Tri-C Student Named Ohio’s 2021 New Century Transfer Scholar

Geri Bakushi among community college honorees representing states across the nation

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) student Geri Bakushi has been named Ohio’s 2021 New Century Transfer Scholar, joining a select group of academic achievers and leaders from across the nation. 

More than 2,000 community college students were nominated for the scholarship award, with one honoree named per state. Judges considered grades, leadership, activities and how students extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. 

New Century Transfer Scholars receive a $2,250 scholarship and commemorative medallion. Bakushi and other team members will be recognized during a virtual ceremony. 

Bakushi, of Lakewood, expects to graduate from Tri-C this summer with an Associate of Science degree. The international student from Albania has maintained a 4.0 GPA while taking a course load focused on technology, engineering and math. 

He holds a leadership role in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter at the College’s Western Campus. Bakushi also served as a Tri-C student ambassador and assisted fellow students as a math and information technology tutor. 

Bakushi plans to transfer to a four-year school this fall to study computer science and pursue a career as a software engineer and entrepreneur. 

Earlier in March, Bakushi was among 20 community college students named to the All-USA Academic Team. His selection as a New Century Transfer Scholar was based on his score from that application. 

The New Century Transfer Scholar program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa and the American Association of Community Colleges.

March 17, 2021

John Horton, 216-987-4281 john.horton@tri-c.edu