Tri-C Celebrates Food Pantry Renovation.
On Friday morning, November 7th, our team from Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC attended the grand reopening of the renovated Tri-C Food Pantry at the Westshore Campus of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Westlake, Ohio. The pantry, located in the Liberal Arts and Technology Building, has been redesigned to better support students facing food insecurity—a challenge that continues to affect academic success and retention across the region.
The updated Tri-C Food Pantry now offers a more welcoming, student-centered environment where individuals can access nutritious food, essential supplies, and referrals to additional support services. This renovation reflects Tri-C’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers that prevent students from completing their education.
Honoring Ann and Lou Frangos for Their Philanthropic Impact.
The ceremony also recognized the extraordinary generosity of Ann and Lou Frangos, whose leadership helped establish food pantries across all four Tri-C campuses. Mr. Frangos is an active member of the Tri-C Alumni Association, while Ms. Frangos serves on the Tri-C Board of Trustees. Their dedication has played a vital role in expanding the campus Food Pantry network and ensuring students can access support with dignity.
Speakers at the event included:
Dr. Michael A. Baston, President of Cuyahoga Community College
Dr. Scott Latiolais, President of the Westshore Campus
Zaki Clyde Baclaya Mariano, Senator-at-Large, Westshore Campus Student Government
Giada Merced, Secretary, Westshore Campus Student Government
Megan O’Bryan, President, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation
Kate McDade, Associate Vice President of Development
Student leaders Mr. Baclaya Mariano and Ms. Merced emphasized how the Tri-C Food Pantry directly supports their peers and strengthens the campus community.
A Vision Rooted in Equity and Student Support.
A press release shared during the ceremony included a powerful message from Ms. Ann Frangos, whose words reflect the heart of the Tri-C Food Pantry mission:
“I was first in my family to complete college. Without financial support, I would not have been able to do so. Today’s students face more challenges than just financial—from housing insecurity and transportation challenges to food insecurity and more. Giving back in a way that ensures young people have access to nourishing meals—even in a small way—was something we wanted to do. The Tri-C Food Pantry fills a critical need for students, and we’re proud to help.”
Over the past four years, all four Tri-C campuses have renovated their food pantries to create supportive, accessible spaces. Pantry managers also connect students to Tri-C’s Project GO!, which provides assistance in five key areas:
- Housing
- Food
- Health care
- Child care
- Utilities
Project GO! partners with organizations such as the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Ohio Benefit Bank, and the United Way of Greater Cleveland to ensure students receive comprehensive support. (Outbound link suggestion: https://www.tri-c.edu/student-resources/project-go.html)
International and Immigrant Student Engagement at Tri-C.
Although immigration was not part of the formal program, we had a meaningful conversation with Catherine Ciha, Director of Proposal Development & Strategic Communications at Tri-C. She shared important insights about the college’s international and immigrant student population—many of whom rely on the Tri-C Food Pantry for support.
At Tri-C:
- Students represent 30 different countries
- 14% of pantry users are international students
- 9% are permanent residents (non-citizens)
These numbers highlight the diverse communities served by the Tri-C Food Pantry and the essential role it plays in supporting student success across cultural and national backgrounds.
For students seeking immigration guidance, our firm provides consultations and resources to help them navigate their legal journey.
