By Margo Nunn
April 10, 2025, wasn’t just another day on campus. It was a celebration. A movement. A moment that brought together the entire Tri-C community to uplift, empower, and support students in meaningful, life-changing ways. This year marked the ninth annual Tri-C Day, and with the theme Building Bright Futures, the energy across all campuses was electric. This wasn’t just about giving. It was about showing up. It was about connecting. It was about reminding ourselves and each other why Tri-C exists and what we’re all capable of when we unite with a shared purpose.
What “Building Bright Futures” Really Means? Becky Krumhansl, Director of Donor Management with the Tri-C Foundation, said it best. “We chose this theme because it represents the power of education to transform lives. At Tri-C, we see firsthand how scholarships, mentorship, and community support open doors for students, helping them achieve their goals and contribute to a better future for themselves and their families.” She reminded us that investing in students is never just about today. It’s about the future they’re building, and how their success ripples out to strengthen families, neighborhoods, and entire communities.
This year’s Tri-C Day was packed with events that brought people together in the most vibrant way. From catered food to ice cream to music to spontaneous dance circles, the campus buzzed with celebration. One of the biggest highlights? The annual fashion show: a true standout moment that has become a beloved Tri-C Day tradition.
James Gardner, Dean of Student Life, shared why the event means so much to him. “I came to Tri-C Day because it’s a very festive event, and I love the warm environment of students, faculty, and staff. It’s not often that we see this many people attend an event at this capacity.” He gave a special shout-out to the fashion show, which he revealed was the brainchild of Dr. Kai Kitchen, President of the Eastern Campus. That fashion show has grown into a must-see part of the celebration, bringing creativity, confidence, and campus culture to the spotlight every year.
Last year, 1,052 donors joined forces to support Tri-C Day. In 2025, the goal was even bigger, 1,200 donors. And the team behind the scenes worked for months to make it happen.
Becky Krumhansl shared how Tri-C scaled up its efforts this year with expanded community partnerships, more cross-campus collaboration, and new ways to get involved. One of the most exciting additions was an online auction, featuring exclusive experiences like Cavaliers tickets, a lakeside retreat, and unique Tri-C perks you couldn’t get anywhere else. “These enhancements aim to create more opportunities for participation and make giving to Tri-C Day more engaging and rewarding than ever,” she said.
Behind all the excitement and donations are real students whose lives are being transformed. This year, Tri-C made sure their stories were front and center, using social media and the campaign website to share them with the community. One of those students was Denna Jones, who won a $50 prize during the festivities. Her words were simple but powerful. “I love Tri-C because of the affordability.” Denna’s story is just one of many. Each gift, no matter the size, helps someone just like her afford the education they need to reach their potential.
The beauty of Tri-C Day is that it doesn’t end when the day is over. It’s a spark that keeps going. Whether you give financially, advocate online, share your Tri-C story, or bring friends and colleagues into the fold, your voice matters. As Ms. Krumhansl highlighted in our interview, you can:
Give to the fund or program that means the most to you. Every dollar makes a difference.
Advocate by spreading the word through social media, email, or even casual conversation.
Engage by attending events, telling your Tri-C story, or cheering others on.
Challenge your department, your classmates, or your alumni group to get involved and raise the bar.
Tri-C Day 2025 was more than just a success, it was a reflection of everything this college stands for. It was filled with celebration, community, creativity, and purpose. It brought people together not just to raise money, but to raise each other up. This is how we build bright futures. Together.
