Spring 2026 Commencement: Keely Souther
Keely Souther's academic path reflects a lifelong appreciation for learning and creativity shaped by growing up around college campuses. From an early age, she learned to see education as something to embrace.
That foundation helped her move confidently and ambitiously through her time at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) as a high school student.
"I'm passionate about making a difference in the world around me, and the way I most want to do that is through what I create — whether it be the music I play, the art I make, or the stories I write," she said.
Souther began her Tri-C journey as a College Credit Plus student. In the fall of 2025, she took in-person classes during her senior year of high school when she realized she could earn her associate degree if she attended Tri-C full time instead of staying at her high school.
Both of her parents are college professors. Her mother is a psychology professor at Tri-C, and her father is a historian who shared his love of architecture early in her life.
"I've learned to value the history of the places I visit as well as the uniqueness of each space and look forward to being in a profession where I can impact both," Souther said.
She will graduate cum laude with 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.
Souther will also graduate from Cleveland Heights High School on May 28. She has been accepted to the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, where she plans to major in architecture.
What made you choose Tri-C?
I enrolled in my first class, English 1010, the summer after my freshman year of high school. Tri-C gave me a much calmer environment to work and learn, and I felt much more at ease being here.
Describe your Tri-C experience. Has a specific person, class or event played a role in your success?
One of my most influential online classes was Creative Writing with Dr. Bridget Kriner, where I was able to expand my writing skills beyond basic academic writing and earned recognition for some of my pieces in the Scholastic Awards. My most influential class this year was Painting 1 with Professor Clarissa Katz, where I was able to expand my artistic skills to oil painting. Several of my pieces from this class went into my college art portfolio and helped earn me some generous scholarships.
How has Tri-C changed your life?
Tri-C provided me with a strong foundation of academic and personal skills. It's prepared me to move away from home to another state for a four-year college, where I already know I can succeed, because I had success here at Tri-C.
Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with students considering a similar degree or certificate program?
Send an email to your professor if you're struggling to understand something. Ask for help when you need it before you feel overwhelmed. Most professors will accommodate you if you need help with something.
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 10, 2026
By Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu