TRI - C®
TIMES
HIGH PRAISE Terminal Tower glowed in Tri-C teal May 15 in honor of the Class of 2020
ALWAYS ESSENTIAL IN THIS ISSUE P16:
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MAKING THE JUMP TO ONLINE LEARNING
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SUMMER 2020
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PRESIDENT’S Message TO OUR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, On behalf of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®), I thank you for your support over the past few months as we — along with countless other colleges and universities — worked to keep teaching and learning possible during a global pandemic. Against all odds, more than 2,500 Tri-C students completed degrees and certificates this spring. Our pride in these graduates is immeasurable. Many persevered through technological barriers, financial hardship and much more to reach their academic goals. You’ll meet several of these amazing individuals in our Spring 2020 graduate feature, which begins on page 6. The coronavirus outbreak has brought many new words and phrases into our vocabulary, including the term “essential workers.” In this issue of Tri-C Times, we catch up with a few of our alumni serving on the front lines of the current public health crisis. From providing hands-on medical care to hauling freight, Tri-C graduates are among those essential workers making sure life goes on as safely as possible throughout Northeast Ohio. I would be remiss if I did not mention the hard work and dedication of the College’s Online Learning and Academic Technology team. With assistance from Information Technology Services and faculty, they took the lead in moving nearly 2,500 on-ground courses to a virtual learning platform in a matter of weeks. Through ongoing training in online learning and virtual meeting software, they ensure that Tri-C students and faculty have the tools they need to move forward in this new environment. Others whose stories are shared on the following pages stepped up to meet challenges, too, including: • • • •
Anne-Marie and Sam Petros, whose $500,000 gift created the Petros Family Student Relief Fund to help students overcome financial hardship and continue their studies during the COVID-19 outbreak. Donors to the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation, whose generous contributions made it possible to provide more than 600 students with computers to bridge the digital divide. Student Paul Blazek, who used his computer skills and 3D printer to make “ear guards” to bring comfort to mask-wearing workers during the pandemic. Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, which found ways to bring music to the community even after the coronavirus crisis forced the cancellation of the annual festival.
I THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT — WHETHER YOU DONATED TO THE FOUNDATION’S STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND, HELPED PROVIDE TECHNOLOGY OR OTHER RESOURCES TO STUDENTS IN NEED OR OFFERED PERSONAL SUPPORT TO A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER ATTENDING TRI-C THIS SPRING. The pursuit of higher education can be stressful under even the best of circumstances. I’m immensely proud of Tri-C’s students for keeping their eyes on the prize in these unprecedented times. I know that they — and we — could not do it without 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 Madeline Shepherd Katie Utrata Leanne van Beers-Werneke Jarrod Zickefoose
TABLE of CONTENTS President’s Message.......................... 3 Upfront.............................................. 5 Graduate Spotlight............................. 6 Difficulties Mastered.........................14 Alumni Profile: Essential Workers........16 Computer Distribution........................22 Online Class Expansion.....................24 Front Line Defense............................27 Virtual JazzFest.................................28 One Last Thing..................................30
ILLUSTRATOR
SU
Jonathan Carlson DESIGNER
Eric Wheeler
FOLLOW TRI-C 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, OH 44115; call 216-987-4322; or email editorial@tri-c.edu. 4
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Upfront ANSWERING THE CALL Cuyahoga Community College donated hundreds of boxes of respiratory masks, gloves and other protective equipment to health professionals working on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, Tri-C loaned eight ventilators to Northeast Ohio hospitals to help treat the surge of patients struggling to breathe. The equipment and supplies addressed shortages undermining local health care efforts. “In extraordinary times such as these, it’s critical that we all work together to meet community needs,” Tri-C President Alex Johnson said.
CLASSROOM EXCELLENCE The American Association of Community Colleges presented a 2020 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty award to Andrew Pegman, an associate professor of English at Tri-C. The honor recognizes individuals who make a difference in the classroom, going above and beyond to ensure students find academic achievement. Pegman joined Tri-C in 2005 and serves as the College’s Joint Faculty Senate chair. He is an awardwinning outdoors writer whose work has been featured in numerous publications.
MMER 2020 A FOCUS ON FITNESS Cuyahoga Community College joined a select list of universities and colleges honored by Exercise is Medicine® for efforts to create a culture of wellness. Tri-C’s Sport and Exercise Studies program received a silver level designation from the organization for its work promoting a healthier lifestyle through fitness. The College was one of 167 institutions honored from around the world. Exercise is Medicine is part of a global health initiative by the American College of Sports Medicine.
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TRI-C GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
STORIES BY Erik
Cassano Beth Cieslik John Horton Madeline Shepherd Katie Utrata Leanne van Beers-Werneke Jarrod Zickefoose
VIRTUAL REALITY THE CELEBRATION MAY HAVE BEEN VIRTUAL, BUT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE VERY REAL FOR MORE THAN 2,500 TRI-C GRADUATES Perseverance. If there’s one word to describe Tri-C’s Class of 2020, that’s it. As the world slowed to a near halt during a global pandemic, more than 2,500 students at Cuyahoga Community College pushed forward to achieve their academic goals while earning associate degrees or certificates. The College recognized that determination in an online celebration of Spring 2020 graduates on May 14. (Restrictions on large gatherings due to COVID-19 forced the College to adjust plans for a traditional commencement ceremony.) “Like any graduation, this is a defining moment in the lives of our students,” Tri-C President Alex Johnson said. “This class has persevered through a challenging time. Now, they will take the resilience and courage they demonstrated at Tri-C and use it to make their mark on the world.” 6
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TIMOTHY KELLY
TRI-C GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
Finish what you started. As Timothy Kelly’s life crumbled around him a few years ago, he reflected on those four words. He heard the message often while taking classes at Cuyahoga Community College. It took on new significance after his mother passed away. “My three-year plan with Tri-C turned into a six-year plan,” Kelly said. “But that’s OK.” Because he did finish what he started. The 56-year-old U.S. Army veteran graduated from Tri-C in May with an Associate of Arts degree. This fall, he plans to begin working toward a bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Akron.
Such a future once seemed unlikely for Kelly. The Cleveland man said he lost his purpose after serving 12 years in the military with multiple tours in Kuwait, Iraq and Bosnia. He talked of spending two decades as a “wanderer,” isolating himself with drugs and alcohol while dealing with the effects of PTSD. Kelly began turning things around after seeking help from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and enrolling at Tri-C. He set his sights on becoming a social worker to repay the help he received. He started well, struggled after his mother’s death, and then recommitted himself to his courses. Kelly balanced his classwork with a full-time job as a resident assistant at an inpatient treatment facility. He also serves as a certified peer specialist, supporting other veterans struggling with mental health issues, psychological trauma and substance abuse.
STAYING THE COURSE U.S. ARMY VETERAN TIMOTHY KELLY OVERCAME OBSTACLES TO EARN A DEGREE AND PURSUE A CAREER IN SOCIAL WORK
“I’ve always been a helper,” he said. “Even when I was at my worst.” Kelly credits his success to working hard and not giving up. To stay on track, he writes his goals on pieces of paper and posts them on doors around his house. He has even drawn his future office — including everything he plans to put on his desk — so that he can visualize his next step. He expressed gratitude for the counselors, instructors and Veterans Education Access Program staff he worked with at Tri-C. He says they saw something in him that he did not see in himself. “I want those who helped me to know what they do matters,” he said. “I want to succeed for them.”
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TRI-C GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
CORINNE NICOL
said Tri-C’s tuition — the lowest in Ohio — brought her to campus in 2017. Nearly three years later, she graduated with an Associate of Arts degree focused on music. The 20-year-old from Cleveland Heights now plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree and career in music therapy. “My ultimate goal is to complete my undergrad without any debt. Tri-C helps you save a lot of money.”
GOING GREEN TAI-RENEE KING
TAI-RENEE KING WILL USE SKILLS LEARNED AT TRI-C TO CHAMPION SUSTAINABILITY IN CLEVELAND Tai-Renee King enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College in 2017 to complete prerequisites toward a library science degree. Three years later, she graduated from Tri-C with an Associate of Applied Science in Plant Science and Landscaping Technology and a certificate in landscape contracting. What changed? “I was always interested in environmental issues, but I never thought to make a career out of it,” said King, 28, of Cleveland. “My supervisor at the Cleveland Public Library realized I had a passion for nature, so she pushed me toward plant science.”
Growing up in the city’s Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, King didn’t have access to much green space. It’s an older area, densely packed with homes built before the advent of renewable energy and dotted with vacant lots. King looks at the landscape and believes it could someday spring back to life as urban gardens with the right kind of care. “I’d like to transform my childhood community into a selfsustaining, eco-friendly neighborhood with green homes and buildings,” she said. “I’d also like to teach people how to grow plants for food as well as for beauty.” King knows firsthand how intimidating it can be to try something new. Starting college at 25 years old, she feared she wasn’t “smart enough” to keep up with her classmates. As it turns out, she had no need to worry. In 2018, she was one of five community college students in the nation to receive a scholarship from plant company Proven Winners. In April, she became the third student from Tri-C’s award-winning horticulture program to receive an Irrigation Association scholarship. King will apply this latest award toward tuition at Oregon State University, where she’ll study ecological engineering and forestry beginning this fall. “It’s my dream college,” she said. “They have the No. 3 forestry program in the world.” King is excited for the next phase of her life and thankful to Tri-C for helping her get there. “My professors’ immense knowledge and their passion for the environment inspired me to learn as much as possible and bring it all back to my community,” she said. “Tri-C helped me find my calling.”
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TRI-C GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
CAP-AND-GOWN MOMENT The College plans to gather spring graduates Dec. 16 for a traditional commencement so that they can experience the excitement and emotion of the formal event. The ceremony will take place at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center. The ceremony will be separate from Tri-C’s Fall Commencement, scheduled for Dec. 17.
Connor House
worked hard to earn three degrees at Tri-C: Associate of Applied Business degrees in cybersecurity and networking software and an Associate of Applied Science in electronic engineering technology. The 23-year-old from Sagamore Hills found plenty of help, too, as he overcame challenges from a rare genetic condition called Klinefelter syndrome.
Niyonkuru Ines
met Tri-C counselor Linda Lanier during her first semester at Metropolitan Campus. The 22-year-old Cleveland resident credits that relationship for the two degrees — an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science — she received in May. “She kept pushing me and was there for me every step of the way. If it wasn’t for her, I would be a dropout college student.”
“When I enrolled, I started going to the tutoring center [at Eastern Campus] and working with the Student Accessibility Services office. They were a big part of the support system that helped me transition to college subject matter and a college workload.”
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Ibrahim Sackey
served as the neighborhood IT fix-it guy while growing up in Ghana. He immigrated to the United States in 2017 to expand his computer knowledge. The 23-year-old graduated from Tri-C in May with an Associate of Applied Business degree in information technology, with a concentration in networking software. “[In the United States], you can do anything as long as you have the passion and drive to achieve it. That was something that was reinforced by my professors and the staff at Tri-C. They always encouraged me and pushed me.”
A COLLEGE GRADUATE AT AGE 14 AMBER BENNETT
AMBER BENNETT EARNS ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE BEFORE FINISHING HER FRESHMAN YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL Patience framed Amber Bennett’s pursuit of an Associate of Arts degree from Cuyahoga Community College. She slowly picked away at graduation requirements over three years while taking classes fall, spring and summer. “I took my time,” Bennett said of her nine-semester journey. “I really didn’t want to rush things.” Few would share that belief. Bennett became a college graduate at age 14 in May, a few weeks before finishing her freshman year of high school with Ohio Connections Academy. She expects to earn a second degree from Tri-C — an Associate of Science — this summer.
The Richmond Heights teen followed the same path as her older sister, Angel, who earned a degree from Tri-C in 2018 at age 16. (In true sibling rivalry fashion, Amber makes it a point to mention she graduated sooner.) Both attended Tri-C through College Credit Plus, a dual enrollment system allowing students to take college courses to meet high school graduation requirements. The program is open to students in grades seven through 12 who are academically ready for more rigorous coursework.
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Few students begin at the earliest allowed age, though. State reports show that Bennett was one of only 74 Ohio seventh-graders in College Credit Plus when she walked onto Tri-C’s Eastern Campus in 2017. Her mother said she had no worries about the 12-year-old beginning college: “Amber was always watching her sister,” said Angelita Bennett, also a Tri-C graduate. “She knew what was coming. She was excited to start.” Bennett said professors and older students made her feel welcome. She thrived in the campus environment, with grades that earned her an invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Like her mother and sister, Bennett graduated with academic honors. “If you’re a kid thinking about this, don’t be scared,” she said. “Just go for it.” Her next goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree before her high school diploma. She is set to begin classes at Notre Dame College in South Euclid this fall to study psychology.
TRI-C GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
He said he looked at more than 50 community colleges across the United States before choosing to come to Tri-C. The College’s program stood out to him given its focus on gaining practical experience. Adatepe immersed himself in classes and training. His studies led to a job at Tri-C’s Eastern Campus fitness center and an internship with the program’s sports science laboratory to build skills in exercise physiology and testing. He also launched a sport and recreation club on campus and served as president of the group. “These opportunities gave me experience and made me realize why I love this field,” said Adatepe, who lives in Woodmere. He credited his sport and exercise studies instructors — particularly Chris Faciana and Genevieve Luca — with sparking his passion for the field. “They made learning very interesting,” he said.
WORKING IT OUT OKTAY ADATEPE
A SCHOLARSHIP HELPED POWER OKTAY ADATEPE TO A DEGREE IN SPORT AND EXERCISE STUDIES Oktay Adatepe felt overwhelmed. A year into classes at Cuyahoga Community College, he watched as his bank account balance inched closer to zero. His path to a degree seemed to be vanishing. That all changed, however, with the scholarship he earned upon being accepted as a Mandel Scholar at Tri-C’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Humanities Center. “I could not describe my excitement,” he said. “It gave me a chance to finish my dream.” The 22-year-old made the most of the opportunity, too: Adatepe graduated from Tri-C in May with honors and an Associate of Applied Science degree in sport and exercise studies.
Adatepe also received guidance from Marcia Leftridge, a physical education support specialist at the College. She served as his mentor through Tri-C’s Black American Council. “She guided me through whenever I was in a tight spot — whether it was classes, work or personal,” Adatepe said. “She was an amazing mentor who pushed me to have better opportunities.” That includes his work last fall with The Voting Experience project at Tri-C campuses. The student-led initiative was designed to register voters and encourage participation in the political process. He became involved with the effort after being named a Democracy Fellow with the Fair Election Center’s Campus Vote Project. With his goal of a Tri-C degree accomplished, Adatepe now plans to transfer to Cleveland State University to continue his education. He has set his sights on a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Adatepe will enroll in CSU’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Honors College through the Mandel Continuing Scholars program between Tri-C and the university. SUMMER 2020
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LEARNING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE JARUSHA WEEKS
JARUSHA WEEKS LAUNCHED A STUDENT SUPPORT GROUP AT EASTERN CAMPUS ON THE WAY TO GRADUATION The classmate approached Jarusha Weeks, as many often did while she was out and about at Eastern Campus performing her duties as a Cuyahoga Community College student ambassador. This conversation, though, was different. The student just started talking about the emotional turmoil gripping her life and the difficulties of her day. The encounter spurred Weeks — an aspiring social worker — into action. She formulated a plan that led to the creation of E4, a student support group that will continue helping others long after Weeks leaves Tri-C. She graduated in May with an Associate of Arts degree.
The group’s name comes from the idea of students connecting “eye to eye, ear to ear” to see and hear other viewpoints, said Weeks, 28, of South Euclid. She said it’s critical for students to have a safe place where they can share feelings and find a direction forward. “We live in an era where mental illness, depression, anxiety, suicide and violence are the new norm, but also issues deemed too sensitive to talk about,” she said. “Our learning institution becomes our second home. We need to have a
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space to discuss our troubles with welcoming support.” Weeks said the support structure within Tri-C helped her make the four-year journey to graduation. She moved steadily forward while balancing her studies with two jobs and family responsibilities. Resources at the College provided academic guidance as well as opportunities for professional and social growth, she said. “Tri-C has truly built a ‘community’ within the institution,” Weeks said. She became part of that community as a Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Scholar and an officer with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She also served as a student ambassador for two years and worked in the campus president’s office. “Everything I did, I looked at it as a link in the system to help others find success,” Weeks said. Now that she has her degree from Tri-C, Weeks plans to transfer to Cleveland State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work. She hopes to eventually work as a counselor for at-risk youth, creating programs that challenge perspectives and shape responses.
TRI-C GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
A LIFE-CHANGING SUGGESTION SEDI RRUSTEMAJ
SEDI RRUSTEMAJ EARNS TWO DEGREES AFTER A CO-WORKER’S RECOMMENDATION LED HER TO TRI-C Doubt gripped Sedi Rrustemaj as she finished her senior year at Rocky River High School. Despite posting a 4.0 GPA after emigrating from Albania, she didn’t feel ready to enroll at a four-year university.
Rrustemaj immersed herself in Tri-C life. She won election as vice president of student government at Westshore Campus and vice president of leadership for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter at Western Campus.
“I didn’t know a lot about how college works here,” she said. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study, either, or if I could afford it. So I thought I’d take a year off to figure things out.”
Her academic achievement led to an invitation to join the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Scholars Academy at Eastern Campus, where she continued building leadership skills through guided coursework in the humanities.
That’s when a co-worker suggested enrolling at Cuyahoga Community College.
She also took classes through the Cleveland Humanities Collaborative, a partnership between Tri-C and Case Western Reserve University.
Less than two years later, Rrustemaj graduated with honors from Tri-C. The 19-year-old packed enough courses into four semesters and one summer session to earn two degrees: an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science.
She plans to transfer to a four-year university this fall to continue her education. Her goal is to become a doctor of osteopathic medicine. “Every individual has something within them,” Rrustemaj said. “You just need to find a way to spark it. That’s what Tri-C did for me. It showed me what was possible. It helped me realize what I could do.”
“You find such a sense of belonging at Tri-C,” Rrustemaj said. “It brings out your best.” Rrustemaj has balanced her studies and activities at multiple campuses with a part-time job at downtown Cleveland’s Luca Italian Cuisine. That’s where she worked when she received the life-altering recommendation to attend Tri-C. The decision to enroll at the College came just days before the 2018 fall semester began. She remembers scrambling to get courses scheduled. “I’m glad I went for it,” Rrustemaj said. “That decision changed my life.”
Shahzeb Malik
gained national recognition for his work at Tri-C after being named a 2020 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar. The 18-year-old from Strongsville said the College’s campus culture helped him achieve and graduate with two degrees. “Tri-C forces the student to stand on their own two feet, but has a hand on their back in case they slip.”
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DIFFICULTIES MASTERED THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK SHATTERED OUR SENSE OF NORMAL. BUT IN WORKING THROUGH THE CRISIS, WE BUILT STRENGTHS THAT WILL CARRY THE COMMUNITY FORWARD.
Yet nothing could have prepared us for the events that unfolded in March, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the United States. Within the span of a few weeks, Tri-C went from business as usual to a complete shutdown of all in-person classes. Instruction moved online and students, faculty and staff worked from home to help halt the spread of the coronavirus. Since that time, the community has begun to re-emerge. But it’s still difficult to know when life in general — let alone the business of running our college — will fully return to normal. But I believe it will. I believe we will build a better “new normal” and emerge from this crisis stronger, smarter and more compassionate than ever before. The challenge to get there, though, brings to mind a quote from Winston Churchill: “Difficulties mastered are opportunities won.”
That simple yet powerful phrase captures our shared coronavirus experience. The past few months have been difficult and even overwhelming at times, but the results show what we all know to be true — that overcoming challenges is what we do best. At Tri-C, the response to the coronavirus forced us to quickly make changes and establish processes to serve our students in different ways as they continued working toward degrees and certificates. These innovations — and the speed with which we implemented them — set new standards of service and excellence in our academic and workforce programs. Difficulties were mastered. Opportunities were won.
AND
Cuyahoga Community College prides itself on being forwardthinking and prepared. As an institution integral to thousands of lives and livelihoods within our community, we spend countless hours scenario planning and asking, “What if?”
OPPORT
ESSAY BY
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Alex Johnson
Strengths built over the past months will carry us forward as we emerge from the outbreak. For instance, the expansion of the College’s technological infrastructure to meet broader online course demands positions Tri-C to redefine virtual learning in the future.
“I BELIEVE WE WILL BUILD A BETTER ‘NEW NORMAL’ AND EMERGE FROM THIS CRISIS STRONGER, SMARTER AND MORE COMPASSIONATE THAN EVER BEFORE.”
We bolstered workforce training, too, with short-term online programs focused on in-demand fields such as information technology, health care and manufacturing. This allowed Northeast Ohio residents to build skills while sheltering at home during the pandemic. As businesses reopened, workers returned with new talents and ideas to spark economic growth.
—Alex Johnson, president, Cuyahoga Community College
But our greatest success during these trying times involved the simple act of connecting with people. Many students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, rely on the structure of campus life for a sense of normalcy and belonging and to stay focused on academic goals. Without face-to-face interaction, the bonds connecting students to Tri-C — and their graduation ambitions — may weaken or wither altogether. Once that happens, it can be difficult to re-engage those students.
So we found ways to keep our students close even from afar. We placed tens of thousands of personal phone calls to keep students engaged and focused. We provided technology to bridge digital divides. We connected the most vulnerable to assistance. Every student who emerged from this time as an active, enrolled student — or, better yet, a graduate like the ones profiled in the previous pages — represented a victory for us all. There is no surefire battle plan for running a college while combating the vast impact of a global pandemic. Yet despite the scale of the crisis that enveloped us, we continued to sustain educational journeys and positively affect futures. Difficulties were mastered, and opportunities were won. We are stronger because of that.
TUNITIES WON
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TRI-C ALUMNI PROFILE
IN GOOD TIMES AND BAD, TRI-C ALUMNI ARE HARD AT WORK, PROVIDING CRITICAL SERVICES THAT KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES RUNNING The battle with COVID-19 has sent untold thousands of Americans to the front lines, armed not with weapons, but with medicine, supplies and, above all, compassion. A new term has emerged to describe them: “essential workers.” They are health care professionals, first responders, those who provide critical goods and services — such as workers in the grocery and durable-goods supply chain — and countless others.
We’ve developed a new appreciation for essential workers as the pandemic has blanketed our lives with fear and uncertainty. But they aren’t just here to serve and reassure us during times of crisis — they form the foundation of our society every day of every year. For this issue’s cover story, we spoke with five Tri-C alumni representing a cross-section of our graduates who provide necessary services and support throughout Northeast Ohio.
STORY BY
Erik Cassano Jonathan Carlson
ILLUSTRATIONS BY
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ESSENTIAL
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TRI-C ALUMNI PROFILE
OVER THE ROAD MICHAEL CONLEY | TRANSPORTATION
Restrictions and shutdowns brought about by the pandemic have given the public renewed appreciation for the role truck drivers play in delivering groceries and other necessary items to stores. But bread, milk and toilet paper are only the beginning. Michael Conley works for Schneider National Inc., hauling bulk chemicals for manufacturing and water treatment throughout Ohio and neighboring states. You don’t see Conley’s hauls on store shelves, but without them, the shelves would be bare just the same. “Trucks are what keep our economy moving,” Conley said. “If it’s anything you use or buy, or parts and chemicals that keep our infrastructure running, a truck probably brought it.” Conley was a physical therapist assistant for nine years, but changes in the industry sent him searching for a new career and, eventually, to Tri-C’s Transportation Innovation Center. He began working for Schneider shortly after graduating in October 2019.
“I was drawn to truck driving due to the availability of jobs,” Conley said. “When I researched schools, Tri-C emerged as the best option because of the reasonable tuition and wide variety of class options.” The 40-year-old Fairview Park resident drives regional routes, allowing him to be home on the weekends. But some truckers transport supplies coast to coast, away from their families for weeks at a time. It is a demanding career, and Conley is thankful that Tri-C prepared him for it. “They really focus on safety at Tri-C,” he says. “They go beyond teaching just what you need to get your license. They’re experienced in the field, so they know what to look out for, and they show us not just what’s in the state testing manual, but what you’ll find out on the road in real-life situations.”
“TRUCKS ARE WHAT KEEP OUR ECONOMY MOVING,” CONLEY SAID. “IF IT’S ANYTHING YOU USE OR BUY, OR PARTS AND CHEMICALS THAT KEEP OUR INFRASTRUCTURE RUNNING, A TRUCK PROBABLY BROUGHT IT.” —Michael Conley
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GOOD MEDICINE CHERELDA BELL | NURSING
For Cherelda Bell, uncertainty has become a daily fact of life. She’s used to adapting — as a nurse, her job is unpredictable by nature. But the pandemic is adding even more stress. “The rules seem to change every day,” said Bell, who works at Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital in Warrensville Heights. “You really don’t know what to expect when you come to work, but the people here are doing a great job under tough circumstances.” With many satellite medical facilities temporarily closing their emergency departments, patients often have nowhere else to turn besides hospitals. It has put hospital nurses like Bell squarely on the front lines of the pandemic. “We have a lot of people on staff who are scared, which is understandable,” she said. “They’re scared to get COVID and they’re scared to take it home to their families. We’re all changing in the garage when we get home, doing our best to not expose our families to the virus.”
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No matter the risk, Bell and thousands of nurses like her continue to come to work every day, knowing they’re needed now more than ever. The 36-year-old Cleveland resident credits her Tri-C education for preparing her to help shoulder the massive burden placed on health care professionals. “Tri-C prepares you for what you’ll encounter in the field,” said Bell, who graduated in 2018. “The nursing program is fast-paced and rigorous, and it teaches you how to anticipate the unknown and adapt fast. It teaches you how to educate people, which is particularly important now.”
“THE NURSING PROGRAM IS FAST-PACED AND RIGOROUS, AND IT TEACHES YOU HOW TO ANTICIPATE THE UNKNOWN AND ADAPT FAST.” —Cherelda Bell
TRI-C ALUMNI PROFILE
CLEANING UP CHARLES HUBBARD | JANITORIAL
Charles Hubbard and his staff of 42 at Crystal Clear Solution operate out of the limelight. But they are critically important when it comes to limiting all manner of diseases and infections. Between patient visits, sometimes in the wee hours of the morning, Hubbard and his staff are wiping down equipment, walls and every other surface in local health care facilities. During the pandemic, that means donning a full hazmat suit, respirator and two layers of gloves, spending the majority of six hours in what amounts to a personal sauna — with few breaks. What’s more, Hubbard and his management team personally clean all of the facilities where COVID patients are treated, sending his employees to less hazardous jobs. “We have a management team of only three, and we handle all those jobs,” Hubbard says. “That’s part of the bigger picture for me. We want to ensure that not only do our clients and the people they serve not get the virus, our employees don’t either.”
Hubbard, 50, of Highland Heights, started his company in 2008 as a one-man shop. Over the next decade, he grew the business, but always sought to do more. That’s when he decided to enroll in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program at Tri-C, graduating in spring 2019. The knowledge gained from the program helped better position Crystal Clear Solution for additional growth and stability. Though the company’s services are needed every day in health care facilities regardless of the situation, they’re needed more than ever right now. “I got into janitorial services because of the lower upfront cost and the fact that it’s always needed,” he said. “This current situation shows how essential a well-run janitorial company is to keeping medical facilities running. I’m glad 10KSB helped me build that foundation.”
“THIS CURRENT SITUATION SHOWS HOW ESSENTIAL A WELL-RUN JANITORIAL COMPANY IS TO KEEPING MEDICAL FACILITIES RUNNING.” —Charles Hubbard
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TRI-C ALUMNI PROFILE
AT THE READY ANDREW McBRIDE | FIREFIGHTING
Though many essential workers are pulling longer shifts now, they still get to go home after work. That’s generally not the case for firefighters and emergency medical personnel, who spend 24-hour shifts living together at fire stations. Andrew McBride is a 22-year-old Parma Heights firefighter and paramedic. He received his EMT, firefighter and paramedic certifications at Tri-C in 2018 and 2019 before being hired by Parma Heights in January. About two months later, the COVID-19 pandemic reached Ohio and McBride was thrust into an entirely new reality. “The biggest change has been the heightened awareness and all the extra equipment we have to wear now,” he said. “We wear masks around the station, keep six feet apart and stagger when we eat.” Each shift is also tasked with disinfecting the station and the ambulances, using a large aerosol spray gun to disinfect surfaces. The abundance of caution follows them onto the road. Before the pandemic, medical gloves were the only personal protective equipment required on most calls.
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“Now, every single call, we’re suiting up with gloves, goggles, N95 masks and, if a COVID case is suspected, we’re wearing gowns as well,” he said. McBride, like other firefighters and paramedics around the country, knows how important it is to stay at the ready, no matter what they’ll face at the scene of an emergency. It’s something he said he learned at Tri-C. “We need to be there, no matter what,” McBride said. “When someone calls 911, we are going to respond — whether it’s COVID or anything else. And the instructors at Tri-C prepared us for that. You learn the technical aspects of the job, but also the mentality you need to have. This isn’t a typical 9-to-5 job, and you only get into it if you have a passion for helping people.”
“WHEN SOMEONE CALLS 911, WE ARE GOING TO RESPOND — WHETHER IT’S COVID OR ANYTHING ELSE. AND THE INSTRUCTORS AT TRI-C PREPARED US FOR THAT.” —Andrew McBride
TRI-C ALUMNI PROFILE
LETTER OF THE LAW DANIELLE SHOOK | POLICING
Danielle Shook has a unique perspective on the pandemic. She is a police officer within a health care organization. Shortly after graduating from Tri-C’s Basic Police Academy last fall, she started working at Summa Health, in and around Akron. While officers in city police departments may assist on medical calls at residences, Shook sees patients once they have arrived at the hospital. “You’re not just interacting with people who are in a personal crisis or who broke the law. They’re also very possibly injured on top of it,” Shook said. “In that way, the stress can be higher working in law enforcement in a medical setting.” The job requires an ability to de-escalate tense situations, along with excellent community relations skills — both made more difficult by physical distancing and masks. Shook has adapted by using her words and physical gestures.
“That’s what this career is about — adapting in a second,” she said. “If people can’t see my whole face, I have to use my eyes and hands more. I have to describe things in more detail.” The 33-year-old from Reminderville left a career in real estate out of a desire to serve the public. When she decided to attend the police academy, she chose Tri-C due to its reputation for experienced instructors. “It’s a tough program, but it prepares you for what’s out there,” Shook said. “Any situation I encounter on the job, I always hear my instructors in the back of my head. They did such a good job teaching us. Even after this pandemic is over, we’re still going to need to be there, answering calls, so we’re always going to draw on the education we got at Tri-C. It’s always going to be valuable.”
“EVEN AFTER THIS PANDEMIC IS OVER, WE’RE STILL GOING TO NEED TO BE THERE, ANSWERING CALLS, SO WE’RE ALWAYS GOING TO DRAW ON THE EDUCATION WE GOT AT TRI-C. IT’S ALWAYS GOING TO BE VALUABLE.” —Danielle Shook
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“WITH EVERY COMPUTER THE FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTED, WE BUILT A BRIDGE ACROSS THE DIGITAL DIVIDE, WE’RE GIVING OUR STUDENTS THE CHANCE THEY DESERVE TO REACH THEIR GOALS.” —Megan O’Bryan, president, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation
STORY BY
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John Horton
TRI-C TIMES
THE
BRIDGING DIGITAL DIVIDE THE TRI-C FOUNDATION PROVIDED COMPUTERS TO MORE THAN 600 STUDENTS TO HELP THEM THRIVE IN THE ONLINE LEARNING WORLD FORCED BY THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS Aba Paintsil’s days typically revolved around the schedule at Cuyahoga Community College. She arrived when Eastern Campus opened to get into the Technology Learning Center before classes. She’d stay and do homework until it shut down at night. So when the campus closed and courses shifted online due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Paintsil wondered how she’d manage without a computer at home. At first, she tried tackling assignments with her tablet. That led only to frustration. “What should have taken me two hours took all day,” the full-time nursing student said. “I honestly thought about just stopping and taking the classes again in the fall.” Then came a gift that saved her semester. As COVID-19 changed the delivery of education, the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation distributed computers to more than 600 Tri-C students — including Paintsil — to remove the technological barrier to online learning. The campaign launched quickly after Tri-C canceled face-toface classroom instruction midway through spring semester and moved to virtual classes. The reason? Many students lacked home access to a computer, which created challenges as courses moved online. Finding a solution became critical for students to continue their studies and progress toward graduation, said Megan O’Bryan, president of the Foundation. “We could not allow the response to the coronavirus crisis to become an obstacle for our students,” O’Bryan said. “This was about providing the tools they needed to overcome the technology gap and achieve academically.” Students responded immediately to the Foundation’s offer, flooding phone lines and email inboxes. Computers were handed out over several days during a drive-up process at Metropolitan Campus in Cleveland and Western Campus in Parma.
Donations to the Foundation made it possible to provide the computers at no cost to students. The Foundation purchased the computers from two nonprofit organizations: PCs for People and RET3 Job Corp. Adam El Oualladi said the computer he received kept him moving toward graduation. He expects to earn an Associate of Arts degree this summer before transferring to Cleveland State University in the fall to study psychology. The older laptop he used previously struggled to meet the increased demands when his four courses moved online. “Speed was an issue,” El Oualladi said. “The computer I got made the transition much easier.” Yvette Mitchell said the computer she picked up eliminated a logjam of users on the lone laptop in her mother’s home. Four people were sharing the device for work, school and other needs. The lack of technology caused Mitchell to fall behind in her event planning studies. “Everyone was fighting for the same resource,” Mitchell said. “It was just wasn’t enough.” Those stories and hundreds more like them showed the impact of the computer distribution, O’Bryan said. The College also worked to connect students with internet providers if they lacked service. The project offered immediate assistance while putting students in a better position to find long-term success. Many students said receiving the computer gave them more incentive to push forward with their studies. “With every computer the Foundation distributed, we built a bridge across the digital divide,” O’Bryan said. “We’re giving our students the chance they deserve to reach their goals.”
Donors to the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation made the computer distribution possible. Visit tri-c.edu/give to contribute to the future success of Tri-C students. SUMMER 2020
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REMOTE POSSIBILITIES IN MARCH, TRI-C TRANSITIONED TO AN ALL-ONLINE LEARNING FORMAT, MOVING NEARLY 2,500 CLASSES TO DIGITAL PLATFORMS IN THE SPAN OF SEVERAL WEEKS. HERE’S HOW IT HAPPENED. It was March 3 when Tom Kemp first saw the storm clouds gathering. And they were gathering in a hurry.
That single night in early March, it seemed the entire country was instantly thrust into the worst pandemic in a century.
“I was starting to see things about the COVID-19 pandemic in the communications I read daily,” said Kemp, executive director of Cuyahoga Community College’s Online Learning and Academic Technology (OLAT) department. “People I knew in the industry were starting to ask each other ‘What would you do if you had to move instruction online?’”
But days — and hours — still offer critical time to prepare, and those eight days offered Kemp and the OLAT team a much-needed window to scenario-plan, devise solutions and ready the College for what was coming.
On March 11, the NBA suspended its regular season after a player tested positive for COVID-19 prior to a game. Hours later, Tom Hanks became the first major American celebrity to test positive.
“PEOPLE I KNEW IN THE INDUSTRY WERE STARTING TO ASK EACH OTHER ‘WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD TO MOVE INSTRUCTION ONLINE?’” —Tom Kemp, Executive Director, OLAT 24
TRI-C TIMES
STORY BY
Erik Cassano
MAPPING IT OUT Kemp gathered the OLAT team on March 4, faced with a possibility almost too overwhelming to comprehend: The arrival of the coronavirus in Northeast Ohio would make on-site classes impossible for every academic institution in the region. Tri-C, like just about all colleges, offers online courses as a matter of convenience for students. But prior to March, those courses accounted for only 15% of the College’s overall course schedule. If the pandemic shut down on-site learning, the remaining 85% would have to be delivered remotely in a matter of weeks. “We had to move quickly,” Kemp said. “After that first planning session, I met with Dee Dee Pfister [Tri-C’s associate vice president of online learning] and senior College leadership to start planning everything out.” All OLAT systems would need their data storage and user interface capacity increased. Online exam proctoring systems would need to be expanded. Access to online tutoring would have to increase, and faculty would need additional training to set up and deliver online coursework. Kemp and his team worked closely with Blackboard, the provider of the College’s online learning delivery system, Blackboard Learn. He also worked with Mediasite and ProctorU, which provide video streaming and test proctoring services integrated into the Blackboard Learn platform.
“We had those conversations with our vendors as quickly as we could,” Kemp said. “This is where we are; how fast can you assist us?” OLAT moved its Blackboard Learn services to a cloud-based platform last fall, which helped Tri-C react faster in scaling its remote learning capabilities. Kemp and his team also worked collaboratively with the College’s Information Technology Services (ITS) department to increase user capacity and integrate Blackboard with other internal College systems. In less than a month, the combined work of College staff and vendors allowed Tri-C to double its storage capacity in Mediasite, double the number of users that could be in the system at a single time and nearly triple the test proctoring capacity within its system. The calendar also bought Kemp and his team some additional time. Tri-C was on spring break the week of March 9, when the first COVID-19 cases were reported in the region. Classes were called off for an additional week to allow faculty and staff to prepare for the online transition. By the time classes resumed on March 23, the College was ready to make the initial transition. In a matter of several weeks, Tri-C went from 2,540 courses in Blackboard to more than 4,900. But even after that initial transition, the work was far from done.
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MOVING AHEAD The OLAT team continued to make upgrades to the system in the final seven weeks of spring semester — a task continuing throughout the summer, during which Tri-C remains in an all-online learning format with the exception of a small number of on-site classes and labs. Among the most critical aspects of this ongoing work is training students, faculty and staff in the use of online learning and virtual meeting software. For students, My Online Readiness Experience (MORE) is available as a training program through Blackboard Learn. Faculty and staff have the opportunity to complete Blackboard Boot Camp online, as well as Webex training sessions. Pfister, ITS and OLAT also continue to work with other College departments and faculty — as well as Blackboard support staff — to develop and maintain an enhanced help desk model. “We’ll keep training students, faculty and staff on how to optimally use online learning technology,” Kemp said. “It’s important because this touches every part of the student experience now. Working with other departments, we’ll continue to create Blackboard Learn sites for all credit courses, and we’ll continue to support and promote online tutoring through Smarthinking [from educational services company Pearson].”
As part of this ongoing work, the College has modified its process for administering preadmission assessments in math and English. Previously, students who didn’t possess qualifying ACT or SAT scores — or who didn’t have math or English credits to transfer from another school — had to take assessment tests to determine math and English placement. The on-site tests can no longer be given due to the pandemic, so Tri-C leadership had to devise a new plan. “We’re using a rubric based on high school GPA for English,” said Lindsay English, Tri-C’s vice president of Learning and Engagement. “For math, we’re using a web-based tool that allows students to test from home.” Tri-C is also allowing students to submit unofficial high school transcripts to further expedite the enrollment process at a time when many high school offices are closed or operating with minimal staff, making access to official transcripts more difficult. “Everything we’ve done throughout the spring was designed to maintain the College’s mission of access to education for all students,” English said. “From OLAT’s work to increase the reach and capacity of our online learning, to the work faculty and staff have done to adjust on the fly and train on new software, to the work we’ve done to ensure students have minimal disruption in the admission process — it’s been incredible to watch it all come together in such a short time.”
ONLINE HONORS Cuyahoga Community College has been recognized as one of the nation’s top community colleges for online learning. College Consensus ranked Tri-C 25th on its list of top online programs at two-year schools across the country. Evaluations were based on online degree offerings, user-friendliness of learning platforms and other factors. The ranking noted that Tri-C’s flexible program allows students “to continue working and living their busy lives” while taking classes. It also highlighted access to academic counseling and educational resources. College Consensus researched more than 1,000 community colleges during its review process. Tri-C offers numerous degree and certificate programs 100% online, with other options blending online and classroom learning. More than 500 students connect with Tri-C each hour for online learning.
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STORY BY
John Horton
FRONT LINE DEFENSE
TRI-C STUDENT PAUL BLAZEK USED HIS 3D PRINTER TO MAKE ‘EAR GUARDS’ FOR MASK-WEARING WORKERS BATTLING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK Cuyahoga Community College student Paul Blazek started his 3D printer each morning this past spring with one goal in mind: Help those working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Blazek spent weeks making “ear guards” that prevent chafing from the elastic straps that hold face masks in place. The devices addressed complaints from mask-wearing workers who often had the backs of their ears rubbed raw during long shifts.
Blazek — who is in Tri-C’s information technology program — found the design on thingiverse.com, an open-source 3D printing community. He joins a legion of people across the country making ear guards. “I wanted to do something to help, and this seemed like a way to really make a difference for people working during the outbreak,” Blazek said. “I figured I’d print some up and see if anyone wanted them.” Blazek produced hundreds of the ear guards, which each took about 45 minutes to create. Several batches went to caregivers at Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights.
“THIS SEEMED LIKE A WAY TO REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE.” —Paul Blazek, Information Technology student Requests even came from out of state. He shipped a package off to nurses at a North Carolina hospital after they read about Blazek’s project in Tri-C’s online newsroom.
The notched plastic strips made by Blazek wrap around the back of a person’s head. When wearing a mask, the elastic straps loop around the notches on the strip. This holds the mask in place without irritating ears.
Blazek is set to graduate from Tri-C this summer with an Associate of Applied Business degree in IT programming and development. He’ll also receive a certificate in web application development. The 18-year-old from Brunswick is an Honors Program Fellow at the College. SUMMER 2020
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STORY BY
John Horton
KEEPING THE
BEAT
NOT EVEN A GLOBAL PANDEMIC CAN QUIET TRI-C JAZZFEST, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AS A VIRTUAL FESTIVAL TO CONNECT THE COMMUNITY TO THE ARTS
Jazz reveals its spirit and soul through improvisation. The same can be said for this year’s Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, presented by KeyBank. Organizers of the annual festival — now in its 41st year — refused to let the COVID-19 outbreak silence the music that typically brings tens of thousands of people to Playhouse Square every summer. Tri-C JazzFest will make toes tap this year, just in a different way. The show, as they say, must go on.
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So a virtual festival highlighting Cleveland’s deep reservoir of jazz talent will stream across various online platforms over two late-summer nights. THE TUNES START AT 7 P.M. BOTH FRIDAY, AUG. 21, AND SATURDAY, AUG. 22. The online event will be free, though viewers will have the opportunity to donate to Cuyahoga Community College’s Student Emergency Fund. Money raised will specifically benefit creative arts students experiencing unforeseen financial challenges with the potential to derail their studies.
Tri-C’s music program offers opportunities for students to earn associate degrees while building their skills. Graduates routinely continue their education at esteemed institutions such as Berklee College of Music and The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. “Our students always shine bright in the spotlight,” Pontremoli said. “Their hard work embodies the mission of the College and of Tri-C JazzFest.”
“The format may be different this year, but music is about the moment,” said Terri Pontremoli, director of Tri-C JazzFest. “We’re going to provide plenty of those for our audience while making a difference for our students.”
At its heart, Tri-C JazzFest strives to educate and nurture an appreciation of jazz. Events throughout the year connect students of all ages with jazz performers who bring the art form to life. Many of the programs are free to expand access to the performing arts.
The virtual festival will feature a combination of pre-recorded and live performances from local acts; drop-in interviews with jazz icons; and footage of memorable moments from past Tri-C JazzFests.
The virtual festival in August reflects the College’s goal to connect the community to the arts. Visit tri-cjazzfest.com for information on the festival, including how to stream the performances.
Acclaimed trumpeter Dominick Farinacci will perform and serve as host of the virtual festival. Farinacci’s path to becoming an international recording artist began in the classrooms of Cuyahoga Community College two decades ago.
“Tri-C JazzFest is a cherished tradition in Cleveland,” Pontremoli said. “And while we can’t gather in person this year as we normally would, we can come together virtually to appreciate great music, share an experience and support our students.
The planned lineup of performers includes artists such as Dan Wilson, Sammy DeLeon, Walter Barnes, JazzWorks, Hubb’s Groove, Vanessa Rubin, Chris Coles, Evelyn Wright, David Thomas, Lafayette Carthon and Joe Hunter. (The lineup is subject to change.)
“COVID-19 may have canceled the June weekend festival, but it will not silence the music.”
The future of jazz will also be represented, with young musicians from the Tri-C JazzFest Academy. The academy’s Spirit of the Groove ensemble will show the results of countless hours of training through the College’s Creative Arts Center of Excellence.
The virtual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland is presented by KeyBank and made possible by Cuyahoga Community College, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Ohio Arts Council, Strassman Insurance Services Inc., The George Gund Foundation and a growing list of donors and vendors.
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ONE LAST THING
ANNE-MARIE AND SAM PETROS DONATED $500,000 TO TRI-C TO OFFER EMERGENCY AID AND TUITION ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS. HERE’S WHY.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE ESSAY BY
Sam Petros
Nothing comes easy when you’re starting out in life. Personal experience taught me that. Growing up, I had very little. My family always found ways to get by, but not without struggles. We worked hard to try to get ahead. That’s when I discovered the importance of Cuyahoga Community College. I attended Tri-C in the ‘70s while trying to establish myself in Northeast Ohio’s housing market. Classes I took at the College led to a real estate license and — eventually — my company, Petros Homes. Tri-C laid a foundation for my future. The College can bring dreams to life. It did for me, and it still does for thousands of students who enroll with the simple idea that they want something better. This year, however, dimmed a lot of hopes as the COVID-19 outbreak upended our world. Through my close relationships with Tri-C and the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation, I heard about challenges faced by students. That’s why Anne-Marie and I gave $500,000 to the College to create the Petros Family Student Relief Fund. We asked that it provide emergency aid and tuition assistance for students in academic and workforce training programs at Tri-C. These have been difficult months, and even the most resilient and determined individual needs help at times. It is our privilege to show this next generation of leaders that the community believes in their potential. We believe in helping those who are trying to better themselves. That’s how greatness happens. That’s why we support Tri-C students.
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