Tri-C Fall Commencement Celebrates More Than 1,800 Graduates

Ceremony for Class of 2025 takes place Dec. 11 at Wolstein Center

CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) will celebrate the academic achievements of more than 1,800 petitioning graduates during its Fall Commencement on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m.

The College will confer more than 2,100 degrees and certificates of completion this fall. The graduate total reflects the ongoing impact of the College's programs and initiatives, designed to keep students on the path to completion and provide them with the skills for post-graduation success. The ceremony will be available for viewing on Tri-C's Commencement webpage.

Tri-C President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D., said the graduates represent the College's promise to every student and every community.

"One of our most important tasks as an institution of higher learning is to create an environment where potential is realized, where talent is activated, goals reach fruition and dreams become reality," he said. "Each graduate is a shining example of what happens when talent, motivation, encouragement and the resources of a dedicated College converge."

Baston also highlighted how Tri-C's graduates will play a key role in driving community impact.

"Our presence isn't just felt within the bounds of our campuses," he said. "If we are truly going to be a force for good in this region, our impact must be felt in our communities, our businesses, our government and so many other places. Our graduates are also an example of what is possible. They will take what they have learned and achieved here to every corner of our region and beyond."

Melissa Chacón Vargas Santiago, an international student from Costa Rica who arrived in the U.S. in 2018, was selected by her classmates as the student speaker. Santiago, who will graduate with an Associate of Arts from the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in business at Cleveland State University.

Santiago first came to Tri-C to learn English. After completing the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at the College in 2020, Santiago discovered her passion for business and began her academic career at Tri-C in 2021. Santiago has been deeply involved in the College community as a member of the Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and actively participates in the Al Lopez Academic Alliance and the Tri-C Foundation. Her dedication earned her a spot on the dean's list every semester.

Read more about Santiago and other high-achieving graduates on the College's Commencement Graduate Stories webpage.

This semester's Commencement ceremony will take place at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center, located at 2000 Prospect Ave. in Cleveland.

December 11, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu