60 years
My Tri-C
My Tri-C Student Resources News & Events Corporate College Alumni Give
Paying for College Apply Visit

Getting Started

Whether you want to earn a degree, improve your skills, get certified, train for a new career, or explore a new hobby, you can choose from many programs and courses.

Get Started
What type of student are you?
New Student
Returning
Transfer
Visiting
International
College Credit Plus
Non-Credit
All Student Types

Classes & Programs

Explore your interests and find a program that puts you on the path to a bright future. Tri-C offers both credit and non-credit courses as well as certificate programs in most career fields.

View all

Degree Programs & Certificates

More than 1,000 credit courses are offered each semester in more than 200 career and technical programs. Tri-C also grants short-term certificates, certificates of proficiency and post-degree professional certificates.

View A-Z Program List

Workforce Training & Professional Development

Tri-C's Workforce Training provides both non-credit and credit training for individuals and businesses to assist individuals with skills leading to employment. Tri-C's Corporate College provides professional development and corporate training opportunities.

Learn more

Community Programming for Adults & Youth

Tri-C offers a variety of affordable and convenient community programs for both adults and youth. These programs are designed to promote individual development.

Learn more

Request Info

Tri-C is here for you. Have a question about a program or service? We'll help you find the answer.

Ask a Question

Live Chat

Chat live with college departments and services.

Start live chat

Tri-C 24/7

Outside of business hours? Get answers to your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Student Support Services

Ask Tri-C

Get answers to your frequently asked questions from navigating the website to programs and services.

Get Answers

Getting Started

Whether you want to earn a degree, improve your skills, get certified, train for a new career, or explore a new hobby, you can choose from many programs and courses.

Get Started
What type of student are you? New Student Returning Transfer Visiting International College Credit Plus Non-Credit All Student Types

Classes & Programs

Explore your interests and find a program that puts you on the path to a bright future. Tri-C offers both credit and non-credit courses as well as certificate programs in most career fields.

View all

Degree Programs & Certificates

More than 1,000 credit courses are offered each semester in more than 200 career and technical programs. Tri-C also grants short-term certificates, certificates of proficiency and post-degree professional certificates.

View A-Z Program List

Workforce Training & Professional Development

Tri-C's Workforce Training provides both non-credit and credit training for individuals and businesses to assist individuals with skills leading to employment. Tri-C's Corporate College provides professional development and corporate training opportunities.

Learn more

Community Programming for Adults & Youth

Tri-C offers a variety of affordable and convenient community programs for both adults and youth. These programs are designed to promote individual development.

Learn more
Paying for College
Apply
Visit

Request Info

Tri-C is here for you. Have a question about a program or service? We'll help you find the answer.

Ask a Question

Live Chat

Chat live with college departments and services.

Start live chat

Tri-C 24/7

Outside of business hours? Get answers to your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Student Support Services

Ask Tri-C

Get answers to your frequently asked questions from navigating the website to programs and services.

Get Answers
Student Resources News & Events Corporate College Alumni Give

Categories

All Categories Tri-C News and Events Eastern Campus Metropolitan Campus Western Campus Westshore Campus Creative Arts Health Careers Hospitality Information Technology Manufacturing Public Safety Events JazzFest Alumni Athletics Faculty #mytricstory Tri-C Famous Student Success Veterans Community Involvement Corporate College Equity In Outcomes Gifts and Grants Pathway Programs Workforce Innovation
  • Tri-C Home
  • »
  • News and Events
  • »
  • News
  • »
  • Spring 2024 Commencement: Desiree Lankford Turns From Homemaker to Graduate at 67

Spring 2024 Commencement: Desiree Lankford Turns From Homemaker to Graduate at 67

After caring for three generations, South Euclid resident fulfills her dream to earn a degree

Graphic of Desiree LankfordAfter raising three generations of children, Desiree Lankford, 67, knew it was time to focus on herself. She also knew she wanted to finish the degree she had started previously.  

“My goal has always been to complete my degree, but my life circumstances prohibited me from doing so,” Lankford said. “My circumstances led me to Tri-C.” 

She enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) in Spring 2022. 

“I chose Tri-C because I believe starting with a community college is the foundation for the next level of education,” she said. 

Lankford will graduate with an Associate of Arts during the College’s Spring Commencement on May 17 at the Wolstein Center. 

What will you do after graduation? Do you plan to transfer to a four-year school? If so, which one? What will you major in? 

My goal is to go into the elementary classroom and work as an aide, assisting students from preschool through second grade. When I previously worked in the East Cleveland City School District, I saw firsthand that this age was a critical time for students to develop reading skills and I would love to help with that. 

Describe your Tri-C experience. Has a specific person, class or event played a role in your success? 

Numerous people contributed to my success, but Professor Alison Yasick stands out in my mind. My tutors — Instructional Specialist Kimberly Jordan for English and Math Coach Gwendolyn Jackson — have also helped me succeed at the College. 

How has Tri-C changed your life? 

Tri-C has provided new and different resources that have helped me navigate my classes and my field of study. 

 Do you participate in student life at Tri-C (or have you in the past)? If so, please describe your experiences. 

Yes, I have participated in student engagement events and book discussions at the library. 

Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with students considering a similar degree or certificate program? 

Tri-C is a good place to start that prepares you for your next level of learning. 

Tri-C will celebrate the academic achievements of its newest graduates during Commencement on May 17 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Check our News and Events page leading up to the event for more highlights from the Class of 2024.

May 11, 2024

Dylanne Weese, 216-987-4281 or dylanne.weese@tri-c.edu

© 2025 Cuyahoga Community College
700 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

Quick Links

Employment at Tri-C
my Tri-C space
Athletics
Brightspace
Bookstore
Course Search
College Catalog
Library
Technical Support
Transcripts
Spirit Shop

About Tri-C

About
President's Office
Accreditation
Administrative Departments
Accessibility
Board of Trustees
Student Consumer Information
Title IX Equal Opportunity
Privacy Policy

Campus Locations

Map & Directions
Parking
Campus Police

Connect With Us

Visit Tri-C
Phone Directory
Tri-C 24/7
Ask a Question
Live Chat
Tri-C 216-987-6000 Corporate College 216-987-2800