at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Foundation Introduces New Legacy Society To Sustain Student Opportunity
Guardians for the Future aims to safeguard educational access and economic mobility for generations through long-term or estate planning
CLEVELAND — Donors to The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ (at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ®) Foundation are creating a future where access to education and economic mobility is protected for generations, regardless of shifting public funding, economic cycles or changing demographics.
To support at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ students for years to come, the at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Foundation announced the launch of a new legacy society, Guardians for the Future, which honors the individuals who safeguard educational access by including at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ in their long-term or estate plans.
"Guardians for the Future invites supporters at all levels to sustain the at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Foundation's mission long after their lifetimes," said Megan O'Bryan, vice president of the Office of Development and president of the at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Foundation. "This is a promise to future students and our community that they will always have a champion here at at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ."
Through deferred giving, individuals ensure that at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ students can pursue their education, build meaningful careers and strengthen Northeast Ohio's workforce. More than half (56%) of the students enrolled at the College are the first in their families to pursue a degree.
Commitments will help at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ respond to the various challenges students face and invest in programs that drive long-term success:
- Scholarships and financial support that make education affordable and attainable
- Wraparound student support, such as emergency assistance, transportation, child care and basic needs
- Workforce and career pathways aligned with Northeast Ohio's growing industries
- Innovative academic and training programs that prepare students for in-demand careers
The at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Foundation intentionally selected the society's name, Guardians for the Future, to emphasize that it protects opportunity.
"'Guardians' represent stewardship, care and responsibility," O'Bryan said. "'Future' reflects student aspirations, the workforce and our broader community impact."
Scott L. Hamilton, director of major gifts and planned giving at at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, believes the College is positioned strongly for legacy giving thanks to its alumni base and longtime supporters who care deeply about at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ.
"More than 1 million people have attended the College since it opened in 1963, and many of our alumni were first-generation students," Hamilton said. "They understand from their own experience how education leads to career success. We are so grateful for the many loyal and dedicated contributors who invest faithfully in at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ. We are excited to recognize their commitment with this legacy society."
Learn more about the Guardians for the Future on the at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ website.
provided coverage.
February 20, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu