Fall 2008
President Snyder recognized as 'Women Who Give Back' to Northeast Ohio community
Kaleidoscope Magazine recently saluted Barbara Snyder, President of Case Western Reserve University as a prominent leader who improves the quality of life for others throughout the Northeast Ohio community. Joining President Snyder with this honor were Linda Nelson, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of UPS North Ohio and Barbara Danforth, President and Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA of Greater Cleveland.
Led by Richard Johnson, Publisher and Chairman of the bi-monthly magazine, Kaleidoscope Magazine dedicates an issue each year to showcase women who make invaluable contributions to the fabric of our communities each year. "Their stories communicate the message that hard work does pay off and it is possible to have big dreams and achieve them," says Mr. Johnson. "Yet they also demonstrate that professional accomplishment carries the responsibility of giving back to the community. One person's success can be multiplied exponentially when it used to give hope to and support the next generation."
Nearly 100 men and women from the Greater Cleveland business community attended the awards luncheon hosted by WKYC TV 3 anchor and news reporter, Ramona Robinson. "Serving as a president of Case Western Reserve University represents both a tremendous honor and great responsibility," says President Snyder. "My task as a leader is to help create conditions in which each of us contributes to the university realizing more of its enormous potential. That involves building relationships, encouraging investment and making sure to recognize individual achievements every single day."
Case Western Reserve University congratulates each of the talented women recognized in the 2008 Women's Issue, as well as salutes the vision of Richard Johnson to promote each year.
Case Western Reserve University wins 2008 Pillar Awards for Community Service
Developed by Smart Business and Medical Mutual to honor businesses and individuals dedicated to making Northeast Ohio a better place to live, Case Western Reserve University will be the recipient of the 2008 Pillar Awards for Community Service. On December 11, 2008, President Snyder will join other award winners from the Greater Cleveland and Akron region to officially accept the award on behalf of the university.
"It is an honor to receive such a distinguished award that recognizes the university's commitment to service in the community," said President Snyder. "I will share such accolades with all of the faculty, staff and students whose commitment to service in our community resulted in this recognition."
The program is designed to demonstrate the tie between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds and showcase best practices. It seeks to:
- Publicize the importance of community service issues, such as philanthropy and volunteerism;
- Share creative ideas about how companies have a positive impact in their communities;
- Honor companies and individuals who go beyond the minimum expectation of community service; and
- Build a sustaining fund, administered by The Cleveland Foundation, which provides grants for local nonprofit organizations in their mission to serve the people of Northeast Ohio (The Pillar Fund).
All Pillar Award winners will be featured in the December issue of Smart Business. A recognition banquet for all recipients will be held on Thursday, December 11th at 5:30pm at LaCentre Conference & Banquet Facility. To learn more about Case Western Reserve's involvement in the community, please visit the center's Web site or contact Latisha James, Director for the Center for Community Partnerships at (216) 368-3909.
Life of Congresswoman Jones honored at Case Western Reserve's 3rd Annual Gospelfest Concert Celebration
Case Western Reserve University celebrated the inspirational life and legacy of the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones at the 3rd Annual Gospelfest Concert Celebration held in University Circle's Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Culminating the University's Alumni and Homecoming Weekend festivities held in early October, over 500 guests joined the campus community for the special occasion.
Campus President Barbara Snyder formally presented resolutions from Case Western Reserve's Board of Trustees, Faculty and Alumni Association to Mr. Mervyn Jones, Jr. and Ms. Barbara Tubbs Walker, son and sister of the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones. In addition, with the family's permission, Snyder officially announced the concert will be posthumously named as the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gospelfest Concert Celebration.
A loyal champion of Case Western Reserve University, Congresswoman Jones was a Case Western Reserve graduate of both the Flora Stone Mather College in 1971 and the School of Law in 1974. "Words will never adequately express the true sorrow we feel about the passing of our dear friend Stephanie as her presence will be missed by all of us," said President Snyder. "She rarely turned down a request from faculty, staff or students to participate in a campus event or program. Whether participating in our Commencement, Convocation, the Louis Stokes Symposium or serving as the Honorary Chair of our Gospelfest Concert Celebration, she loved her alma mater. She spoke frequently of her pride in being a dual alumna of Case Western Reserve University sometimes joking she cared for the place so much she chose a home across the street from our campus."
For the past two years, local author, gospel artist and Case Western Reserve alumna, Kelly Chapman, '91 joined Harry Boomer, veteran television news reporter at WOIO TV 19 to serve as the Mistress and Master of Ceremonies of Gospelfest. The invocation was provided by Dr. Reverend Marvin McMickle, Case Western Reserve GRS '98 and senior pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Guests enjoyed the rousing performances of ten Gospel artists and groups—many of whom were Stephanie's favorites. Featured performers included: Case Western Reserve's Voices of Glory, the Cleveland School of the Arts, The Central State University, Antioch Baptist Church, New Community Bible Fellowship and more.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, October 25, 2009 for the 4th Annual Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gospelfest Concert Celebration. If you would like to recommend a local Gospel group, church or performers to be part of the event next year, please contact the Center for Community Partnerships at (216) 368-3909.
President Snyder hosts Presidents Council at Harcourt House
Members of The Presidents Council, an organization comprised of chief executive officers from some of the largest African American owned-and-operated businesses in the Greater Cleveland area, recently joined Barbara Snyder, President of Case Western Reserve University, for a private reception held at the president's private Harcourt home.
Sponsored by the university's Office of Corporate Relations, CEO's from large and small businesses attended the reception and engaged with faculty, staff and students across campus. "We are very excited about the newly established partnership formed with the President's Council," said President Snyder. "Our missions are parallel to advance access and strengthening resources for underrepresented businesses in the Greater Cleveland region. One of my top priorities as the leader of this institution is to strengthen the university's efforts to create a diverse and more inclusive campus community. To ensure we fully realize this goal, I have created a new cabinet-level position: Vice President of Inclusion, Equal Opportunity and Diversity. This individual will be passionately devoted to these issues and have the knowledge, skills and integrity necessary to advance them on our campus."
The Presidents' Council was established in 1996 to support entrepreneurial and economic development within the African American community, and to foster strategic alliances with CEOs of other Northeast Ohio major corporations to advance the growth and development of Council member companies. They also provide business development opportunities for its membership through strategic matchmaker sessions, invitations to participate in its Boardroom-to-Boardroom initiative that is designed to enhance collaboration among CEOs and to form strategic alliances with majority companies.
A leader in its efforts to support underrepresented businesses, Case Western Reserve University has received local and national awards for its initiatives such as the Supplier Diversity Initiatives Council created in 2002. Designed to open markets for minority and women-owned businesses seeking to provide professional services for the university, Case has awarded over $133 million between 2006 and 2008 to hundreds of underrepresented and female-owned businesses ranging from construction to professional services. For more information about the university's diversity and inclusion efforts, please contact Erica Merritt, Manager of Employee Education, Training and Development at 216-368-4786.
Upcoming community forums to showcase University's educational outreach programs
The campus community is invited to attend the university's inaugural Case in the Community Forum on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in Case Western Reserve University's Toepfer Room located on the second floor in Adelbert Hall.
Sponsored by the Center for Community Partnerships, the forums are designed to help increase the awareness of the university's community engagement programs and services. The panel of Case Western Reserve guest speakers involved will discuss some of the signature programs and initiatives led by their school/department. In addition, they will be joined by student volunteers who will also offer their personal experiences and significance for future professional choices.
The first Forum will showcase the University's involvement in education (preK-12) led by the following guest speakers:
Gladys Haddad, Professor of American Studies, Director of the Western Reserve Studies Symposium and host of the 'virtual symposium' Regionally Speaking will serve as the forum moderator. Light refreshments will be served.
The forums (free and open to the Greater Cleveland community) will be held throughout the academic year and will showcase the primary areas of Case Western Reserve's collective community engagement programs. For additional information, please call (216) 368-3909.
Case for Community Day achieves record number of volunteers
On Friday, September 19—over 500 Faculty, staff and students at Case Western Reserve University registered to participate in over 50 volunteer projects throughout the Cleveland community. The campus chose from a variety of community activities ranging from landscaping, administrative tasks, special event preparation, youth sports clinics, arts and crafts, painting and more.
The most popular service project included an opportunity to paint a public mural at the Greater Cleveland Rapid Transit Authority's (RTA) University Cedar Rapid and Bus station designed by Cleveland artist Hector Vega. 85 people volunteered to paint alongside one of Cleveland's beloved artists. "Volunteers were simply excited to meet Hector Vega, as well as have the chance to become an artist for a day to help Hector paint the public mural," said Latisha James, coordinator of the event and director of the Center for Community Partnerships. "I was incredibly impressed with Hector's impeccable work ethic and heartfelt commitment to give back to the community by donating his time and artwork for the project." Sarah Curry, Art Professor at Brush High School and senior high school students from her Art class assisted Hector Vega with drawing and painting the mural in preparation for Case volunteers.
Another popular service activity was the Youth Sports Clinic hosted by the university's Athletic Department and the Men and Women's Varsity Sports Teams. 250 students from neighboring Cleveland Public Schools had a chance to play and learn the successful techniques required for volleyball, basketball, track and field, basketball, soccer and football. Led and coordinated by Creg Jantz, Assistant Athletic Director and Sports information Officer, this was the second year the Athletic Department hosted the Youth Sports Clinic. All participants enjoyed lunch, received a special Youth Sports Clinic back pack and medallion deeming every student a winner.
Case for Community Day concluded with an inaugural 'thank you BBQ' concert for all volunteers and community partners. L.R. Smith, pianist of the Councilman Conwell and the Jazz Footprints, along with reggae musicians Carlos Jones and the PLUS Band performed while guests enjoyed summer fare on the lawn of Kelvin Smith Library. This portion of the event will continue each year.
A number of corporate and community partners were instrumental to the success of Case for Community Day. They include: Sherwin Williams, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Bon Appetit Caterers, Business Volunteers Unlimited, Hector Vega, Sarah Curry and Brush High School art students, Broadway Garden Centers, Davey Tree Service, NPI Audio Visuals, F. Buddy Contracting, Outdoors Inc. and Sprint. View pictures from the event.
Case Western Reserve hosts Call and Post Newspaper's most influential leaders reception
Last month, Case Western Reserve University hosted the Call and Post Newspaper's Most Influential Leaders reception at the University's Alumni House located on Juniper Road. Over 100 African-American leaders throughout the Northeast Ohio region were formally recognized by the newspaper for their significant contributions toward improving the quality of life for others.
"It was a pleasure to partner with the Call and Post to help celebrate the significant achievements of African-American leaders throughout the region," said President Snyder. "We acknowledge and thank the Call and Post for the many years of dedicated service to the African American community and Northeast Ohio region. At Case Western Reserve we place the highest priority to create not only a diverse environment but an inclusive one. From the newly created cabinet level position seeking a Vice President of Inclusion, Equal Opportunity and Diversity, to the campus-wide initiatives of our faculty diversity office, and Supplier Diversity Initiatives Council (SDIC), we strive each and every day to embrace our differences because of the value it adds to our campus. "
As the presenting sponsor of the event, Pamela Holmes, Vice President of Government and Community Relations for the Cleveland Clinic joined President Snyder for welcome remarks and expressed the Clinic's commitment to sponsoring programs such as Most Influential, as well as, addressing the health needs of underrepresented communities.
Center for Community Partnerships awards grants to 10 university affiliates
As part of Case for Community Day, the Center for Community Partnerships awarded 10 grants of $1,000 to Case Western Reserve affiliates seeking the opportunity to coordinate a new or existing community outreach program. Campus wide nominations were received and submitted to a small committee to review and select the 2008 recipients of this inaugural award.
"The Center is very excited to offer funding assistance for campus affiliates serving the needs of the community. As our economy continues to encourage the campus community to collaborate and leverage limited resources, funding support allows programs to come to life. The grant simply reinforces the University's commitment to strengthening the health and welfare of our communities one partnership at a time," mentioned Latisha James, Center Director.
The recipients include:
- Replay for Kids—Presented by the School of Engineering and members of the Phi Delta Epsilon Fraternity, staff and students will repair adaptive toys at monthly workshops for children at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital;
- Education Theatre—Presented by Case Western Reserve's Undergraduate Student Government, students will perform and emphasize the impact of education to solidify local students' interest and love for learning—particularly in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
- East Cleveland Partnership for Community & Partnership—Presented by the Mandel School of Applied Social Science (MSASS), this program will create a partnership with The Northeast Ohio Alliance for Hope (NOAH) and East Cleveland City Schools to facilitate engaged learning for social work students in the Community and Social Development Concentration at MSASS.
- Buhrer Capstone Service Project—Presented by the Department of Modern Languages and Literature, this program will introduce local students to the world of art and how art influences the world;
- SMART Girls (Healthy Boys & Girls) —Presented in partnership by the School of Medicine and the Boys and Girls Clubs, SMART girls will teach elementary and middle school girls healthy lifestyles and habits to adopt for the rest of their lives to help lessen health risks such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and others;
- Guatemala Medical Mission Tour—Presented by the School of Nursing, students will help staff a weeklong clinic in a free standing hospital in the Guatemalan village of San Ray Mundo providing healthcare and education to the indigenous people who otherwise would have none;
- The Saturday Tutoring Program—Presented in partnership by the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning and the Church of the Covenant, this program provides academic assistance to students grades 1-12 throughout the Greater Cleveland community;
- Cleveland Asian Pacific Islanders—Presented in partnership with the Asian Services in Action and the School of Medicine, this program will create a healthier community in the immigrant, refugee, minority and underrepresented Asian Pacific Islander community by providing healthcare access and educational services;
- Science is Fun—Presented by the Center for Mathematics and Science, this program will engage families throughout Northeast Ohio in a day of hands-on friendly science competitions;
- Case Cares about Cleveland—Presented by the Information and Technology Division of Student Affairs, this program encourages the campus to volunteer in communities beyond the University Circle area. The first initiative will be held in Old Brooklyn located on the west side of Cleveland.
Stay tuned for featured articles about each of the mentioned programs in upcoming issues of the university's newsletter, Case Daily.
The Maltz Museum sponsors "Stop the Hate! Youth Speak Out" essay contest
In an effort to teach young people how to fight acts of discrimination and intolerance, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage is sponsoring an inaugural essay contest designed especially for middle and high school students throughout Northeast Ohio. The contest asks students to not only think about why injustice is wrong, but to create a plan of action that deals with injustices to make the world a better place from a personal, school or community level.
Open to students in grades 6-12 in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties, winners of the contest will receive monetary rewards. Two grand-prize winners will each receive $500 U.S. savings bonds. First and second place winners at each grade level will receive $200 and $100 respectively. In addition, each winner's school library will receive a bound copy of all winning essays along with related books and videos.
Essays are limited to 500 words and written in areas dealing with prejudices related to bullying, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, physical or mental challenges or social ostracism. The deadline for all submissions is Friday, November 21, 2008. For additional details visit the museum's Web site.
New Vice President of Government & Community Relations joins university
David A. Bell, former general counsel of the Arizona State University Foundation in Tempe, Ariz., has come back to Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University as vice president for government and community relations. Bell was an associate general counsel at Case Western Reserve in the Office of General Counsel from 2003-2006. His new appointment was in August.
As vice president for government and community relations, Bell is responsible for working at the federal, state and local government levels to identify and develop support, including funding, for strategic university initiatives. Bell will oversee the university's Office of Government and Community Relations, which serves as a key point of contact with local, state and federal public officials and community-based organizations. He also will work in partnership with other universities and related organizations on a range of legislative, policy and advocacy issues when appropriate. "I plan to work closely with our deans, faculty and staff as they engage with legislators and government agencies and try to promote broader support for our research and other important initiatives," Bell said. He said he also looks forward to working closely with the experienced members of his government and community relations team, which includes Adrienne Dziak, associate vice president for government and community relations; Latisha James, director of the Center for Community Partnerships. "Their assistance has been and will continue to be invaluable to me," Bell said. "They're a talented and professional group and I look forward to working with all of them in service of the university's mission."
A 1990 alumnus of the School of Law, Bell may be one of the few members of the Case Western Reserve community who can claim President Barbara Snyder as one of his former law professors. Snyder was an assistant professor of law at the university from 1983-1986. "President Snyder was my constitutional law professor my first year of law school," Bell said. "I admired her passion and energy in the classroom, and I'm proud to say I was one of her students." Bell lives in Shaker Heights with his wife, Meg. They have three children.
Case Western Reserve Chief of Police speaks at monthly community meeting
Arthur Hardee, Chief of Police and Director for Security Services for Case Western Reserve University recently spoke at the university sponsored monthly community meeting to update residents about the safety and security efforts on and around the campus community. Chief Hardee expressed the university's continued commitment to creating a safe environment for our faculty, staff, students and neighboring communities by increasing the presence of the university's police department and working in tandem with both the City of Cleveland's and University Circle Inc.'s police departments.
Residents expressed concerns about crime in their neighborhood and questioned the extent of enforcement parameters for the Case Western Reserve Police department. While Case Western Reserve's security services main priority is protecting the campus of Case Western Reserve, they do work in tandem with both the City of Cleveland and University Circle Inc.'s (UCI) police departments. "Each month, we meet with the Chief of Police and security teams from Cleveland, UCI, the Cleveland Clinic, VA, RTA and other area colleges to discuss security issues and best practices," said Chief Hardee. "All of are working together to keep the collective communities we serve safe which is our number one priority each day."
Chief Hardee encouraged residents to be vigilant participants in keeping their neighborhoods safe by remaining alert of their environments and reporting crime to their appropriate dispatch. A safety update will be provided by Chief Hardee every quarter. Monthly community meetings are open to the entire community and typically held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations located at 11402 Bellflower Road. If you are interested in being a guest speaker, please call (216) 368-3909.
Undergraduate students hosted 'Halloween at Thwing" for local elementary students
On October 31st, Case Western Reserve University's undergraduate students invited local elementary students to participate in "Halloween at Thwing" student center. 100 elementary students enjoyed trick-or-treating, arts & crafts, ghoulish games, and storytelling. In addition, children participated in a Halloween costume contest.
