Tri-C Leadership Exchange Honors Westlake Mayor Clough

The Tri-C Westshore Community Leadership Exchange held April 28 at the Westshore Campus in Westlake was a stellar event, bringing together several hundred guests who occupy leadership positions throughout Westlake and the West Side.

The Exchange offered a chance for leaders to meet and greet and also exchange ideas as keynote speakers featured Michael A. Baston, JD, Ed. D., President of Tri-C, Scott Latiolois, Ed.D, President of Tri-C’s Westshore Campus, Daniel Smith, head of the West Shore Family YMCA in Westlake, and Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough.

Mayor Clough was presented with the first-ever Tri-C Community Engagement Award, an honor which highlights the 40 years of his position in Westlake’s highest office.

This award marked a new chapter for the long-running event — reimagined as a ticketed fundraiser benefiting the West Shore Family YMCA, an organization whose mission centers on making membership and programs accessible to every family, regardless of means. A packed house of nearly 100 business and community leaders from across the Westshore — including Westlake, Rocky River, Bay Village, Avon, Avon Lake, and Fairview Park — gathered for the State of the College address by Dr. Michael Baston and the State of the Campus address by Dr. Scott Latiolais.

Being named the first-ever recipient of this award reflects Mayor Clough’s long-standing commitment to the partnerships that make our region stronger.

Daniel Smith shared with the audience the YMCA vision as a community hub rooted in Christian principles that promote a healthy mind, spirit and body.

Dr. Latiolis shared gains the Tri-C Westshore Campus has shared with the community and highlighted its growth and relevance to students of all ages.

Dr. Bolton gave a spirited talk, emphasizing his belief that community college is the best path out of poverty for any student. His mission: To turn potential into progress and ensure every student – regardless of background – has the tools to build a better life. Tri-C is Ohio’s largest and oldest community college, serving nearly 40,000 students.

Westlake’s Mayor Clough is the city’s longest-serving mayor, taking office in 1986. He has guided the community’s growth into a top-rated suburb in all of northeast Ohio.