July/August 2008
Hector Vega to design public mural for Case for Community Day
Celebrated artist, Hector Vega has agreed to design a public mural as a project for university volunteers participating in the 6th Annual Case for Community Day scheduled for Friday, September 19, 2008. In partnership with Case Western Reserve University, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) and Sherwin Williams Inc., Hector Vega will redesign a public mural especially for the University Circle Rapid Transit Station located at Cedar Hill. Over 100 CASE volunteers are being sought to help Hector Vega and other local artists paint the new mural.
"We are thrilled Hector Vega is supporting Case Western Reserve University by donating his valuable time and talent for Case for Community Day," said Barbara Snyder, President of Case Western Reserve University. "As a local artist whose work is celebrated all over the world, Hector Vega's unique vision always captures the heart of a community. We cannot think of a better person to design a mural for our celebrated event Case for Community Day."
President Snyder will join Joe Calabrese, General Manager of GCRTA, Mayor Edward Kelley of Cleveland Heights, representatives from Sherwin Williams and other community stakeholders to assist university volunteers in painting the mural. "Case for Community Day is about community partners working together to make a positive difference in the community. Thanks to the commitment and support of Sherwin Williams—a valued corporate partner of CASE—all of the paint and supplies required to paint the mural will be donated for Case for Community Day," added President Snyder.
Part of an initiative to revitalize the neighborhood gateways to and from University Circle each year, plans are underway to restore other RTA underpasses as part of Case for Community Day. "Projects like the neighborhood gateways will leave a positive legacy for the volunteers involved with restoring the RTA underpasses," mentioned Lara Kalafatis, Vice President of University Relations for CASE. "Whether entering and departing University Circle from East Cleveland, Little Italy or Cleveland Heights communities—our goal is to have each gateway transformed to reflect the spirit of community and vibrancy of the people who live, learn, work, heal, pray and visit there."
Since 2002, over 1,600 university staff, students and local alumni have served as Case for Community Day volunteers. In addition, the campus has raised nearly $1 million for the university supported Charity Choice Campaign comprised of nonprofit agencies affiliated with United Way, Community and Earth Shares organizations.
Case for Community Day will culminate with an outdoor 'Thank You BBQ' from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Kelvin Smith Library Oval adjacent to Severance Hall located at 11001 Euclid Avenue. Open to the campus and community, free hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages will be served as volunteers enjoy live musical performances by Cleveland Councilman Kevin Conwell and the Footprints, along with the Carlos Jones Plus Reggae Band. For more information about Case for Community Day, call (216) 368-3909.
Grant applications being accepted for community involvement
Each year, the Center for Community Partnerships sponsors a variety of campus and community organizations who are serving the needs of the Greater Cleveland region. This year, the Center is accepting funding applications from Case Western Reserve University (CASE) schools, departments or campus organizations seeking charitable grant support for the 2008-09 academic fiscal year. Community outreach programs or events may focus on any of the following areas:
- PreK-12
- Seniors citizens
- Health
- Social Service
- Community & Economic Development
- Lifelong Learning
The winners will be announced by CASE President Barbara Snyder during the 6th Annual Case for Community Day short program which will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2008. As a CASE funding recipient, recognition will be included in a variety of campus communication vehicles provided by the Center for Community Partnerships (monthly e-newsletter), the University's Office of Marketing &Communications (Case Daily), the Center for Civic Engagement & Learning (monthly e-newsletter), Regionally Speaking Symposium, Office of Alumni Relations (Alum News monthly newsletter), WRUW Radio (Public Service Announcement), and the Observer student newspaper. In return for funding support, recipients must acknowledge the Center for Community Partnerships on all promotional materials and activities related to the sponsored program (i.e. year-end reports, campus websites, newsletters, community mailings, oral or written presentations, etc.).
Please be advised the deadline has been changed. Interested applicants (CASE faculty, staff, undergraduate, graduate students only) should complete and submit the form no later than TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 to the Center for Community Partnerships at community@case.edu or via fax at (216) 368-8688. Applications received after September 2 will not be considered.
Updating university's community engagement data
The Center for Community Partnerships is updating the data reflecting Case Western Reserve University's engagement in the community. In an effort to better quantify the total number of campus volunteers, hours invested in community service, sponsorship and partners established by CASE faculty, staff and students, the Center is seeking updated survey information. All campus affiliates should complete the survey and return it to the Center for Community Partnerships at community@case.edu or via fax at (216) 368-8688 no later than Tuesday, September 2. The data will be shared with the campus and community to help increase the awareness of the university's collective impact in the community. In addition, this information will be used as criteria to secure appropriate philanthropic funding, as well as, nominate the University for various community service awards.
Shaw High School Marching Band returns from China
Members of the Shaw High School Marching Band returned to Cleveland from their recent performances in China. The award-winning band was one of only five in the United States to be invited to participate in the Beijing Olympic International Music Festival. The students and their band director, Donshon Wilson, were in China June 19-30, with their performance scheduled for June 28. For many of the band members, this was their first time traveling outside of the Cleveland area, let alone the United States.
Footage of their trip and experience was documented by Tom Jacobs, former NBC television producer and Managing Partner of BZ Media and shared with local media outlets throughout the trip. "Tired but happy, the band traveled over 16,000 miles, visited and performed in Xi'an and Beijing and experienced the history and culture of China first hand," said Tom. "The students had once in a lifetime opportunities to see some of the most famous cultural attractions in China, including The Great Wall, the Terra Cotta Warrior Army and to perform for the Chinese people. The trip concluded with their appearance in Beijing with 4 other bands from North American as part of the International Olympic Music Festival."
BZ Media documented their pre-trip preparations and filed video reports for WOIO Television, The Cleveland Plain Dealer and other media outlets with plans to produce a documentary on the trip that will air later this year.
Courtesy of the Office of Government and Community Relations, the Office of Alumni Relations, the School of Dental Medicine and the Department of Athletics, a donation of $1,000, T-shirts with the university's logo, personal dental kits and luggage tags were provided to the band to assist their preparation efforts to China.
Case alum Kelly Chapman shares truth about being single
Kelly Chapman, critically acclaimed songwriter, singer, entrepreneur, Case Western Reserve University alumna, 1989' and now author, recently released a new book called REAL, The Truth about Being Single with Kelly Chapman. She is transparent about her painful journey of physical and emotional abuse while searching for love. Her tumultuous experience inspired her to create the songs for the CD released prior to the book called REAL. Packed with scripture, insight and raw emotion, the book is a must-read for anyone single and looking for emotional fulfillment—without faith.
Driven by the desire to make an impact, Kelly educates and motivates others through philanthropy and artistic talents. "I have a responsibility to women. God allowed me to go through my trials so that I could comfort and encourage others, and to help them avoid the same pitfalls." She founded the Wilma A. Chapman Fund Scholarship for individuals with mental illness. Named after her mother, Kelly remembers how she successfully raised three children while challenged with the disease.
Committed to giving back to her alma mater CASE, Kelly joined fellow CASE alum Congresswoman Stephanie T. Jones, FSM '71, LAW '74 to serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the University's annual Gospelfest Concert Celebration for the past three years. The signature event will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2008 at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and culminates the festivities planned for the university's Alumni and Homecoming weekend. Longtime WOIO reporter, Harry Boomer will join Kelly Chapman and Congresswoman Jones to serve as the Master of Ceremonies. For more information about CASE's Alumni and Homecoming Weekend festivities visit http://www.case.edu/alumni/weekend/. To purchase Kelly Chapman's book or CD, visit her website at http://www.kellychapman.net/main.htm.
A public meeting to be held about Uptown development
A public meeting will be held at the Cleveland Botanical Garden in University Circle on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 7p.m. In partnership with Uptown developers, University Circle stakeholders will discuss the project timeline for the anticipated new arts and retail district. Representatives from the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Case Western Reserve University, University Circle Inc., The Cleveland Institute of Art, along with developers from Zaremba and MRN will discuss the status of this collaborative $200 million commercial/residential project. The unique mix of arts, retail and living in Uptown will combine with University Circle, a world renowned cultural district, to provide the region with a dynamic urban destination.
Learn what is happening around town
Are you interested in learning more about programs, events, real estate and commercial development, along with other community initiatives occurring throughout University Circle? If you answered yes, then you should consider attending monthly community meetings hosted by the university's Center for Community Partnerships. The meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations located at 11402 Bellflower Road. Previous guest speakers have included representatives from The Cleveland Museum of Art, American Heart Association, The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, OneCommunity and many others. For more information, contact the Center for Community Partnerships at (216) 368-3909.
