Entrepreneur, Investor Daymond John To Speak at Tri-C Presidential Scholarship Luncheon
Sept. 5 event to raise scholarship money to help students pursue higher education dreams
The Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) Foundation will welcome entrepreneur, investor, author and CEO Daymond John as the keynote speaker for its Presidential Scholarship Luncheon.
The luncheon, presented by PNC Bank, will take place Sept. 5 at the Hotel Cleveland on Public Square.
Since its inception in 1992, the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon has raised more than $24 million to help students with financial needs pursue higher education.
“The Presidential Scholarship Luncheon is a terrific opportunity to invest in Tri-C students and help them fulfill their dreams,” said Pat Pastore, PNC regional president for Cleveland and chairperson of the Tri-C Foundation. “The students’ success is essential to our region’s future and economic vitality. We are grateful for the support and commitment of the community members who invest in the resources that ensure students thrive at Tri-C and beyond.”
Money raised from the fundraiser will support new scholarships for the Center for Entrepreneurs at Corporate College®, a division of Tri-C. Launched in the fall of 2023, the Center for Entrepreneurs offers courses, workshops and resources for small-business owners to achieve their goals.
“The Presidential Scholarship Luncheon has become the cornerstone event to expand support for Tri-C students,” said Tri-C President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D. “As this year’s event focuses on supporting entrepreneurs, we’re thrilled that Daymond John will share insights from his entrepreneurial career that are sure to connect with students and supporters. Daymond’s story and success are the embodiment of the American Dream.”
John is the CEO and founder of FUBU, a global apparel company with billions in product sales worldwide. He is also in his 15th season on ABC’s critically acclaimed business reality show Shark Tank, which has reinvigorated entrepreneurship. Shark Tank has received five Emmy Awards and is watched by millions of viewers around the world.
John has authored six bestselling books, including his New York Times bestsellers The Power of Broke (2016) and Rise and Grind (2018). His most recent book, Little Daymond Learns to Earn (2023), is his first for kids and reached The New York Times and Amazon bestseller lists during the first week of its release. The story of a young entrepreneur helps parents discover ways to teach financial literacy to their children.
John will become the latest in a list of distinguished speakers to headline the event, joining fellow CEOs Alex Rodriguez (2023) and Peter B. Lewis (2003). Other headliners have included past U.S. Presidents George W. Bush (2014) and Bill Clinton (2013), athletes Earvin “Magic” Johnson (2015) and Bill Walton (2019), author Maya Angelou (1995) and entertainer Oprah Winfrey (2002).
June 13, 2024
Media Contact: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu