Tri-C Foundation Presidential Scholarship Luncheon Raises $1 Million

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson headlines event to benefit students

CLEVELAND — Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson discussed success, strategy and persistence while helping the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) Foundation raise funds for students during its Presidential Scholarship Luncheon.

Atkinson, the reigning NBA Coach of the Year, appeared before 800 people at the annual luncheon during his keynote address.

The Foundation's 2025 Presidential Scholarship Luncheon raised $1 million. 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. The annual luncheon, presented by PNC Bank, took place on Sept. 24 at the Hotel Cleveland on Public Square. Tri-C President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D., facilitated the dialogue with Atkinson.

"The Presidential Scholarship Luncheon is a powerful platform to celebrate our students and make a lasting impact on their lives while hearing from people who empower them to persist," Baston said. "Coach Atkinson shared a wealth of experience about his success and his resilience. The audience gravitated to the lessons on how he has personally and professionally overcome obstacles."

Funds raised through the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon will support scholarships and help launch the Resilient Scholar Fund, an initiative designed to remove the non-tuition barriers that so often derail students' dreams. The Resilient Scholar Fund will provide targeted financial support to help students overcome these challenges before they become emergencies.

"Too many Tri-C students face an impossible choice: remain enrolled or pay for life's essentials. Pressures from food insecurity, housing instability, transportation challenges and child care costs can force even the most determined students to pause or abandon their education," said Howard Lewis, chairperson of the Tri-C Foundation board of directors.

"A highlight of the luncheon was the time Coach Atkinson spent with our students in a special session where they could hear his amazing story firsthand and ask questions," said Tri-C Foundation President Megan O'Bryan. "It's experiences like this that make the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon truly a premier event."

Atkinson led the Cleveland Cavaliers through a record-breaking season. After being named the franchise's 24th head coach in 2024, Atkinson guided the Cavaliers to a 64-18 record — the second-most wins in franchise history. The Cavs opened the 2024-2025 season with a franchise-best 15-0 start, surpassing the previous 8-0 mark set in the 1976-1977 season. In addition to NBA Coach of the Year accolades, Atkinson was also recognized by the Pro Basketball Writers Association and the National Basketball Coaches Association as their Coach of the Year.

Prior to joining the Cavs, Atkinson spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, who captured the 2021-2022 NBA Championship. He also served as an assistant coach with the French national team, which won a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He played professionally for 14 years in the CBA and USBL before competing for teams in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Atkinson was a standout player at the University of Richmond, earning All-CAA First Team honors as a junior and senior and helping lead the Spiders to a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 1988.

The Cavaliers will open the 2025-2026 season Oct. 22 against the New York Knicks.

Atkinson 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), athletes Earvin "Magic" Johnson (2015) and Bill Walton (2019), author Maya Angelou (1995) and entertainer Oprah Winfrey (2002).

The event's co-chair sponsors included AT&T, A Taste of Excellence, Brewer-Garrett, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Consolidated Solutions, Steve and Dana Demetriou, the Sam J. Frankino Foundation, the Lerner Foundation, Medical Mutual and Thompson Hine LLP.

September 25, 2025

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