate myself with a very versatile skill set, and no two days are the same with as much as you learn.
Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with students considering a similar degree or certificate program?
This degree will open doors you thought were not there for you. As you progress each semester, lessons from the previous semester will make more sense, and these different courses all start to come together to paint a bigger picture of your future in smart manufacturing.
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 10, 2025
By Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu