Spring 2025 Commencement: Evangelia Koukouras Grows Her Career at Tri-C

Education is one of Evangelia Koukouras' core values. She sees learning as a lifelong journey and continuously seeks out opportunities for growth. She's been an educator for 22 years and is the director of the Georgia Pappas Hellenic Cultural School at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Cleveland.

She holds a master's degree in special education from the University of Nicosia and a bachelor's degree in French Language and Literature from Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece. However, she wanted to expand her skills in leadership and management. Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) fit the bill and offered flexible scheduling, dedicated faculty and programs aligned with her goals.

"I've made it a priority to continue growing — not only as a teacher but also as a leader," Koukouras said. "That's why I pursued a degree in Human Resources and Business Management. I wanted to strengthen my leadership skills, better support my staff, and manage the school in a way that promotes both excellence and compassion."

While at Tri-C, Koukouras was active in the Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Scholars Academy, all while balancing three jobs. These experiences connected her with motivated students and offered opportunities to participate in academic and community-building activities.

Her passion for education is rooted in her father's work with charitable organizations. After moving to the United States a decade ago, she has taught in private schools, worked with students with hearing impairments, and volunteered with children in orphanages and hospitals.

"Teaching is not just about passing on knowledge," she said. "It's about inspiring curiosity, nurturing kindness, and helping students discover who they are and what they're capable of."

Koukouras will graduate with an Associate of Applied Business from the School of Business, Legal Professions and Hospitality during Tri-C's Spring 2025 Commencement on May 16. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. program that combines her special education and human resources degrees.

What made you choose Tri-C? When did you first enroll?

I chose Tri-C because of its excellent reputation for supporting adult learners and professionals looking to grow or shift their careers.

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

My experience at Tri-C has been incredibly meaningful and transformative. Two professors in particular made a lasting impact on me: Professor Timothy Davis (who teaches a Business Communications course) and Professor Henry Young (who teaches Honors Speech Communication). They both went above and beyond in their roles — not just teaching the material but truly being there for their students. They took the time to answer my questions, offer feedback and, most importantly, show they genuinely cared. Abdelmaged Norhan and Bridget Koenig at the Westshore Enrollment Center made the enrollment process smooth, answered all of my questions with patience, and made me feel welcome and valued.

How has Tri-C changed your life?

Tri-C has truly changed my life by reigniting my confidence, expanding my professional skills, and reminding me that it's never too late to grow. As an experienced educator and school director, I came to Tri-C hoping to strengthen my leadership abilities, but I left with so much more than just academic knowledge.

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

Embrace the journey, no matter how challenging it may seem at times. It's easy to get caught up in the pressure of balancing school, work and personal responsibilities, but remember that every step forward is progress. Stay committed to your goals even when obstacles arise. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger, more resilient and more determined. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Building connections — whether with your instructors or fellow students — makes the experience richer and more fulfilling. Lastly, always keep learning. Every class you take, every life experience, every skill you acquire adds a new layer to your ability to impact the world around you.

Tri-C will celebrate the academic achievements of its newest graduates during Commencement on May 16 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.

May 15, 2025

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