MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends of the Mandel Center,
This Fall/Winter edition of Nonprofit E-Notes has a blend of articles and news relating to the Center's activities in research, professional development, and graduate education. There is significant work in each of these areas. We are particularly proud of how our students and alumni are leading change in the community.
First, we are excited about a recent New York Times article entitled "Where Career Changers Go: Five Top Choices" published on November 6, 2005. In this article, they named the Mandel Center one of the top three most prominent programs in nonprofit management for mid-career changers out of the almost 100 universities that offer a nonprofit concentration or degree.
We also welcomed a wonderful and diverse class of 49 new students to the Mandel Center community this fall. Many of these students are taking advantage of our joint Certificate in Nonprofit Management along with a graduate degree in their primary field. This fall the Center launched its most recent addition to the menu of options by offering the opportunity for Master's in Social Sciences Administration students to gain their Certificate in Nonprofit Management as a joint program.
Entering students enjoyed a variety of ways to meet their fellow students, faculty and staff of the Mandel Center through a revamped orientation program. This year's orientation included an introduction to a case study process, which gave students more direct exposure to the type of interactive student/faculty approaches provided by many of the Center's classes. Orientation also included several opportunities to mingle with staff and faculty in a relaxed atmosphere including an evening reception at Gwinn Estate on the shores of Lake Erie.
In November, Center staff continued its desire to make students feel at home by hosting a Student Appreciation Celebration held at the Center's offices in the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center Building on Euclid Avenue.
In terms of research activity at the Mandel Center, this issue features Brian Gran, Assistant Professor in the Sociology Department and Mandel Center faculty member. He shares his research around Children's Ombudspersons - new and unique programs designed to foster the care of children around the world.
Our student update this issue includes the introduction of the Mandel Center Student Feature. This issue's article is on Julie Goldstein, CNM candidate and a staff member for the successful Ingenuity Festival held in Cleveland this past fall. Also, as included in every issue of Nonprofit E-Notes, Mandel Center alumni share their own exciting news in Alumni Class Notes.
Contributing to the growth and development of the nonprofit sector through professional development activities is a significant part of the Mandel Center's focus. In this issue there is information about our special Awards Luncheon to be held on March 28, 2006 at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel. See the article for more details about nominations for the two awards that will be presented, as well as information about attending this luncheon. Also included in the area of community programs is an update on our new class of fellows through the Treu-Mart Youth Development Fellowship Program, and activities relating to Youth Philanthropy and Service (YPS). Among the many exciting YPS events is the upcoming 10th YPS Annual Workshop to be held on February 8, 2006 at the Holiday Inn South featuring Steven Culbertson of Youth Service America.
Finally, our new building design is progressing through the University review process. We are excited about its mix of classroom space, work space, formal and informal meeting space, as well as its welcoming and conducive atmosphere for learning and professional growth.
Please feel free to contact me or any staff member at the Center with your input and ideas so we can continue to make this another successful year for the Mandel Center community. We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season and prosperous New Year!
Sincerely,
Susan Lajoie Eagan
Executive Director
