Blog@Case Topics: alumnihttp://blog.case.edu/topics/alumniSteven Haucksteven.hauck@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/geologyPaula Baughnpaula.baughn@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsKimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsDavid Wilsondavid.wilson2@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsHeidi Coolheidi.cool@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsMarsha Braggmarsha.myhand@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsLinda Daylinda.day@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/geologyJeremy Smithjeremy.smith@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/jeremy.smithKevin Adamskevin.adams@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-news2010-11-18T14:16:35Z New Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations Namedhttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/11/18/new_associate_vice_president_for_alumni_relations_named2010-11-18T14:14:08Z2010-11-18T14:16:35Z
vlahos 1.jpg
Christopher
Vlahos

Case Western Reserve University announced this week the appointment of Christopher J. Vlahos to the position of associate vice president for Alumni Relations. Vlahos fills the role being vacated by Dan Clancy, who is retiring after nearly a half-century of service to the university.

Vlahos has most recently held the position of president and executive director of the University of Arizona Alumni Association, where he oversaw key initiatives geared toward connecting the university and its 220,000 alumni.

“Case Western Reserve University is highly regarded, and I am excited to be part of a great leadership team,” Vlahos says.  “I am looking forward to engaging the over 100,000 alumni across the globe, as well as connecting our students with opportunities the Alumni office can provide.”

Vlahos will be responsible for the oversight of the Alumni Relations staff and Alumni House. He will work directly with schools, affinity groups and other campus stakeholders to build programs that engage all alumni.

Case Western Reserve Vice President for University Relations Lara Kalafatis says building and sustaining relationships with alumni is a key priority for the university.

“Our alumni are an essential part of the Case Western Reserve family,” Kalafatis says. “Chris will continue and expand on our efforts to keep our relationships strong. We’re very excited about the experience and ideas he will bring to Alumni Relations.”

Vlahos comes to the university with extensive alumni relations experience. At the University of Arizona, he partnered with the university’s career services center to create an innovative alumni career network, a comprehensive online career advancement resource for students and alumni. He also worked closely with the university’s office of admissions to develop the Alumni Student Recruitment Program, which engages alumni in reaching out to prospective students.

Before his tenure at the University Arizona, Vlahos was vice president of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, where he successfully worked to grow membership. He has extensive background in marketing and advertising, having served as a senior vice president at Lord, Sullivan and Yoder Marketing Communications Inc. in Columbus for more than a decade.

Vlahos holds a master’s degree in public policy and management from the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at OSU, as well as a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

He begins at Case Western Reserve on Jan. 4.

David Wilsondavid.wilson2@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsUniversity Maintains Strong Undergraduate <em>U.S. News</em> Ranking; Engineering Improves, Climbing Five Spotshttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/08/17/usnews20102010-08-17T14:29:06Z2010-08-17T15:26:47ZCase Western Reserve University maintained its position as one of the nation’s top 50 universities this year in U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” issue. The magazine also reported that the Case School of Engineering climbed five notches to rank 40th this year.
usnews1.jpg

Case Western Reserve University maintained its position as one of the nation’s top 50 universities this year in U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Colleges†issue. The magazine also reported that the Case School of Engineering climbed five notches to rank 40th this year.

“I am pleased that U.S. News &World Report continues to recognize the strength of our academic programs and dedication to providing undergraduates a rich learning experience,†President Barbara R. Snyder said. “We have begun making significant strides in admissions, research and alumni outreach, and I am confident that this progress will be reflected in coming years.â€

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsCase for Community Day is Set for Friday, Sept. 17http://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/08/13/caseforcommunity20102010-08-13T13:31:15Z2010-08-13T14:49:49ZThe Case Western Reserve University campus has an opportunity to pay it forward when hundreds of volunteers give their time to make a difference during Case for Community Day on Friday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
teamleaders.jpg
Case for Community Day volunteers

The Case Western Reserve University campus has an opportunity to pay it forward when hundreds of volunteers give their time to make a difference during Case for Community Day on Friday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The annual campus-wide day of service begins at 11 a.m., with registration in Thwing Center atrium, followed by lunch and a short program at 11:30 a.m. in the ballroom. At noon, volunteers will board buses or walk to volunteer sites on and off campus to work until 4 p.m. The day concludes with a social and music on the oval at Kelvin Smith Library.

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsBradley W. Fralic Named University Controllerhttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/08/05/bradfralic2010-08-05T14:27:46Z2010-08-05T14:55:10ZPresident Barbara R. Snyder announced today that she had appointed Bradley W. Fralic as Case Western Reserve’s permanent Controller. An experienced financial administrator and Certified Public Accountant, Fralic had served as interim Controller since October.
Interim since fall, Fralic quickly improved processes, accuracy and timeliness
bradfralic2.jpg
Bradley W. Fralic
Photo: Susan Griffith

President Barbara R. Snyder announced today that she had appointed Bradley W. Fralic as Case Western Reserve’s permanent Controller. An experienced financial administrator and Certified Public Accountant, Fralic had served as interim Controller since October.

“From his first days here, Brad has distinguished himself as a highly professional, effective and strategic leader,†President Snyder said. “He already has made significant progress in the office, and I look forward to even greater gains in the future.â€

Fralic came to the university from Skoda Minotti, a Northeast Ohio firm that provides accounting, consulting, tax and other services to organizations and individuals. He also has worked with KPMG, where he advised Chief Financial Officers, and spent a dozen years at Deloitte & Touche, where he consulted with a broad range of public and private entities nationwide. Fralic also has taught graduate-level courses on financial management and accounting at Kent State and Cleveland State universities. He earned a Masters Degree in Accountancy from Case Western Reserve in 1991.

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsFulbright Scholar Plans to Research How Ancient Indian Dance Could Help Children with Autismhttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/08/03/fulbrightstudent42010-08-03T14:44:16Z2010-08-03T15:31:48ZRamya Raman (CWR ‘10) plans to use her love and knowledge of Bharatha Natyam dance to connect with autistic children in India as a Fulbright Scholar.
raman.jpg
Ramya Raman

Ramya Raman (CWR ‘10) plans to use her love and knowledge of Bharatha Natyam dance to connect with autistic children in India as a Fulbright Scholar.

She will spend nine months conducting research at the Rasa Center in Chennai, India. The center’s staff members help individuals with special needs enhance their social, communication and motor skills.

“Bharatha Natyam is an ancient Indian dance form that incorporates music, drama, mime and movement,†Raman explained. The dance creates movements and patterns in space, coordinating with music and rhythm. “This stimulates both sensory and motor development. Current dance therapies in the U.S. utilize free-flow movements, not disciplined forms of movement. My study will look at this disciplined form of dance movements as a mode of communication and therapy for children with autism,†she said.

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsFundraising Grows for Third Straight Yearhttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/08/02/fundraising09102010-08-02T16:02:59Z2010-08-02T20:52:48ZCase Western Reserve University’s alumni and friends continued their extraordinary support in 2009-2010, providing $115.5 million in philanthropy. The figure represents an increase of more than 6 percent over the previous year and the second-highest amount ever received. The results also marked the third consecutive year that the university exceeded $100 million in contributions and pledges.
Contributions total $115.5 million, second-highest in university history

Case Western Reserve University’s alumni and friends continued their extraordinary support in 2009-2010, providing $115.5 million in philanthropy. The figure represents an increase of more than 6 percent over the previous year and the second-highest amount ever received. The results also marked the third consecutive year that the university exceeded $100 million in contributions and pledges.

“This support is a testament to the remarkable work that takes place on our campus,†President Barbara R. Snyder said. “I am deeply grateful to all of the individuals and organizations who recognize our efforts and are willing to help us realize our goals.â€

This year’s totals also set some best-ever records, including for annual fund giving ($7.9 million), average gift ($6,540) and unrestricted giving ($44.7 million).

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsCase Western Reserve Names Interim LGBT Center Coordinator, Advances on LGBT Campus Climate Indexhttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/07/21/lgbtcoordinator2010-07-21T14:47:01Z2010-07-21T15:29:01ZCase Western Reserve University continues to show its commitment to an inclusive campus community with a new Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center slated to open soon — and an experienced new coordinator at the helm.
lizroccoforte3.jpg
Liz Roccoforte

Case Western Reserve University continues to show its commitment to an inclusive campus community with a new Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center slated to open soon — and an experienced new coordinator at the helm.

Elisabeth “Liz†Roccoforte, diversity program manager in the university’s Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunity, was recently named interim coordinator of the LGBT Center. She is expected to lead the center for at least a year.

“I want to do high-quality programming and events that will reach faculty, students, staff and alumni,†Roccoforte says.

Roccoforte had a similar position at the University of Cincinnati, where she also served as an undergraduate instructor in women’s studies. She also served as the program director of adult and professional development at the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio.

She plans to work with campus departments and student organizations. “The goal is to lay the foundation and get the center up and running as both a resource for the broader community and a safe place for the LGBT community,†she explains. Plans include the establishment of an LGBT library, as well as conversation groups.

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsNew Alumnus Earns Fulbright Teaching Grant to Egypthttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/07/16/fulbrightstudent32010-07-16T13:32:44Z2010-07-16T16:27:33ZNicholas Hilgeman wants to teach English, speak fluent Arabic and learn more about the culture and political processes of the Middle East. Hilgeman, who earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies and political science in May, plans to do all of this and more with his Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Grant. He is scheduled to spend at least nine months working at Zagazig University, located about 50 miles from Cairo, Egypt.
nickhigleman.jpg
Nicholas Hilgeman

Nicholas Hilgeman wants to teach English, speak fluent Arabic and learn more about the culture and political processes of the Middle East.

Hilgeman (CWR '10), who earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies and political science, plans to do all of this and more with his Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Grant. He is scheduled to spend at least nine months working at Zagazig University, located about 50 miles from Cairo, Egypt.

“If I could have picked any country, it would have been Egypt. It’s the political center of the Middle East,†Hilgeman explained. “I hope to get more of a pulse of what’s going on in the region. And with elections coming up, it will be an interesting time to be there.â€

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsStudents Take on the Challenges of the 2010 Baja SAE Competitionhttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/07/06/baja20102010-07-06T14:48:20Z2010-07-06T14:58:23ZA Case School of Engineering team built a car from the ground up. They had a dune buggy frame and a Briggs and Stratton engine. The rest was left to their imagination: to create a car that would compete against teams around the country for the Society of Automotive Engineering-sponsored Baja car race in Rochester, N.Y.
BAJA1
The 2010 Baja team

A Case School of Engineering team built a car from the ground up. They had a dune buggy frame and a Briggs and Stratton engine. The rest was left to their imagination: to create a car that would compete against teams around the country for the Society of Automotive Engineering-sponsored Baja car race in Rochester, N.Y.

The team took 14 student members as well as three alumni to the four-day event, held last month.

A full year of work came down to four days but it is worth the effort, according to Jim Drake, the Baja adviser.

“Regardless of where the team places at the event, they always win because they challenge themselves and apply their engineering and manufacturing skills,†he added.

This was the ninth straight year for the university, and Baja alumni understand the importance of this extra-curricular activity.

As part of the competition, students had to design the entire car and had to understand automotive dynamics.

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsMandel Center Yankey Award Recognizes Two Community Volunteershttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/06/28/yankeyawards20102010-06-28T13:12:50Z2010-06-28T14:13:37ZTwo women who are passionate about helping young people, communities in need and arts organizations received the 2010 John A Yankey Student Community Service Award from the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations.

Two women who are passionate about helping young people, communities in need and arts organizations received the 2010 John A Yankey Student Community Service Award from the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations.

Janet Coquillette and Melissa Johnson were recognized for their community outreach efforts with the Yankey award and a $1,000 prize.

The award is presented to Mandel Center students who have been actively engaged as a volunteer in one or more successful community services activities or projects while a student at the center. The spirit of the award is designed to recognize students who exemplify Emeritus Professor John A. Yankey's dedication to community service and the nonprofit sector.

Coquillette and Johnson have both since graduated and continue to work on their community outreach efforts. Learn more about this year’s recipients:

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsSocial Worker Receives President’s Award for Distinguished Servicehttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/06/15/presidentaward12010-06-15T13:12:48Z2010-06-15T17:23:21ZJane Daroff, a social worker with University Counseling Services, is a recipient of the President's Award for Distinguished Service.
daroffpicture.jpg
President Barbara R. Snyder
and Jane Daroff
Photo: Dan Milner

Jane Daroff, a social worker with University Counseling Services, has touched the lives of many students since she joined Case Western Reserve in 1991.

Her efforts are being recognized with a 2010 President’s Award for Distinguished Service.

Daroff, along with two other employees, received the recognition during the Staff Service Awards. The event, held last week, also recognized employees with 10, 25 and 35 years of service with the university.

The program was a collaborative effort between the Department of Human Resources, the Staff Advisory Council and the Office of the President.

"Think beyond the possible truly describes how people here do their work," said Case Western Reserve President Barbara R. Snyder. She added that the event was a celebration honoring colleagues who have reached significant milestones. “Thank you for all that you do every day. We help each other, and that’s how we get things done.â€

Learn more about Daroff:

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsFulbright Scholar to Use Play Measures Developed at CWRU to Help Ukrainian Orphanshttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/06/09/fulbrightstudent22010-06-09T21:30:27Z2010-06-10T14:47:16Z
meganritchey.jpg
Megan Ritchey

Children and workers in Ukrainian orphanages will learn some play skills as Megan Ritchey, a new Case Western Reserve University alumna, heads to Kiev as a Fulbright Scholar.

Ritchey has proposed a research project to teach the play intervention developed by Sandra Russ, CWRU professor of psychology, to educators and social workers in the country’s orphanages.

Russ’ intervention helps children learn to cope, express emotions and develop social skills by engaging in free and imaginative play. It focuses on helping children improve creative problem solving, which should help with coping with problems in life.

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsGlobal Security Expert, Health Care Leader Are New Appointees to Case Western Reserve University Board of Trusteeshttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/06/09/newtrustees2010-06-09T14:58:36Z2010-06-09T16:49:48ZMichael G. Cherkasky and Ronald I. Dozoretz, MD, have been appointed to the Case Western Reserve University Board of Trustees.
june9trustees.jpg
Michael G. Cherkasky (left) and Ronald I. Dozoretz

Michael G. Cherkasky and Ronald I. Dozoretz, MD, have been appointed to the Case Western Reserve University Board of Trustees.

“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Cherkasky and Dr. Dozoretz to the Board,†says Chair Charles “Bud†Koch. “As national leaders in global security and health care, they each bring a valuable perspective as we continue to advance our mission as a private research university.â€

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsCase Western Reserve University Receives $4 Million Commitment to Name Planned New Multi-Functional Field Househttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/06/07/wyantfieldhouse2010-06-07T14:37:58Z2010-06-07T20:12:41ZOptical science pioneer and Case Western Reserve University Trustee James C. Wyant, PhD, has made a $4 million commitment to name a new field house on campus. The “Wyant Field House” will be a new addition to the North Campus Residential Village.

Trustee James C. Wyant, as former student athlete, fulfills wish to give back to campus that gave him lasting lessons

fieldhouse.jpg
An artistic rendering of the new Wyant Field House

Optical science pioneer and Case Western Reserve University Trustee James C. Wyant, PhD, has made a $4 million commitment to name a new field house on campus. The “Wyant Field House†will be a new addition to the North Campus Residential Village.

The Wyant Field House will be approximately 24,000 square feet and will serve as a facility for varsity athletes and the 2,500 students who reside at the Village. The facility will include weight training and cardiovascular areas, a Varsity Club lounge, and multipurpose space. Also included in this gift is the “Coach Bill Sudeck Track,†named in memory of the university's legendary coach, who was Wyant’s mentor.

“We are enormously grateful to Jim Wyant for this gift and the way it pays tribute to the role that athletics can play in the development of young people,†President Barbara R. Snyder said. “This project will enhance the experience of legions of students who seek to improve their physical fitness and their athletic performance.â€

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsNew Cornell Endowed Professorship in Pediatric Dentistry Will Be First Chair for Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicinehttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/05/18/dentalchair2010-05-18T14:20:43Z2010-05-18T14:49:15ZCase Western Reserve University alumnus R. William Cornell, Jr., DDS has made a $1.5 million commitment to endow the first named professorship at the Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine. The Dr. and Mrs. R. William Cornell, Jr. Endowed Professor of Pediatric Dentistry will be the first endowed chair in the history of the school, which was established in 1892.
Dean Jerold S. Goldberg, DDS and R. William Cornell, Jr., DDS (DEN '60)
and his wife, Chloe

Case Western Reserve University alumnus R. William Cornell, Jr., DDS has made a $1.5 million commitment to endow the first named professorship at the Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine. The Dr. and Mrs. R. William Cornell, Jr. Endowed Professor of Pediatric Dentistry will be the first endowed chair in the history of the school, which was established in 1892.

“This endowed chair is an important milestone for the dental school,†said Jerold S. Goldberg, DDS, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. “Not only will it ensure excellence forever in the area of pediatric dentistry, but we also hope that Dr. Cornell’s generosity becomes a model for others.â€

Cornell’s contributions to the school and the dental profession were recognized with the 2010 Distinguished Alumnus Award during the dental school’s annual gala award dinner on Saturday, May 15, at the State Theater in downtown Cleveland. The gala is part of the annual reunion celebration and welcome of dental students into the profession during graduation weekend.

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsCase Western Reserve Alumnus to Receive Michelson Postdoctoral Prize Todayhttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/05/13/michelsonpostdoctoralprize20102010-05-13T12:13:02Z2010-05-13T17:19:02ZDavid Hanneke, a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, CO, will be awarded the Michelson Postdoctoral Prize at Case Western Reserve University Thursday. He is the first Case Western Reserve alumnus to receive the award since it was created in 1997.
davidhanneke.jpg
David Hanneke

David Hanneke’s most recent project has been hailed as the physics breakthrough of the year and his prior work is considered by many to be the most accurate experiment in science.

For these exceptional accomplishments, Hanneke, a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, CO, will be awarded the Michelson Postdoctoral Prize at Case Western Reserve University Thursday. He is the first Case Western Reserve alumnus to receive the award since it was created in 1997.

Hanneke, who graduated from Case Western Reserve in 2001, is part of a team at NIST that created a building block, or gate, of a quantum computer – a computer that for certain complex problems, could relegate today’s supercomputers to slide rule status.

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsDepartment of Civil Engineering Unveils New Labhttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/04/26/structureslab2010-04-26T14:23:47Z2010-04-26T15:41:44ZThe Department of Civil Engineering's new state-of-the-art structures lab, on the east side of the Bingham Building, can mimic the worst mother nature can throw at the built environment while enabling researchers to learn why everything from deep sea structures to soaring towers fail, and how to make them safer and sounder.
DarioKM22.jpg
Dario Gasparini holds up original plans
for the state-of-the-art structures lab

The Department of Civil Engineering's new state-of-the-art structures lab, on the east side of the Bingham Building, can mimic the worst mother nature can throw at the built environment while enabling researchers to learn why everything from deep sea structures to soaring towers fail, and how to make them safer and sounder.

The Richard '39 and Opal Vanderhoof Infrastructure Research and Education Facility was recently unveiled: 2,400-square-feet of hardy concrete, steel and hydraulics married to high-tech computer controls and sensor systems.

The Vanderhoofs provided a gift of $2 million to build the new facility, with the Case Alumni Association leading this major fundraising initiative.

"It's a gift from the past – civil engineering alumni – to future and present civil engineering students," said Dario Gasparini, professor of civil engineering. He has shepherded the project, and talked about the effort to a crowd of more than 50 alumni, university administrators, students and other guests.

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsHudson Relays Celebrates 100th Anniversaryhttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/04/21/hudsonrelays1002010-04-21T14:45:44Z2010-04-21T14:51:12ZOne of the university's longest-standing traditions, Hudson Relays, is always a special event for the campus community. This year's event, taking place Saturday, April 24, will be even more significant because students, faculty, staff and alumni will witness the event's centennial milestone.

One of the university's longest-standing traditions, Hudson Relays, is always a special event for the campus community. This year's event, taking place Saturday, April 24, will be even more significant because students, faculty, staff and alumni will witness the event's centennial milestone.

"Hudson Relays is one of the oldest traditions on campus. The centennial is a great opportunity to celebrate something we'll never see again," said Colleen Barker-Williamson, director of student activities and leadership. "It's a vibrant day of athleticism and social gathering, and it celebrates a facet of the university's history."

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsFlora Stone Mather Alumnae Association, University Community Celebrate Grand Opening of Mather Parkhttp://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/04/08/matherpark2010-04-08T15:43:55Z2010-04-16T22:52:23ZThe day after the anniversary of Flora Stone Mather's 158th birthday, members of her namesake alumnae association of the former Flora Stone Mather College for Women gathered for a celebration. The alumnae, dedicated to the empowerment of women, witnessed the grand opening of a special gift they provided to current and future students: Mather Park, Case Western Reserve University’s softball field.

matherpark.jpg

The day after the anniversary of Flora Stone Mather's 158th birthday, members of her namesake alumnae association of the former Flora Stone Mather College gathered for a celebration.

The alumnae, dedicated to the empowerment of women, witnessed the grand opening of a special gift they provided to current and future students: Mather Park, Case Western Reserve University’s softball field.

"This is a great day for all of us," said Sandra Malek Vodanoff (FSM '59), final president of the Flora Stone Mather Alumnae Association. "We're sure she's (Flora Stone Mather) with us in spirit…cheering on the team."

More than a dozen members of the alumnae association joined Case Western Reserve University President Barbara R. Snyder, the softball team and university friends and supporters at the official ribbon cutting ceremony on April 7.

The Flora Stone Mather Alumnae Association announced in 2008 it would transfer the balance of its endowment to Case Western Reserve to support enhancing the student experience.

The naming of Mather Park, located on the north side of campus, was one of those gifts.

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-newsNew Lab Will Encourage Students to "Tinker"http://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/04/02/romich2010-04-02T13:55:00Z2010-04-02T17:56:37ZCase Western Reserve University has received a $1 million gift from Barry A. Romich (CIT '67) to name the Prentke/Romich Laboratory at the Case School of Engineering.

Barry A. Romich (CIT '67); Barbara R. Snyder, CWRU president; Norman Tien, Case School of Engineering dean and Nord Professor of Engineering; and
Larry M. Sears (CIT '69), university trustee.
Click on photo to view full-size image.

Case Western Reserve University has received a $1 million gift from Barry A. Romich (CIT '67) to name the Prentke/Romich Laboratory at the Case School of Engineering.

"I want today's undergraduates to have a place to go to build things," says Romich, who got his own start in hands-on engineering by "tinkering" in the student shop of Bingham Hall in the '60s. The result was the start of what is now a leading international manufacturer of assistive technology to address the communication needs of people with severe speech disabilities.

In 1966, while a student at Case, Romich co-founded the Prentke Romich Company with Edwin Prentke (CIT '26), whom he memorializes through this gift. The two had become acquainted when they collaborated with James Reswick, Ph.D., and Charles Long, M.D., at the Engineering Design Center at Case Institute of Technology on federally-funded research to investigate the control of upper-extremity-powered orthoses. Among the new firm's early projects were a device to limit the acceleration of powered wheelchairs and the first communication device for stroke victims.

Kimyette Finleykimyette.finley@case.eduhttp://blog.case.edu/case-news