Spring 2026 Commencement: Ameer Eatmon
Ameer Eatmon was unsure what to do after high school, but when he found Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®), he found the support, inspiration and direction he needed. Tri-C helped him focus and find inner resources he didn't even know he had.
"What makes me unique is my love for learning," Eatmon said. "I'm a huge Jeopardy fan, and my journey has taken me from being a shy individual to someone who is actively embracing and celebrating my true self. Embracing my identity as a gay male has fueled my passion for social work."
Eatmon will earn an Associate of Arts from the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences when the College celebrates Spring Commencement on May 15 at the Wolstein Center.
He plans to begin working on his bachelor's degree in social work this fall at Ursuline College.
What made you choose Tri-C?
I graduated high school with no clear vision of my next steps. But when my mom took me on a road trip to the Eastern Campus to fill out an application, it changed everything. I enrolled in the spring of 2024. My path wasn't linear. I explored accounting and psychology before discovering my true calling in social work in Fall 2025.
Describe your Tri-C experience. Has a specific person, class or event played a role in your success?
First and foremost, my faith has kept me grounded during the times I wanted to give up. My mother and sister have been my primary motivators. My mom recognized my potential even when I didn’t, and my sister, a high-achieving 10th-grader, inspired me to strive for greatness for myself. The Tri-C faculty and tutors were essential to my success. I want to specifically thank Kimberley Jordan for her constant direction, instruction and patience. Additionally, Jim Buccini's SOC-2040 Introduction to Social Work class was a turning point for me. A long conversation with him provided the resources and clarity I needed to finally commit to social work.
How has Tri-C changed your life?
Tri-C challenged me to reach a potential I never knew I possessed. It helped me find my purpose and reassured me that my life has meaning and that I can use that meaning to contribute something great to the world.
Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with students considering a similar degree or certificate program?
Keep your options open until you find the major that speaks to your soul. Embrace everything college has to offer, make connections, and never struggle in silence. The tutors and faculty are here to help you excel. Most importantly, cherish every moment of college because it goes by immensely fast. And remember every individual has their own personal path.
Tri-C will celebrate the academic achievements of its newest graduates during Commencement on May 15 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Check our Spring 2026 Graduate Stories page leading up to the event for more highlights from the Class of 2026.
May 13, 2026
By Jarrod Zickefoose, 216-987-4750 jarrrod.zickefoose@tri-c.edu