Fall 2024 Commencement: Gabriel Uwimana Fulfills His Dream
As a teenager in his native Congo, Gabriel Uwimana loved school — particularly math, history and English. But growing up amid conflict and having lost his parents, Uwimana had to leave school at age 15 and farm to support himself.
"The war in Congo was awful," he said. "Gangs killed my mom, leaving my older brothers and me alone. We escaped to Uganda, but hunger was still a big problem. I finished high school there but couldn't afford college. Even hard work didn't earn enough money for school."
His desire for postsecondary education brought Uwimana to the U.S. — and to Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®).
Coming to the U.S. was still difficult. Uwimana spent eight years on immigration paperwork, which made finding a home and employment difficult.
"My English wasn't good for some jobs, and I faced discrimination," Uwimana said. "People weren't always kind, but I kept going."
He was determined to fulfill his dream of becoming a certified public accountant in the U.S., the Cleveland resident and Metro Campus student came to Tri-C for ESL classes and enrolled in the accounting program.
"Education brought me here," said Uwimana, who got married in 2016 and has four children.
After graduating with Associate of Business and Associate of Arts degrees during Tri-C's Fall Commencement on Dec. 12 at the Wolstein Center, Uwimana will transfer to Franklin University, stepping closer to his goal of becoming a certified public accountant.
What made you choose Tri-C? When did you first enroll?
I chose Tri-C because it has affordable prices and is a place where futures begin.
Describe your Tri-C experience. Has a specific person, class or event played a role in your success?
Overall, Tri-C has changed my life by helping me build skills, connections and a strong sense of self-confidence. It was more than just an educational experience — it was a transformative chapter in my personal and professional development.
Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with students considering a similar degree or certificate program?
I would say that accounting students need to be active in their academics while balancing their time and energy to complete their assignments.
Tri-C will celebrate the academic achievements of its newest graduates during Commencement on Dec. 12 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Check our News and Events page leading up to the event for more highlights from the Class of 2024.
December 11, 2024
By Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu