Cuyahoga Community College Celebrates the Success of Nearly 1,700 New Graduates at Cleveland Spring Commencement

As reported by Tri-C News, nearly 1,700 graduates from Cuyahoga Community College celebrated their academic achievements at the Spring Commencement this past Friday. The ceremony, which took place at 3 p.m. at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center, conferred 1,892 degrees and certificates of completion.

The event commemorated the end of an academic chapter for the graduates and the ongoing efforts by the college to keep students on a successful track. Tri-C's President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D., addressed the graduates, stating, "We're focused on the spectacular power each of them has to take their degrees, certificates, and newfound knowledge to create something new," in a statement obtained by Tri-C News.

During the ceremony, Valentina Sánchez Rodríguez, a student with an impressive record of engagement in the campus community and a Euclid resident, was the chosen speaker among her peers. As she graduates with an Associate of Applied Business and a Certificate of Proficiency, she looks ahead to continuing her education at Cleveland State University. Sánchez Rodríguez has held roles like vice president of the Multicultural Club, member of the Film Club, and a senator for the Student Government, showcasing an exemplary model of student leadership and involvement.

The College also granted two honorary degrees posthumously to the influential pair, Bill Burges and Charlene Moskal-Burges. Bill has a history of strategic leadership at Tri-C. Alongside Charlene, they propelled the firm Burges & Burges Strategists to prominence and effected advancements in public funding for various community services. As Tri-C News reported, Bill led many successful levy campaigns for the college, and Charlene's mentorship was instrumental in guiding clients and colleagues with a pronounced dedication to civic progress.

With the Spring Commencement being a significant milestone, Tri-C reinforces its goal of nurturing futures for the newly graduated and the community at large. More information about this year's high-achieving graduates and the impact of Bill and Charlene Moskal-Burges can be found on the College's Commencement Graduate Stories web page.