By HANNAH MAYER
PART TWO IN A SERIES ABOUT THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE WESTERN CAMPUS OF CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PARMA, MAY 1, 2026 — Walking through campus doors whether fresh out of high school or returning 30 years later is both hopeful and daunting. It is not just the physical space that serves as a launchpad for a professional career, but the community and alumni network that become lasting resources for years to come. This is the shared experience of more than 250,000 students who have passed through Cuyahoga Community College’s Western Campus over the past 30 years. By focusing on just a few of these journeys, we are reminded of the eagerness, resilience, and success that move through Tri-C West every day.
More than three decades ago, David Kuntz began his journey as a part time student, working nights at United Parcel Service to support his education. Within a few years, he earned his Associate of Applied Business Management degree from Tri-C and went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Finance, with a minor in Economics, at Baldwin Wallace University.
Like many graduates, Kuntz’s career path did not follow a straight line. He began in the trucking industry as an internal auditor, gaining valuable experience in a fast paced environment that allowed him to travel extensively. As his priorities shifted and he started a family, Kuntz transitioned into a more stable role at PNC Bank as a regulatory compliance auditor. He later spent more than 15 years with the Cleveland Metroparks, holding a variety of positions.
In a full circle moment, Kuntz returned to the place where his journey began, Cuyahoga Community College. Walking into the Western Campus, which sits just across the street from his home, brought back a sense of familiarity and pride. “While many campus facilities have been updated since my time, the spaces where I studied and tutored fellow students remain familiar,” said Kuntz.
WATCH! See this video about The Tri-C Purpose, featuring some of today’s students discussing their aspirations and goals.
https://www.youtube.com.mcas.ms/watch?v=Ly1USc-mZxs
Reflecting on his college and professional journey, Kuntz credits Tri-C with reshaping what he believed was possible. What once felt like a distant dream due to financial barriers became achievable, and what initially seemed like a delay became the foundation for a successful career.
“Tri-C gave me my start, and that experience inspires my passion for its mission and my commitment to giving back as an employee,” said Kuntz.
While the campus has evolved, the impact remains just as strong for students today. Kelley Notaro Schreiber currently serves as the senior director of communications and media relations for the Greater Cleveland Partnership. Before that, she used Tri-C as a starting point to discover her talents and passions.
Schreiber began her freshman year studying veterinary technology, but through Tri-C’s flexibility and opportunities for exploration, she realized it was not the right fit. Her passion for communication and storytelling emerged and ultimately shaped her career in strategic communications. She took full advantage of everything Tri-C had to offer, getting involved with the Campus Activities Board, the student run newspaper The Voice, and student life.
Schreiber reflects on her time with Campus Activities Board fondly. “We had so much fun collaborating to create engaging events that brought students together and strengthened the campus community,”
Fully utilizing Tri-C’s resources along with her continued mentorship from professors like John Kerezy allowed her to transfer confidently to Ohio University, where her strong portfolio earned her acceptance into the E W Scripps School of Journalism. She went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a specialization in marketing.
Schreiber now contributes to the nation’s largest metropolitan chamber of commerce, but her foundation at Tri-C continues to shape every step of her journey. She began her career at the Cleveland Museum of Art as a communications associate, where her days ranged from coordinating with The New York Times on exhibition reviews to organizing gallery shoots with the Travel Channel and sharing updates with The Plain Dealer on newly acquired artwork. She later advanced into a leadership role as director of media relations, and credits her continued growth to where it all started. “Tri-C’s tagline, ‘Where Futures Begin,’ truly reflects my experience,” she said. “Through encouraging professors, flexible programs, and hands-on opportunities in student organizations, I was able to discover my strengths, build confidence, and move forward with a clear sense of direction.”
For the next generation, Tri-C West represents even greater possibilities. As a double-widowed mother of six, Lisa Mayer once believed college was no longer within reach. But as her children grew and pursued their own dreams, she felt inspired to step outside her comfort zone and try for herself.
Returning to the classroom after 30 years was intimidating, but Mayer quickly found a supportive community among faculty and fellow students who uplifted and encouraged her growth. “I felt like a new person walking into Tri-C,” she said. “I felt like I could leave my past behind, start fresh, and become someone I’d always wanted to be.”
Mayer is set to begin the radiological technology program in fall 2026 and looks forward to building connections with classmates who share her drive to pursue meaningful work and embrace the opportunities ahead. She already considers it a victory that her program start date was moved up sooner than she initially expected, and she remains hopeful for the many small milestones she will continue to achieve and celebrate during her time at Tri-C.
From full-circle career to courageous fresh starts, the legacy of Tri-C West is defined by a single truth: it is the place where possibilities take shape. By removing the burden of financial debt and replacing it with a network of support, the college serves as a launchpad for those ready to redefine their potential. It is here that the unattainable becomes achievable, one semester at a time.
On this 60th anniversary, our celebration isn’t about the buildings, but the people who bring them to life. The “rotating door” of this campus represents an enduring cycle of growth, a place where future leaders find their voice and past graduates return to honor their beginnings. As Tri-C West looks toward the future, it remains a steady gateway for all who are brave enough to walk through its doors and begin.
Here is a link to the first feature in this series, about the history of the Western Campus:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Hannah Mayer is also an alumna of Cuyahoga Community College, and she also earned a degree in public relations from Kent State University. She is the paid specialist at The Davey Tree Expert Company. She has contributed to eyeoncleveland.com dating back to 2021.
The lead illustration for this feature was generated using artificial intelligence
eyeoncleveland 