Wanda Whitmore

Alumna’s Passion and Pride for Alma Mater Makes a Difference for Future Alumni

When Wanda Proctor (now Whitmore) first stepped onto the grounds of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®), little did she know Tri-C would become a lifelong passion, transcending four decades.

“I started out as a student, became an employee, then a proud graduate and finally, a retiree,” she said. “I am also a donor to the Tri-C Foundation, which is gratifying because I am thankful to be able to help the next generation of students support their education. There are a lot of people who need assistance to finish school. A grant or scholarship would have helped me when I started out. I know I can make a difference for others by supporting scholarships.”

Along her journey, she met her husband, fellow Tri-C graduate Roy Whitmore, who is also retired from the College. The Wanda & Roy Whitmore Scholarship Fund was established at the time of their retirements, celebrating their combined 55 years of service to Tri-C. The scholarship fund provides essential support for the students and celebrates Proctor’s passion for Tri-C.

She administers the Kenneth Strother Memorial Scholarship in honor of her brother, Ken, who ran the Metro Campus Book Center for many years. The fund was established by his coworkers and managers of the Eastern and Western Campus Book Centers. Whitmore often asks her friends and family members to make a gift to the fund instead of buying a present for birthdays or holidays.

She knows a lot about Tri-C history, having worked in the President’s Office during the tenure of two of the College’s five leaders ― Nolen Ellison, Ph.D. and Jerry Sue Thornton, Ph.D. ― along with interim president, Ronald Sobel. Whitmore retired as administrative associate to the president in 2011.  

Whitmore is regarded an icon with extreme competence and a warm, engaging personality. She was someone others revered, often teaching new employees how to navigate behind the scenes to get the job done with poise, grace and a smile.

Throughout the years, Whitmore got to know many students ― often in challenging times, as that’s generally when students contact the President’s Office. She was known as someone who listened to students. She shared her advice with many of them throughout the years: “Hang in there. There is value in education. Sure, there will be hurdles along the way. Some things you’ll like; others you won’t. But stay the course. In the end, you’ll do well.”

That advice also resonated throughout the Whitmore household. Both of her children graduated from Tri-C. However, she acknowledges her own journey to graduation took a little longer. Not only did she take courses part-time, but she also chose them depending on her interests at the moment ― such as criminal justice. She earned her Associate of Arts degree in 2004 and is now enjoying watching her granddaughter pursue a successful career in law.

“I can’t imagine what our Greater Cleveland area would be like without Tri-C,” she said. “The College has enriched the lives of so many people. I enjoyed serving the community as a College employee. But mostly, I enjoyed serving our students.”

Although she’s retired, Whitmore isn’t sitting on the sidelines. She is currently working toward her online bachelor’s degree from Central State University. Halfway through the program, she holds a 4.0 GPA and was recently inducted into the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society.

Whitmore maintains an active network with fellow retirees and remains a proud and active Tri-C alumna, giving her time to make phone calls and send emails on behalf of the College’s levies. She continues to share stories and advice to help the next generation ― first and foremost, sharing her pride in her family and for her alma mater.