Blog@Case Topics: Alumni

Students, Organizations Observe Spirit of Thanksgiving with Special Dinners, Community Outreach

2009-11-19T17:57:12Z

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means most students, faculty and staff are planning to spend the holiday with loved ones. While most people will leave to enjoy a meal with family and friends, several groups are planning to mark the spirit of the holiday right here on campus.

The International Club, along with International Student Services (ISS), will host a traditional Thanksgiving dinner on Friday, Nov. 20, in Nord Hall 310. The following day, LL.M. (Master of Law) students will share a meal at the Triangle Apartments. And on the evening of Thanksgiving, Juniper Community Council will host an international Thanksgiving potluck for students in the Juniper community unable to make it home for the holiday.

In addition to the special meals, the Office of Multicultural Affairs is accepting donations for its Eighth Annual Turkey Drive, which benefits needy families and shelters in the local community.

Learn more about the special dinners taking place on campus and the turkey drive program:

Tianjin University in China and Case Western Reserve University Partner to Enhance Educational Experiences

2009-11-13T16:15:03Z

New Agreement May Mean Future Collaboration in Research

This could be the start of a long-term international relationship. Both Case Western Reserve University and Tianjin University hope so.

Case Western Reserve has welcomed Tianjin University President Gong Ke for the signing of an agreement encouraging exchange of students between the two institutions beginning in the summer semester of 2010.

The agreement is likely to be the first formal step toward greater collaboration between Case Western Reserve and Tianjin, one of China's important national universities, particularly in engineering.

Representatives of both institutions met inside Case Western Reserve's Adelbert Hall to sign the agreement Thursday, enhancing their international scope.

Recording the Histories of Flora Stone Mather Women

2009-11-11T15:53:55Z

A SAGES course will bridge the generations as today's students learn what college was like some 70 years ago for women from the former Flora Stone Mather College.

Six students in American Studies Professor Gladys Haddad's SAGES seminar, "Women's Education at CWRU: The Flora Stone Mather Oral History Project," will learn historical research by taking in-depth oral histories of six alumnae.

The women are still close to campus as nearby neighbors living at Judson at University Circle.

According to Haddad, this is the start of a project that eventually will be a digital archive of the Flora Stone Mather women's educational experiences. The archive will be located in the Kelvin Smith Library.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Case Western Reserve University Plan Series of Events for 2009 American Music Masters® Tribute

2009-11-05T13:00:39Z

Kozmic Blues: The Life and Music of Janis Joplin to Take Place Nov. 9-14

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities at Case Western Reserve University will celebrate Janis Joplin--one of rock and roll's most passionate and influential artists--during the 14th annual American Music MastersÂ® series Kozmic Blues: The Life and Music of Janis Joplin November 9-14.

Events will be held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, on the campus of Case Western Reserve University and at other venues around the city. The campus events are:

102-Year-Old Retired Physician Pledges $750,000 to Support Communicable Disease Research

2009-11-03T15:48:08Z

Endowed fellowship will support HIV/AIDS research in immediate future

Amy Kuhn Feldstein, M.D. (FSM '28, MED '31) has made a $750,000 will commitment to the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Her bequest will create the Amy Kuhn Feldstein, M.D. Faculty Fellowship that will support research for the prevention and treatments of communicable disease, such as HIV/AIDS.

Feldstein's gift was inspired in part by the School of Medicine's commitment to developing effective prevention measures for the spread of HIV in women. Also inspiring her gift is research by Michael Lederman, M.D., the Scott R. Inkley Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and physician at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, on a potential topical strategy that could decrease or even prevent the sexual transmission of HIV.

"We are moving closer to a day when our developments may become a safe, affordable and effective method for all women—from America to Africa to Asia—to protect themselves from HIV infection," said Lederman. "Dr. Feldstein's commitment will help advance research to prevent this devastating disease."

School of Medicine Names Inaugural Jeffrey L. Ponsky, M.D., Professorship in Surgical Education

2009-10-26T14:44:56Z

Case Western Reserve University has announced the appointment of Conor P. Delaney, M.D., Ph.D., as the inaugural occupant of the Jeffrey L. Ponsky, M.D., Professorship in Surgical Education and Director of the School of Medicine's new Center for Surgical Skills Training.

The newly established professorship was made possible by a $2 million combined gift; nearly $1 million contributed by the Forest City Enterprises Charitable Foundation, Inc. was combined with a $1 million commitment made in 2006 by the Goldberg, Ponsky, Frankel Family to endow the professorship. The gift will support the recruitment and retention of world-class surgical talent to the School of Medicine.

As a part of the existing Institute for Surgery and Innovation at the School of Medicine, the Center for Surgical Skills Training will further enhance teaching and learning capabilities, providing students, residents and practicing health care professionals the location and tools they need to learn the latest sophisticated surgical methods. The Forest City Enterprises Charitable Foundation, Inc. gift also supported the creation of the Center for Surgical Skills Training.

Inaugural LGBT Alumni Reunion Emphasizes Case Western Reserve's Commitment to Diversity

2009-10-22T17:56:56Z

Alumni Weekend and Homecoming 2009 will feature alumni from different class years, schools and programs as they reminisce about the past, enjoy the present and gain insight into the future direction of Case Western Reserve University.

This year's Alumni Weekend will also mark the beginning of a new alumni gathering: The inaugural LGBTA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally) Alumni Reunion.

"It is the first one in the history of the university and we are expanding the concept of 'reunion' to include alumni, faculty, staff, current students and the Case Western Reserve University community to participate," says Nicole Ingram, director of marketing and communications for University Alumni Relations.

Several Alumni Events Open to Entire Campus Community During Alumni Weekend and Homecoming 2009

2009-10-19T16:55:05Z

Hundreds of alumni will return to campus October 22-25 to enjoy the festive and scholarly events that make Alumni Weekend and Homecoming so memorable.

Alumni from diverse class years, schools and programs will have an opportunity to reminisce about the past, enjoy the present and gain insight into the future direction of Case Western Reserve University.

Several events sponsored by University Alumni Relations are open to the campus community. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join in the fun, mingle with alumni and celebrate the university community at the following events:

Baker-Nord Center for Humanities Focuses on "Green" For 2009 Humanities Week

2009-10-14T19:13:15Z

Climate change expert Andrew Light gives the keynote address, October 22

Andrew Light, the author of Environmental Values and an internationally recognized expert on environmental policy and ethics, will give the keynote address for Humanities Week 2009, sponsored by the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities at Case Western Reserve University. His free, public talk begins at 6 p.m., Thursday, October 22, in Amasa Stone Chapel. Because seating is limited, online registration is required.

The week continues the humanities center's yearlong theme of "Culture of Green: Nature and the Environment" through numerous activities, films and special events, October 22-28.

Light serves as the director of the Center for Global Ethics at George Mason University where he is also an associate professor of philosophy and environmental policy. He carries on his environmental work as a Senior Fellow at the think tank American Progress, which explores national policy issues, such as global warming, that impact the quality of American citizens' lives.

Case Western Reserve University Receives $20.5 Million

2009-10-13T14:45:10Z

From Alumnus Donald Goodman and His Wife Ruth Weber Goodman

Case Western Reserve University has received a $20.5 million gift from Donald Goodman, DDS (DEN '45) and Ruth Weber Goodman.

The Donald J. and Ruth Weber Goodman Philanthropic Fund will reside at the University and the Cleveland Foundation. Income will be used to support education and research programs at the schools of medicine and dental medicine. The gift has been used to establish two professorships at the School of Medicine: The Dr. Donald and Ruth Goodman Professorship in Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, which is currently held by Mary J. Laughlin, MD; and The Dr. Donald and Ruth Goodman Professorship in Innovative Cardiovascular Research, which has not yet been appointed.

"Don and Ruth Goodman cared deeply about the university, and we are truly thankful to them and their family for their commitment to pre-eminent research and education at our schools of medicine and dental medicine," said Barbara R. Snyder, president of Case Western Reserve University.

Donald Goodman, who died in 2007, was a Cleveland-area dentist who made his fortune through decades of savvy stock market investment. He and his wife, Ruth, who died in 2008, traveled to more than 260 countries and islands, met Mother Theresa and saw the Dalai Lama. Ruth was the daughter of Arthur F. Weber, founder of Cuyahoga Heights, OH-based Triplex Screw Co. The company was sold to Murray Corp. of America in 1952.

W. Nicholas "Nick" Howley and Hemant Kanakia Appointed as New Case Western Reserve University Trustees

2009-10-12T16:28:56Z

Industrial executive W. Nicholas "Nick" Howley and Hemant Kanakia, a technology venture capitalist and Case Western Reserve University alumnus, have joined Case Western Reserve's board as newly appointed trustees.

"We are pleased to announce these two new appointments" said board chair, Bud Koch. "They are both well informed and bring beneficial perspective to our board."

Homecoming and Alumni Weekend 2009

2009-10-09T14:08:07Z

Homecoming and Alumni Weekend 2009, October 21-25, promises to be an exciting weekend with something for everyone. There are several ways the campus community can get involved:

Case Western Reserve Gears Up for GreenFest 2009

2009-10-07T18:43:24Z

Mark your calendars to learn more about going green. Case Western Reserve University campus members are invited to GreenFest 2009, Friday, Oct. 9, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Faculty, staff and students can learn about sustainability topics during the fun, interactive event in the Thwing Center atrium (the event has been moved from the Case Quad due to the possibility of inclement weather).

"Our main goals are to increase overall awareness, to inspire the Case Western Reserve community, and to make recycling cool and attractive," says Dan Niedzwiecki, a fourth-year chemistry major, who is working on a campus-wide sustainability program. "We want to provide tools and information for the campus community to help them make the decision to live a little greener both on campus and at home."

Five Poets to Read Their Selections on Nature for "Poetry in the Garden"

2009-09-29T19:38:29Z

The Baker-Nord Center for Humanities at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Botanical Garden invite the public to "Poetry in the Garden" on October 3. Five locally and nationally renowned poets will read selections from their works that express their experiences with the natural world.

The free, public event is set in locations throughout the idyllic gardens in autumn colors at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd. The program begins at 2 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

Seventh Annual Case for Community Day Reflections

2009-09-28T16:38:18Z

Some of the volunteers who signed up for the Seventh Annual Case for Community Day were new to the initiative. Others had participated every year since its inception.

But those both new and experienced with the university-wide day of community service seemed eager to reach out and connect with neighbors and organizations in need.

President Barbara R. Snyder thanked the volunteers gathered for lunch before they headed out to 60 project sites for making the Seventh Annual Case for Community Day the most successful yet. A new record was set for filling volunteer positions in less than a week.

She added that this enthusiasm is what makes Case Western Reserve University known as a community that cares.

Logistical Details for 7th Annual Case for Community Day

2009-09-23T19:39:47Z

The 7th Annual Case for Community Day is almost here. More than 500 students, faculty, staff and alumni will assist campus neighbors and organizations in a community-wide day of service on Friday, September 25.

If this is your first time volunteering as part of Case for Community Day—or you need a refresher on what to do and where to go—the following is a scheduled breakdown of the day's planned activities, as well as a reminder about the Campus Social being held immediately after the day of service.

If you didn't have an opportunity to sign up for a project, you can still give back. Following the logistical schedule is information about the numerous on-campus donation drives, including updated details about the E-Cycling initiative.

Case for Community Day Sets Registration Record

2009-09-04T19:41:10Z

Campus Community Can Still Participate in Donation Drives

Campus members who've already signed up for Case for Community Day projects should give themselves a round of applause: a registration record has been set.

Although there are still a couple of weeks left until Case for Community Day on Friday, September 25, all service projects are filled, according to Latisha James, director of the Center for Community Partnerships.

"What a wonderful display of the university's continued spirit to serve. This is the best registration effort we've had," says James. "It typically takes three weeks for projects to be filled, and we have done it in one week."

While all of the service projects have volunteers confirmed, campus community members who have not had an opportunity to register can still give back by donating to one of the numerous donation drives being held the same day. People are encouraged to donate unused personal computers and cell phones, bring in canned foods, clean out their piggybanks for the Pennies for Peace effort, or sign up to give blood at an American Red Cross Blood Drive.

Case Western Reserve University Ranks in Top 15
of Washington Monthly College Rankings

2009-09-03T20:27:02Z

Washington Monthly ranks Case Western Reserve University in the top six percent of U.S. national universities in its 2009 College Rankings edition.

Out of 258 schools rated, Case Western Reserve is listed at number 15, the top Ohio school represented in the national rankings.

Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities' 2009 Theme Ponders "Culture of Green"

2009-08-27T19:12:14Z

Faculty in the humanities speak about the meaning of "green"

Humans across time have contemplated their role in nature.

The Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities will contribute to these thoughts with its yearlong program theme of "Culture of Green: Nature and the Environment," says director and art historian Anne Helmreich.

Convocation Speaker Talked with Nurses Earlier Today about Global Health and Education

2009-08-26T19:01:59Z

Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, is best known for his work in building schools in rural Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, before he began providing educational opportunities to disadvantaged children, he was a nurse.

Earlier today he spoke with 150 Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing students and alumni about some of the challenges and milestones of providing health care in developing countries. "I've learned that it's so important to listen to people and their needs. I learned this as a nurse," Mortenson said.

Three Cups of Tea was the common reading assignment for this year's incoming class. Mortenson will share more about his work and educational endeavors as the keynote speaker for Case Western Reserve University's Fall Convocation this afternoon. The ceremony will be Webcast live beginning shortly before 4:30 p.m.