University Historian Retires
After 41 Years of Service
When Richard Baznik arrived on campus in 1968 at the age of 25 for his new job as director of university publications, he made a vow to his wife, Donna.
"I told her I would only stay two years or leave earlier if I became bored or stopped learning," says Baznik.
Forty-one years later and approaching retirement at the end of the month, Baznik says neither happened.
Over the decades, his roles and responsibilities at the university have evolved from that first job as the publications director (1968-70) to director of university communication (1970-76), special assistant the president (1976-87), vice president for public affairs (1987-2000), vice president for community and government relations (2002-03), to his current role as the university historian and director of the Institute for the Study of the University in Society (2003-present).
He has also taught SAGES classes as a lecturer and fellow, journalism classes in the Department of English, and graphic design courses as part of the Intersession.
Before Baznik officially vacates his role as historian, he will leave an as yet untitled new history of the university. The nearly 400-page book-in-progress follows the development and role of the university from the 19th into the 21st centuries in the context of what was happening in the greater community and society. Read more.
Campus News
The campus community is invited to join Janice Eatman Williams, assistant director of the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning and lifelong Glenville resident, for a scavenger hunt activity on Wednesday, June 17. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the unique history and culture of the Glenville neighborhood. After the scavenger hunt, the group will stop by Wade Oval to enjoy the free Wade Oval Wednesday concert featuring the band Revolution Pie. The group will meet in front of the campus bookstore in Thwing Center at 5:30 p.m. Go online for more details.
Faculty and staff of the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations invite the Case Western Reserve community to share in a farewell celebration for outgoing Executive Director Susan L. Eagan. The reception is in recognition of her nearly eight years at the helm of the Mandel Center, as well as her exemplary leadership in the nonprofit sector. The reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, at the Mandel Center. The program will begin at 5 p.m. Contact Nicole Rothstein by e-mail or by phone at 368-5367.
Bon Appétit will hold a farmer's market each Friday through September from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. outside the Biomedical Research Building (BRB) atrium. Produce will be provided by City Fresh, Veggie Valley and Kaskey Farms. The marketplace is cash only, and will be held inside the BRB atrium in the event of inclement weather.
For Faculty and Staff
Case Western Reserve faculty and staff are invited to board Lolly the Trolley for a free two-hour tour of University Circle neighborhoods from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, June 26. The tour will include food and beverages. As part of the Greater Circle Initiative, employees can receive up to $15,000 if they purchase a home in one of the neighborhoods near campus. Boarding times for Case Western Reserve employees will be 5:30 p.m. RSVP to Wyonette Cheairs at Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation at (216) 361-8400.
For Students
This section will be updated occasionally during the summer. Refer to the "Campus News" section for general information.
Events
The exhibit "The Way We Live Now: Exploring Interactivity in Today's Technologic Urban Culture" is on display at the Cleveland Foundation from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through June 23. The exhibit—a collaborative project of the Cleveland Foundation, Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Art— showcases emerging artists. The exhibit was curated by Master of Art History/Museum Studies candidate Maryam Ohadi-Hamadani.
The views and opinions of those invited to speak on campus do not necessarily reflect the views of the university administration or any other segment of the university community.
