Voices That Inspire
Voices That Inspire is our quarterly feature, celebrating program leaders who turn inspiration into meaningful action.
Beth Stokes
The Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing Program Director — Helping Futures Take Shape
Professional background: Beth Stokes began her career in graphic design after earning her bachelor's degree from Kent State University. While she enjoyed the creative work, she felt drawn to something more meaningful. That search led her to take classes at Tri-C, where she was selected as an alternate for the Surgical Assisting program. When no spots opened, she pivoted and was accepted into Lorain County Community College's Surgical Technology program. Tri-C's own Surgical Tech program would not launch until 2001. She went on to become a cardiothoracic surgical technologist, thriving in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Career at Tri-C: Driven by a need to make an even greater impact in a field she found deeply fulfilling, Beth spotted a job posting at Tri-C in 2005. Her desire to work with students made the decision easy — she applied, got the job, and the rest is history. This year, she proudly celebrates 20 years as the program director.
Other achievements: Beth noticed that many students entered the Surgical Tech program with expectations shaped by TV dramas, only to be surprised by the intensity and teamwork required in real surgery. To address first-semester dropouts, she and the program preceptor, John Davis, launched a Surgical Boot Camp. This eight-week course helps students decide if the field is right for them, saving time and resources. Since its launch, retention has improved, and the program now attracts more focused, enthusiastic students, ready to succeed in the OR.
Fun facts: Beth's favorite color is Tri-C teal, and she loves seeing the color all over campus. She is also a full-blown Halloween fanatic — think costumes, cobwebs and creepy decor. She likes to say she has OHD: Obsessed Halloween Disorder, and she embraces it proudly!
Closing remarks: When asked about her proudest moment, Beth says, "My proudest moments still happen every May when the students pass their national certification examination, and they gain employment."
We are proud to have Beth's leadership at Tri-C!
October 2025
By Amy Cottle, 216-987-3148 or amy.cottle@tri-c.edu
Elizabeth Gildone
The Tri-C Radiography and Mammography Program Director — A Believer in Possibility
Professional background: Having previously obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees, Elizabeth Gildone began her journey in radiography as a student at Tri-C in 1996. After graduating in 1998, she held various positions at the Cleveland Clinic, including CT technologist and education administrator. In 2011, she was recruited to serve as the Radiography and Mammography program director at Tri-C, a role she has held for 14 years.
Proudest moment: Elizabeth has played a key role in implementing Tri-C's Radiography evening and weekend track to address health care worker shortages and improve access to education. She is proud to announce that the 19th cohort for this evening and weekend track will begin in Fall 2025.
Other achievements: In 2018, Elizabeth established a chapter of the Lambda Nu National Honor Society for Radiologic and Imaging Sciences at Tri-C. This honor society not only recognizes and promotes excellence in the field but also offers scholarships. Many students aim to join when they begin the Radiography program. Since its inception in 2018, over 135 students have been inducted from Tri-C's three medical imaging programs: Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Notably, 96 of the inductees are from the Radiography program.
Personal insights: Outside of work, Elizabeth loves salsa dancing. You can find her taking lessons and practicing with her performance team on Thursdays and Sundays. She also loves baking, particularly decorated cookies. She will happily share her recipe for delicious sugar cookies and frosting with anyone interested. A fun fact about her is that she enjoys writing parody songs and has a collection similar to those of "Weird Al" Yankovic.
Closing remarks: "I believe in possibility, especially with students. They need an institution and people to believe in them. Our program at Tri-C can change the trajectory of their lives."
July 2025
By Amy Cottle, 216-987-3148 or amy.cottle@tri-c.edu