September 26, 2006
Notes from the September 11, 2006 Alumni Forum in Cleveland
More than 70 hometown alumni of Case Western Reserve University attended the September 11, 2006 Alumni Forum at the Union Club in downtown Cleveland. They were welcomed to the forum by board chair and search committee co-chair, Frank Linsalata. Following a brief presentation on the responsibilities of the committee and an assessment of the current campus environment, Linsalata opened the meeting to questions and comments from the alumni.
The alumni were particularly interested in expressing their views regarding the personality and qualities of the type of person who might be a viable candidate for the university's presidency. Among the questions and comments discussed were the following topics:
- Serious consideration should be given to internal candidates
- Integrity and a values driven approach by the new president is of paramount concern
- The university's senior leadership team is as important to the school's success as the new president
- The new president should be an individual who has an excellent public presence and an outstanding ability to communicate with diverse audiences
- The new president should respect the heritage of the university, be mindful of the schools that are its historical base and acknowledge them in the university's nomenclature and graphics
- A successful president will make it a priority to forge alliances with the City of Cleveland