‘This place has quickly captured my heart’
Anne-Marie E. Connors, executive director of the Alumni Association reflects on her first year
As I round just over a year serving the CSU Alumni Association as executive director, I continue to be amazed with the passion and level of commitment our alumni have for the university and our students. It is infectious!
While I am not a graduate of Cleveland State, I am a native Clevelander and I take so much pride in knowing the daily impact the university, its success, its students and its alumni have on our hometown and our region… and beyond! I have wholeheartedly embraced Magnus as MY mascot, and I get emotional when our Vikings are successful in a sporting event.
I beam with pride when I see our students achieve milestones and overcome adversity, and my tears well up at the commencement ceremonies knowing we are releasing a whole new talented workforce into the world to make a difference. This place has quickly captured my heart and I am all the better for it!
I share this in hopes that you, too, will be inspired by the growth and progress of the university as shared in this issue of the magazine. Our own Alumni Affairs team has grown. In December we welcomed two new talented staff members: Matthew Knickman, director, alumni relations and corporate engagement and Jennifer Creviston, director of the CSU Alumni Association.
Upon their arrival, we — along with the CSUAA Board of Directors — were able to bring back some of our favorite alumni events: CSU2U 2.0 in The Villages and Naples, Florida; our alumni reception in Phoenix, Arizona; alumni nights at CSU basketball games and the Grad Party celebrating the Class of 2022.
We’ve accomplished this by partnering with various offices around campus, including the Office of Career Development & Exploration, and the Office of Student Engagement and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Not to mention, we’ve “adopted” the new CSU Police Department therapy dogs, Thor and Rune, as our office colleagues.
I invite you to join us as a member of the Alumni Association by submitting your contact information to us (see the QR code to sign up!) to stay in touch and get up to the minute information on our events, travel schedule and alumni perks. And if you’re just curious about what all the excitement is about, come visit us on campus, or volunteer with us, or consider hiring student interns in your company. You won’t be disappointed! We have emerged from the pandemic stronger, more focused on CSU 2.0 and working closely with the leadership of our dynamic new president, Laura Bloomberg.
Come join the excitement and get involved with the CSU Alumni Association and Cleveland State! You won’t regret it. You are always a #Vike4Life.
Also in This Issue...
CSU names its eighth president
On April 26, 2022, the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees named Laura Bloomberg, Ph.D., as the next president of the university.
The Way of the Artist
There’s a common theme among the following alumni. Sure, they’re all artists, some using paint and canvas, some the written word, some timeless artifacts, some the stage. But many arrived there after upheaval, doubts and setbacks.
Angel of Warsaw: One Viking’s Experience with Russia’s War on Ukraine
CSU alumnus, expat, IT CEO Angelo J. Pressello brings a view of Engaged Learning during wartime
A Message from the President
New CSU President Laura Bloomberg reflects on the transition back to in-person classes and events, college realignment under CSU 2.0, and celebrating student achievements in arts and athletics.
Nebulae
A new installation in Berkman Hall is the creation of artist Dante Rodriguez (BA ’03). It’s inspired by starling murmurations.
New deans named to lead newly formed colleges
With the announcement of CSU’s reimagined colleges comes news of two new faces and a familiar one who will take the helm at each.
CSU reaccredited by Higher Learning Commission
Cleveland State University has been fully reaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for the next 10 years — an affirmation of the quality of its educational programs and services.
CSU research initiative seeks to reduce infant and maternal mortality
In Ohio, the Black infant and maternal mortality rate is nearly double that in the White community. CSU has joined the statewide effort to combat that disparity.
Radiance celebrates over $3 million raised for student success initiatives
On May 11, after three years, Radiance, Cleveland State University’s premier fundraising event, returned to the campus ballroom to celebrate over $3 million raised in support for student scholarships, programs, services and more.
CSU establishes Bowen fellowship for doctoral studies in Urban Affairs with $1 million gift from Dealer Tire’s Scott Mueller
When William “Bill” Bowen Ph.D. retired at the end of May, colleagues, family and friends gathered in the Levin College’s Steinbacher Atrium to celebrate his decorated career. Among them was Scott Mueller, CEO of Dealer Tire and longtime friend.
CSU to establish Center for Transformative Leadership with $1 million gift from KeyBank
A $1 million gift from KeyBank will help Cleveland State University further prepare students to be actively engaged citizens who have a positive, direct impact on their communities.
Howley Foundation partners with CSU to help more students attend college and graduate
An innovative new partnership with The Howley Foundation will allow economically disadvantaged students from select Northeast Ohio high schools to successfully pursue and complete a college degree at Cleveland State University.
$5 million Gund Foundation grant supports student success at CSU
A generous grant from The George Gund Foundation will provide 120 Say Yes Cleveland scholarship recipients from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) the opportunity to participate in Cleveland State University’s highly successful Living
Single mom overcomes battery of obstacles on her way to a degree
As Monica bathed her one-year-old son out of a pot, she knew she had to make a change. It was the winter of 2020 and her apartment’s heat had stopped working. Despite her pleading, her landlord refused to fix it. That forced her, her boyfriend and he
New additions to alumni staff add fresh energy to team
Jennifer is the ever efficient one. Matt is never without a dad joke and has a knack for building relationships. Together, they form a dynamic duo that joined the Alumni Affairs team alongside Anne-Marie Connors just over six months ago.
The founder of the leading ebook distributor furthers his plans for world literacy
Steve Potash, son of Ukrainian Jewish refugees, founded OverDrive in the late ’80s from his kitchen to digitize law and later all e‑books. Now with Libby, Sora & global reach, he champions worldwide literacy.
On the forefront of treatment dynamics
Anita Bradley overcame cocaine addiction triggered by her father’s death in 1986. Clean since 1990, she earned a MSW and founded NORA in 2004. It’s now a leading addiction and mental health treatment center in Northeast Ohio.
CSU names its eighth president
On April 26, 2022, the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees named Laura Bloomberg, Ph.D., as the next president of the university.
Angel of Warsaw: One Viking’s Experience with Russia’s War on Ukraine
CSU alumnus, expat, IT CEO Angelo J. Pressello brings a view of Engaged Learning during wartime
Nebulae
A new installation in Berkman Hall is the creation of artist Dante Rodriguez (BA ’03). It’s inspired by starling murmurations.
CSU reaccredited by Higher Learning Commission
Cleveland State University has been fully reaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for the next 10 years — an affirmation of the quality of its educational programs and services.
Radiance celebrates over $3 million raised for student success initiatives
On May 11, after three years, Radiance, Cleveland State University’s premier fundraising event, returned to the campus ballroom to celebrate over $3 million raised in support for student scholarships, programs, services and more.
CSU to establish Center for Transformative Leadership with $1 million gift from KeyBank
A $1 million gift from KeyBank will help Cleveland State University further prepare students to be actively engaged citizens who have a positive, direct impact on their communities.
$5 million Gund Foundation grant supports student success at CSU
A generous grant from The George Gund Foundation will provide 120 Say Yes Cleveland scholarship recipients from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) the opportunity to participate in Cleveland State University’s highly successful Living
New additions to alumni staff add fresh energy to team
Jennifer is the ever efficient one. Matt is never without a dad joke and has a knack for building relationships. Together, they form a dynamic duo that joined the Alumni Affairs team alongside Anne-Marie Connors just over six months ago.
On the forefront of treatment dynamics
Anita Bradley overcame cocaine addiction triggered by her father’s death in 1986. Clean since 1990, she earned a MSW and founded NORA in 2004. It’s now a leading addiction and mental health treatment center in Northeast Ohio.
The Way of the Artist
There’s a common theme among the following alumni. Sure, they’re all artists, some using paint and canvas, some the written word, some timeless artifacts, some the stage. But many arrived there after upheaval, doubts and setbacks.
A Message from the President
New CSU President Laura Bloomberg reflects on the transition back to in-person classes and events, college realignment under CSU 2.0, and celebrating student achievements in arts and athletics.
New deans named to lead newly formed colleges
With the announcement of CSU’s reimagined colleges comes news of two new faces and a familiar one who will take the helm at each.
CSU research initiative seeks to reduce infant and maternal mortality
In Ohio, the Black infant and maternal mortality rate is nearly double that in the White community. CSU has joined the statewide effort to combat that disparity.
CSU establishes Bowen fellowship for doctoral studies in Urban Affairs with $1 million gift from Dealer Tire’s Scott Mueller
When William “Bill” Bowen Ph.D. retired at the end of May, colleagues, family and friends gathered in the Levin College’s Steinbacher Atrium to celebrate his decorated career. Among them was Scott Mueller, CEO of Dealer Tire and longtime friend.
Howley Foundation partners with CSU to help more students attend college and graduate
An innovative new partnership with The Howley Foundation will allow economically disadvantaged students from select Northeast Ohio high schools to successfully pursue and complete a college degree at Cleveland State University.
Single mom overcomes battery of obstacles on her way to a degree
As Monica bathed her one-year-old son out of a pot, she knew she had to make a change. It was the winter of 2020 and her apartment’s heat had stopped working. Despite her pleading, her landlord refused to fix it. That forced her, her boyfriend and he
The founder of the leading ebook distributor furthers his plans for world literacy
Steve Potash, son of Ukrainian Jewish refugees, founded OverDrive in the late ’80s from his kitchen to digitize law and later all e‑books. Now with Libby, Sora & global reach, he champions worldwide literacy.
CSU names its eighth president
On April 26, 2022, the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees named Laura Bloomberg, Ph.D., as the next president of the university.
A Message from the President
New CSU President Laura Bloomberg reflects on the transition back to in-person classes and events, college realignment under CSU 2.0, and celebrating student achievements in arts and athletics.
CSU reaccredited by Higher Learning Commission
Cleveland State University has been fully reaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for the next 10 years — an affirmation of the quality of its educational programs and services.
CSU establishes Bowen fellowship for doctoral studies in Urban Affairs with $1 million gift from Dealer Tire’s Scott Mueller
When William “Bill” Bowen Ph.D. retired at the end of May, colleagues, family and friends gathered in the Levin College’s Steinbacher Atrium to celebrate his decorated career. Among them was Scott Mueller, CEO of Dealer Tire and longtime friend.
$5 million Gund Foundation grant supports student success at CSU
A generous grant from The George Gund Foundation will provide 120 Say Yes Cleveland scholarship recipients from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) the opportunity to participate in Cleveland State University’s highly successful Living
The founder of the leading ebook distributor furthers his plans for world literacy
Steve Potash, son of Ukrainian Jewish refugees, founded OverDrive in the late ’80s from his kitchen to digitize law and later all e‑books. Now with Libby, Sora & global reach, he champions worldwide literacy.
The Way of the Artist
There’s a common theme among the following alumni. Sure, they’re all artists, some using paint and canvas, some the written word, some timeless artifacts, some the stage. But many arrived there after upheaval, doubts and setbacks.
Nebulae
A new installation in Berkman Hall is the creation of artist Dante Rodriguez (BA ’03). It’s inspired by starling murmurations.
CSU research initiative seeks to reduce infant and maternal mortality
In Ohio, the Black infant and maternal mortality rate is nearly double that in the White community. CSU has joined the statewide effort to combat that disparity.
CSU to establish Center for Transformative Leadership with $1 million gift from KeyBank
A $1 million gift from KeyBank will help Cleveland State University further prepare students to be actively engaged citizens who have a positive, direct impact on their communities.
Single mom overcomes battery of obstacles on her way to a degree
As Monica bathed her one-year-old son out of a pot, she knew she had to make a change. It was the winter of 2020 and her apartment’s heat had stopped working. Despite her pleading, her landlord refused to fix it. That forced her, her boyfriend and he
On the forefront of treatment dynamics
Anita Bradley overcame cocaine addiction triggered by her father’s death in 1986. Clean since 1990, she earned a MSW and founded NORA in 2004. It’s now a leading addiction and mental health treatment center in Northeast Ohio.
Angel of Warsaw: One Viking’s Experience with Russia’s War on Ukraine
CSU alumnus, expat, IT CEO Angelo J. Pressello brings a view of Engaged Learning during wartime
New deans named to lead newly formed colleges
With the announcement of CSU’s reimagined colleges comes news of two new faces and a familiar one who will take the helm at each.
Radiance celebrates over $3 million raised for student success initiatives
On May 11, after three years, Radiance, Cleveland State University’s premier fundraising event, returned to the campus ballroom to celebrate over $3 million raised in support for student scholarships, programs, services and more.
Howley Foundation partners with CSU to help more students attend college and graduate
An innovative new partnership with The Howley Foundation will allow economically disadvantaged students from select Northeast Ohio high schools to successfully pursue and complete a college degree at Cleveland State University.
New additions to alumni staff add fresh energy to team
Jennifer is the ever efficient one. Matt is never without a dad joke and has a knack for building relationships. Together, they form a dynamic duo that joined the Alumni Affairs team alongside Anne-Marie Connors just over six months ago.