50 Years and Still Going Strong
Andrew Gross, professor of marketing and international business, has been a CSU faculty member since 1968. As he prepares to retire in June, he shares some reflections on his career.
Early Days
When I came to CSU, my years in the labor force already exceeded a decade. As an electrical engineer, I worked at Ohio Edison (now First Energy), Standard Oil of Ohio (now BP) and the Ohio Department of Transportation. Lehigh University in Pennsylvania was my first academic job.
In 1968, I came to CSU. Did I know that I would stay and stay? Of course not! One reason I stayed was the collegial spirit. Another was the generosity of chairmen and deans who allowed me to take not just sabbaticals, but unpaid leaves of absence. Thus, I was able to be a visiting professor in Australia, Canada (from coast to coast), France, and my native Hungary with two Fulbright awards in 1989 and 1992. In each nation, I proudly waved the CSU flag.
Students
I’ve probably taught 200 classes and 4,000 students. I make clear my criteria for all courses: conversational English, solid facts and figures, use of varied sources and analysis, organization and logical thinking. My exams are always open book, open notebook, emphasizing analysis and logical thinking, not memorization. I also advise all my students to have their priorities in this order — physical health, mental health and time management.
Service
I have served on numerous committees at all levels and on the Faculty Senate for at least 25 of my 50 years. I managed to bring in several grants with fellow faculty members, always contribute to CSU campaigns and with my wife Lois, donated a five-figure sum to establish an endowed scholarship for business students. I worked with the Cleveland World Trade Association in the past and am now involved with the Northeast Ohio International Business Network and the Cleveland Council on World Affairs.
Scholarship
I’ve served on numerous editorial boards of academic and practitioner journals, and published four books, over 15 monographs, and well over 150 papers – I trust some ideas were of use! I’m still doing research, writing and publishing, especially on international business topics.
Life Beyond CSU
I’m a strong believer in work-life balance and 365 is the number of days per year for my workout. At CSU, it is fitness room and swimming three times per week; running — now jogging and walking — in the Heights on other days; then kayak, cycle or ski on weekends. My jogging path takes me around the Shaker Lakes which is psychic income as well as a workout, since a group of us saved this lovely area from the Clark Freeway back in the late 1960s. I read a lot of fiction and nonfiction (I prefer print to electronic), watch occasional old-time movies, and attend community theater and concerts downtown, including at CSU, and in my neighborhood.
The Future
I plan to stay around, offering to substitute pro bono for my fellow faculty when on sick leave or at academic conferences. I wish to remain active physically and mentally, do some traveling, kayak and ski in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, catch up with several English and Hungarian language books that have been put aside and perhaps do some volunteering or entrepreneurial ventures. I look forward to my emeritus status with free parking!
My credo going forward in my 80s is the same as for all previous decades, per the writing of one of my favorite composers, Gustav Mahler: “The point is not to take the world’s opinion as a guiding star, but to go one’s way in life and to work unfalteringly, neither depressed by failure nor seduced by applause.” My wife has been most supportive in my career and we plan now on going forward together, with even more visits with our three daughters and their families.
I was able to be a visiting professor in Australia, Canada (from coast to coast), France, and my native Hungary with two Fulbright awards in 1989 and 1992. In each nation, I proudly waved the CSU flag.
Professor Andrew Gross
Also in This Issue...
Legacy of Leadership
President Ronald M. Berkman spearheaded tuition savings, campus expansion, new labs, research growth, record fundraising, and powerful partnerships — solidifying CSU's impact and student success vision.
Gateway to Engineering
CSU’s spectacular new northern gateway to campus, Donald E. Washkewicz Hall, provides enhanced educational and research opportunities for engineering students and faculty.
Ready to Lead
Harlan M. Sands, vice dean and chief financial officer of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, has been selected as the seventh president of Cleveland State University following a national search.
A Message from the President
Outgoing President Ronald M. Berkman reflects on nine years of growth — new labs, film/media school, urban health programs — and thanks the CSU community for driving the university’s transformation.
Graduate Programs Among Nation’s Best
U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Graduate Schools guide features more than a dozen CSU programs, highlighting the University’s continued national rise.
Athletics
Four new members have been inducted into the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame — Sarah Galon, Christine Kohler Myeroff, Kristen Obush and Jake Scott.
The Internet of Things Collaborative
The Internet of Things (IoT) Collaborative between CSU and Case Western Reserve University has moved from planning to full launch with $1.75 million in funding from the Cleveland Foundation.
Law Explores New Frontiers
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law has launched several groundbreaking initiatives, including a Space Law Center and a Cybersecurity Center that takes a rare multidisciplinary approach integrating law, technology and business management.
Festival Filled with AHA! Moments
Books, theater, music, art, dance and ideas will again be celebrated during the Arts and Humanities Alive! (AHA!) Festival sponsored by CSU and Playhouse Square.
Personal Growth Through Service Learning
Since 2007, Viking Expeditions (VE) has been helping CSU graduate and undergraduate students broaden their worldview through local, national and international service opportunities.
Faculty Highlights
CSU faculty across arts, sciences, engineering, education, and health are advancing research, teaching innovation, and community engagement — driving excellence across dozens of departments.
Partners in Scientific Progress
For close to a half-century, Cleveland State University and Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute have partnered to enhance medical and science education while helping to advance discovery in numerous disciplines. The Joint Doctoral Program Pa
Scholarships Make Dreams Come True
CSU’s annual Scholarship Luncheon brought together more than 400 individuals who have made personal gifts, as well as representatives of businesses and organizations that have supported scholarships, and the grateful students who received them.
Embrace Your Voice
Enlightened, entertained, informed, inspired and empowered. That’s how 300-plus participants felt following CSU’s fourth-annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Embrace Your Voice.”
Summit Advances Alumni Engagement
More than 100 representatives of some 40 organizations shared best practices, ideas and professional perspectives at the first-ever Northeast Ohio Summit on Alumni Engagement.
CSU on the Road
Passport Cleveland alumni tours in Northeast Ohio, plus engaging CSU2U events and alumni meet‑ups in FL, AZ — connecting Vikings through travel, learning, and connection.
CSU Salutes Outstanding Alumni
Graduates who are impacting their communities, the world and Cleveland State University in unique and creative ways were honored at the second-annual Alumni Recognition Awards. The event also saluted CSU’s third class of Fascinating Alumni.
Share the Love Month!
The Summer of 1967 was known as the Summer of Love. But at CSU, February 2018 was Share the Love month with special events to bring Vikings together. We’ll be sharing the love again next February!
Class Notes – Summer 2018
Legacy of Leadership
President Ronald M. Berkman spearheaded tuition savings, campus expansion, new labs, research growth, record fundraising, and powerful partnerships — solidifying CSU's impact and student success vision.
Ready to Lead
Harlan M. Sands, vice dean and chief financial officer of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, has been selected as the seventh president of Cleveland State University following a national search.
Graduate Programs Among Nation’s Best
U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Graduate Schools guide features more than a dozen CSU programs, highlighting the University’s continued national rise.
The Internet of Things Collaborative
The Internet of Things (IoT) Collaborative between CSU and Case Western Reserve University has moved from planning to full launch with $1.75 million in funding from the Cleveland Foundation.
Festival Filled with AHA! Moments
Books, theater, music, art, dance and ideas will again be celebrated during the Arts and Humanities Alive! (AHA!) Festival sponsored by CSU and Playhouse Square.
Faculty Highlights
CSU faculty across arts, sciences, engineering, education, and health are advancing research, teaching innovation, and community engagement — driving excellence across dozens of departments.
Scholarships Make Dreams Come True
CSU’s annual Scholarship Luncheon brought together more than 400 individuals who have made personal gifts, as well as representatives of businesses and organizations that have supported scholarships, and the grateful students who received them.
Summit Advances Alumni Engagement
More than 100 representatives of some 40 organizations shared best practices, ideas and professional perspectives at the first-ever Northeast Ohio Summit on Alumni Engagement.
CSU Salutes Outstanding Alumni
Graduates who are impacting their communities, the world and Cleveland State University in unique and creative ways were honored at the second-annual Alumni Recognition Awards. The event also saluted CSU’s third class of Fascinating Alumni.
Class Notes – Summer 2018
Gateway to Engineering
CSU’s spectacular new northern gateway to campus, Donald E. Washkewicz Hall, provides enhanced educational and research opportunities for engineering students and faculty.
A Message from the President
Outgoing President Ronald M. Berkman reflects on nine years of growth — new labs, film/media school, urban health programs — and thanks the CSU community for driving the university’s transformation.
Athletics
Four new members have been inducted into the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame — Sarah Galon, Christine Kohler Myeroff, Kristen Obush and Jake Scott.
Law Explores New Frontiers
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law has launched several groundbreaking initiatives, including a Space Law Center and a Cybersecurity Center that takes a rare multidisciplinary approach integrating law, technology and business management.
Personal Growth Through Service Learning
Since 2007, Viking Expeditions (VE) has been helping CSU graduate and undergraduate students broaden their worldview through local, national and international service opportunities.
Partners in Scientific Progress
For close to a half-century, Cleveland State University and Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute have partnered to enhance medical and science education while helping to advance discovery in numerous disciplines. The Joint Doctoral Program Pa
Embrace Your Voice
Enlightened, entertained, informed, inspired and empowered. That’s how 300-plus participants felt following CSU’s fourth-annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Embrace Your Voice.”
CSU on the Road
Passport Cleveland alumni tours in Northeast Ohio, plus engaging CSU2U events and alumni meet‑ups in FL, AZ — connecting Vikings through travel, learning, and connection.
Share the Love Month!
The Summer of 1967 was known as the Summer of Love. But at CSU, February 2018 was Share the Love month with special events to bring Vikings together. We’ll be sharing the love again next February!
Legacy of Leadership
President Ronald M. Berkman spearheaded tuition savings, campus expansion, new labs, research growth, record fundraising, and powerful partnerships — solidifying CSU's impact and student success vision.
A Message from the President
Outgoing President Ronald M. Berkman reflects on nine years of growth — new labs, film/media school, urban health programs — and thanks the CSU community for driving the university’s transformation.
The Internet of Things Collaborative
The Internet of Things (IoT) Collaborative between CSU and Case Western Reserve University has moved from planning to full launch with $1.75 million in funding from the Cleveland Foundation.
Personal Growth Through Service Learning
Since 2007, Viking Expeditions (VE) has been helping CSU graduate and undergraduate students broaden their worldview through local, national and international service opportunities.
Scholarships Make Dreams Come True
CSU’s annual Scholarship Luncheon brought together more than 400 individuals who have made personal gifts, as well as representatives of businesses and organizations that have supported scholarships, and the grateful students who received them.
CSU on the Road
Passport Cleveland alumni tours in Northeast Ohio, plus engaging CSU2U events and alumni meet‑ups in FL, AZ — connecting Vikings through travel, learning, and connection.
Class Notes – Summer 2018
Gateway to Engineering
CSU’s spectacular new northern gateway to campus, Donald E. Washkewicz Hall, provides enhanced educational and research opportunities for engineering students and faculty.
Graduate Programs Among Nation’s Best
U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Graduate Schools guide features more than a dozen CSU programs, highlighting the University’s continued national rise.
Law Explores New Frontiers
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law has launched several groundbreaking initiatives, including a Space Law Center and a Cybersecurity Center that takes a rare multidisciplinary approach integrating law, technology and business management.
Faculty Highlights
CSU faculty across arts, sciences, engineering, education, and health are advancing research, teaching innovation, and community engagement — driving excellence across dozens of departments.
Embrace Your Voice
Enlightened, entertained, informed, inspired and empowered. That’s how 300-plus participants felt following CSU’s fourth-annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Embrace Your Voice.”
CSU Salutes Outstanding Alumni
Graduates who are impacting their communities, the world and Cleveland State University in unique and creative ways were honored at the second-annual Alumni Recognition Awards. The event also saluted CSU’s third class of Fascinating Alumni.
Ready to Lead
Harlan M. Sands, vice dean and chief financial officer of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, has been selected as the seventh president of Cleveland State University following a national search.
Athletics
Four new members have been inducted into the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame — Sarah Galon, Christine Kohler Myeroff, Kristen Obush and Jake Scott.
Festival Filled with AHA! Moments
Books, theater, music, art, dance and ideas will again be celebrated during the Arts and Humanities Alive! (AHA!) Festival sponsored by CSU and Playhouse Square.
Partners in Scientific Progress
For close to a half-century, Cleveland State University and Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute have partnered to enhance medical and science education while helping to advance discovery in numerous disciplines. The Joint Doctoral Program Pa
Summit Advances Alumni Engagement
More than 100 representatives of some 40 organizations shared best practices, ideas and professional perspectives at the first-ever Northeast Ohio Summit on Alumni Engagement.
Share the Love Month!
The Summer of 1967 was known as the Summer of Love. But at CSU, February 2018 was Share the Love month with special events to bring Vikings together. We’ll be sharing the love again next February!