Tri-C Foundation 2026 Presidential Scholarship Luncheon Raises $1.2 Million
NBC Today Show co-host Al Roker headlines event to support student success
CLEVELAND (Nov. 12, 2026) — Al Roker shared his inspirational career journey to more than 1,000 attendees while helping the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) Foundation raise more than $1.2 million during its 2026 Presidential Scholarship Luncheon, presented by PNC Bank.
Since its inception in 1992, the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon has raised more than $26 million to provide critical funds that help Tri-C students in need with financial support to achieve their academic goals.
"Every contribution to the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon sends the message to our students that they have value, they have potential, they will succeed and they will contribute to our community," said Tri-C President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D. "There’s no better speaker than Al Roker to reinforce that positive message."
The impact of the amount raised this year will help thousands of Tri-C students achieve their academic goals. The $1.2 million is the equivalent cost of approximately 8,600 credit hours of classes at the College, or enough to award 143 associate degrees.
"The experience was humbling to have someone of Al Roker’s stature come and speak and share his advice," said Tryshawn Dantzler, a Tri-C student studying communications and the Student Government vice president. "When you’re on your way up, remember those same people who lifted you up."
"By coming together to remove financial barriers, we give our students the support they need to transform their lives and achieve their dreams," said Tri-C Foundation President Megan O’Bryan.
In honor of Roker, NBC's Today Show weatherman and co-host, bestselling author, and award-winning television producer, the Tri-C Foundation announced the establishment of the Al Roker Sunny Day Fund at Tri-C. The new fund will support a range of financial needs for students.
"The fund's name reflects Al’s optimism, hopefulness, and positive outlook. We hope that it will remind our students that sunnier days are ahead, and that we have faith in their future once they complete their Tri-C education," said Howard Lewis, chairperson of the Tri-C Foundation board of directors.
Roker joins a list of distinguished speakers with Ohio ties to headline the event, including actor Patricia Heaton (2022), journalist and TV host Tim Russert (2005), philanthropist and business leader Peter B. Lewis (2003) and Sen. John Glenn (1999). Other headliners have included past U.S. Presidents George W. Bush (2014) and Bill Clinton (2013), Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, author Maya Angelou (1995) and entertainer Oprah Winfrey (2002).
The event's co-chair sponsors included AT&T, A Taste of Excellence, Consolidated Solutions, the Sam J. Frankino Foundation, Kate Hubben, the Lerner Foundation, Medical Mutual, Oatey, The O’Bryan Family, Thompson Hine LLP and WKYC Studios.
About the Tri-C Foundation
The Tri-C Foundation provides financial resources to advance student success at the College and transform the lives of those Tri-C serves. Through the continuous generosity of business partners, corporations, organizations, friends and alumni, the Foundation provides critical scholarship support to eliminate financial barriers for many outstanding students and funds program development and enhancement efforts to ensure educational excellence.
With support from the Foundation and its donors, Tri-C provided $6.5 million in scholarships to more than 3,930 learners in 2025-2026, the most ever in a single academic year.
November 12, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu