President’s Message

TO OUR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS,

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) proudly serves communities and individuals across Northeast Ohio. Thousands depend on us for connections to education and training that lead to personal and professional growth. We are fortunate that residents throughout Cuyahoga County recognize this and continue to support the College in its efforts to create a more prosperous future for all.

The College’s focus on serving students and the community is unparalleled. It can be seen and felt by anyone who spends time on a Tri-C campus.

This issue of Tri-C Times highlights various people and programs that bring this service focus to life.

At the Western Campus, the new Simulated Scenario Village serves those who serve others by providing intensive, hands-on training for first responders in Northeast Ohio and beyond. The goal is to provide training that leads to safer streets, safer neighborhoods and a safer community.

Metropolitan Campus counselor Linda Lanier embodies all that Tri-C represents. Her relentless energy and positivity inspire students to hold themselves to higher standards in the classroom, as well as at home and work.

THE COLLEGE’S CULTURE OF SERVICE ALSO TAKES ROOT IN OUR STUDENTS, WHO OFTEN CHOOSE PATHS THAT LEAD THEM TO SERVE OTHERS — IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Adam Smith discovered an interest in community service. Complex Questions, a think tank he started at the Metro Campus, provides an opportunity for veterans to continue making a difference as civilians.

Culinary graduate Omar MacKay serves others — in the most literal sense of the word — at Irie Jamaican Kitchen, which just opened its second location in Cleveland.

And alumna Kim Foreman’s work to combat lead poisoning in Cleveland is helping our children live healthier lives.

Of course, none of this would be possible without community support. As a public institution with great responsibility to its stakeholders, the College strives each day to provide the highest quality, most affordable education and workforce training in Northeast Ohio.

At Tri-C, we are ready and waiting serve you.

Sincerely,

Alex Johnson, Ph.D. President

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EDITOR John Horton

MANAGING EDITOR Mary Gygli

COPY EDITOR Beth Cieslik

WRITERS Erik Cassano Beth Cieslik John Horton Jarrod Zickefoose

PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa DeJong Tamara London Jason Miller Victoria Stanbridge Cody York

DESIGNER Eric Wheeler

TABLE of CONTENTS President’s Message ......................... 3 Upfront............................................. 5 Simulated Scenario Village................. 6 Student Profile: Adam Smith .............14 Alumni Profile: Omar McKay ..............16 An Outdoor Classroom......................20 A Running Success...........................23 Faculty Profile: Linda Lanier...............24 Institute for Poverty ..........................28 One Last Thing.................................30

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Tri - C Times is published by Cuyahoga Community College’s Integrated Communications Department for its friends and constituents. Feedback and story ideas are welcome. Send correspondence to Tri - C Times, 2500 E. 22nd St., Cleveland, Ohio 44115, call 216-987-4322 or email editorial@tri-c.edu.