Fall 2023 Commencement: Pete Schmitt Turns Lifelong Experiences Into Educational Success

Army veteran earns post-graduate certificate from Tri-C

Pete Schmitt believes that his background drove him to succeed as a student. While he wasn’t serious about education when he was younger, his life experiences have helped shape his journey and his educational accomplishments.

Schmitt, 48, already graduated from Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) summa cum laude with an Associate of Arts degree in 2021 and was named the Tri-C student Veteran of the Year in November 2023.

“Tri-C has helped me grow into my role outside of my military career,” Schmitt said.

Schmitt served in the U.S. Army from 1996 to 2016. He deployed three times to Iraq, serving as a gunner protecting logistical and maintenance convoys, along with other security missions and operations in and around Baghdad.

The Medina resident will receive his post-graduate certificate in Paralegal Studies during the College’s Fall Commencement on Dec. 14 at the Wolstein Center.

Schmitt is working toward a bachelor’s degree online in Global Logistics Management from Arizona State University.

"I will miss this place when I am done with school," Schmitt said.

Why did you choose Tri-C? When did you first enroll?
The support that Tri-C shows for its veterans is what really caught my attention. I first enrolled in August of 2019.

Describe your Tri-C experience. Has a specific person, class or event played a role in your success?
I could ramble on about staff and students who have helped my experience. I would say that Professor Margaret Lehnert was one of my favorites for truly making me go outside of my comfort zone to learn new and challenging things.

How has Tri-C changed your life?
Tri-C has helped me realize that I am not just a strongback who can work labor jobs.

Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with students considering a similar degree or certificate program?
I would say that it is OK to explore different options. Do not always feel that you have to stick to one career path.

Cuyahoga Community College will celebrate the academic achievements of its newest graduates during Commencement on Dec. 14 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Check our News and Events page leading up to the event for more highlights from the Class of 2023.

December 13, 2023

By Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu