Be Amazing Symposium is Amazing
Be Amazing . . . The Second Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium drew some 800 women (and a few men) to Cleveland’s Public Auditorium for a day of inspirational, thought-provoking talks; shared meals and conversations; and renewal of drive and spirit. Collectively, guests and presenters represented a breadth and depth of talent and leadership that ranged from a woman running her own construction company to women thriving in the arts to entrepreneurs, lawyers, and authors.
Highlights included:
- A keynote address by alumna Rachel Talton, BA ’02/MBA ’04, describing the personal tragedy she overcame before starting her company, Flourish Leadership, as a “safe space where women could come together, be uplifted and not feel empty.”
- A keynote address by Nancy Frates, “the mom behind the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge,” who shared a moving account of her 27-year-old son’s ALS diagnosis and how he chose to chronicle his illness to raise awareness of the degenerative disease. The Ice Bucket Challenge has raised more than $200 million for ALS research.
“He wakes up every morning and is proactive and positive. It’s a choice we make every day,” Frates told a rapt audience. “Once you have hope, you’re going to get yourself to the finish line.” - Seven panels with 40 speakers; nine breakout sessions with 12 presenters; and an expo with representatives of some 50 organizations.
Dream Big, Seize the Moment and Believe in the Possibilities were the themes for programs ranging from “Beyond Rosie the Riveter” and “In the ‘C’ Suite” to “Emotionally Intelligent Leadership” and “Stay Out of Your Own Way.”
In a breakout titled “Women in Retirement: Challenges and Opportunities,” Nan Cohen, CEO of Creekside Financial Advisors, talked about time, talent and treasure. “Success is dependent on how you respect and deploy your time . . . take your treasure and invest in your talent,” she said.
In a panel discussion titled “Business 101 for Lawyers,” Sonali Wilson, general counsel for CSU, referenced the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when she said “In law, we are supposed to be the drum majors for justice, (yet) this is the profession that is behind all others in terms of diversity and justice.”
CSU alumna Shanette Buford Brazzell, BA ’13, manager of special events at United Way of Greater Cleveland, served on a panel titled “Women of Color: Aspiring and Inspiring.” She implored young women in the audience to “develop a quarterly list of goals, keep a journal and surround yourself with people who can uplift you daily.”
The symposium was co-sponsored by CSU’s Alumni Association and Division of Student Affairs, the Ohio University Alumni Association, and OU’s alumnae group, ohiowomen.
Alumnae at both OU and CSU have expressed interest in leadership development and in networking across generations, notes Brian Breittholz, assistant vice president, alumni relations, and executive director, CSU Alumni Association, and Jennifer Neubauer, assistant vice president, alumni relations, and executive director, OHIO Alumni Association.
“The offerings at the symposium went far past the traditional ‘You go girl’ fare that too many women’s conferences rely upon,” said Neubauer. Instead, the symposium offered “smart, thought-provoking dialogue that addressed the challenges women face personally and professionally.”
Added Breittholz, “Cleveland State and Ohio University both have extraordinary alumnae and students engaged in many vibrant leadership roles in northeast Ohio. We were delighted to partner with OU on this extraordinary event.”
Participants posted inspirational words they heard and their own reactions throughout the day on social media. Among the comments:
“It is always wonderful to be surrounded by women making a positive impact in their companies, community and world. I especially enjoyed the presentation on how gender stereotypes threaten women’s success and can lead us to self-sabotage.”
“Thanks for the most relevant women’s leadership conference to date in my professional career.”
“Thank you. This reenforced how many opportunities there are to make a difference.”
Join Us
Join us for our 2017 Women’s Leadership Symposium on Wednesday, April 12, at Wolstein Center. Details will be posted at csualumni.com as they become available.
Also in This Issue...
A Reason to Celebrate
For the third consecutive year, generous donors helped Radiance: CSU Realizing the Promise achieve more than $1 million for scholarships.
Making it Happen
CSU alumni played vital roles in the 2016 RNC — from city leadership to safety, free speech, and visitor experience — showcasing Cleveland’s growth, unity, and success.
A Message from the President
President Ronald M. Berkman highlights CSU’s record freshman class, fundraising success, improved retention, U.S. News recognition, and his advocacy for increased state support for higher education.
CSU Among Best in the Nation
Cleveland State University again is among the best colleges and universities in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
CSU helps Cleveland shine during RNC
CSU hosted RNC events — from online classes to TEDx — boosting national media coverage and spotlighting Cleveland’s resurgence.
CSU’s man in Rio
Wally Morton, who coached CSU swimming and diving for 39 seasons, was in Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Olympics along with his wife, Carol, a faculty member at Baldwin Wallace University. It was their 10th Olympic adventure.
Lights, Cameras, Cleveland State
From Captain America and the Avengers to Ralphie, the Old Man and a pitcher known as Wild Thing — Cleveland has long been a fertile filming ground for the motion picture industry.
O Hail the Green and White
Homecoming 2016 brought hundreds of alumni back to campus to celebrate CSU.
On the road again
Visiting Cleveland-area landmarks, hosting fun-filled family outings, touring the world, connecting with grads across the country — the CSU Alumni Association’s calendar of events has something for everyone.
Student Success Initiatives Drive CSU Growth and Recognition
In an era where barely half of the nation’s college students obtain a degree within six years, Cleveland State is all about student success — and innovative ways to help them graduate on time and with as little debt as possible.
The Recipe for Student Success
First-gen and transfer learners thrive at CSU through TRIO, coaching, tutoring, and service pathways, proving engaged support leads to success.
Face-off! Lacrosse comes to CSU
The newest addition to the Department of Athletics is men’s lacrosse. The sport is the fastest growing in the nation among high school student-athletes, and CSU head coach Dylan Sheridan used the 2015-16 year to build his program.
73 New Members Boost Expertise of Strong Faculty
This fall, CSU welcomed 73 new faculty members, many of whom come from flagship Association of American Universities (AAU) institutions. The group includes 47 tenure/tenure track faculty – by far the largest number to join Cleveland State.
Deans bring expertise to colleges
CSU welcomed three expert deans: Dr. Roland Anglin in Urban Affairs, Dr. Timothy Gaspar in Nursing, and former Ohio AG Lee Fisher at Cleveland–Marshall Law — each bringing deep experience to elevate their respective colleges.
Corporate chapters engage alumni
The Alumni Association welcomes American Greetings as its third corporate chapter. It joins the Forest City Enterprises chapter, which just celebrated its first anniversary, and Sherwin-Williams, which established a corporate chapter in 2014.
Stay Engaged!
Keep up to date with the CSU Alumni Association by following us online. Our website, csualumni.com, is your starting point for all things alumni.
The 26th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards honors 10 graduates
With the basketball court at Wolstein Center transformed into a sparkling ballroom, nearly 500 alumni and friends gathered to pay tribute to this year’s class of Distinguished Alumni.
Research Aids Veterans, Caregivers
CSU researchers secured a $1 million NSF grant to develop tools supporting veterans and their caregivers — enhancing resources, care strategies, and transitions from service to civilian life.
Sullivan-Deckard Foster Program Lauded
Cleveland State was one of just nine colleges and universities nationwide honored by University Business magazine with a 2016 Models of Excellence award, which recognizes innovative approaches to encouraging and nurturing student success.
Class Notes – Fall 2016
A Reason to Celebrate
For the third consecutive year, generous donors helped Radiance: CSU Realizing the Promise achieve more than $1 million for scholarships.
A Message from the President
President Ronald M. Berkman highlights CSU’s record freshman class, fundraising success, improved retention, U.S. News recognition, and his advocacy for increased state support for higher education.
CSU helps Cleveland shine during RNC
CSU hosted RNC events — from online classes to TEDx — boosting national media coverage and spotlighting Cleveland’s resurgence.
Lights, Cameras, Cleveland State
From Captain America and the Avengers to Ralphie, the Old Man and a pitcher known as Wild Thing — Cleveland has long been a fertile filming ground for the motion picture industry.
On the road again
Visiting Cleveland-area landmarks, hosting fun-filled family outings, touring the world, connecting with grads across the country — the CSU Alumni Association’s calendar of events has something for everyone.
The Recipe for Student Success
First-gen and transfer learners thrive at CSU through TRIO, coaching, tutoring, and service pathways, proving engaged support leads to success.
73 New Members Boost Expertise of Strong Faculty
This fall, CSU welcomed 73 new faculty members, many of whom come from flagship Association of American Universities (AAU) institutions. The group includes 47 tenure/tenure track faculty – by far the largest number to join Cleveland State.
Corporate chapters engage alumni
The Alumni Association welcomes American Greetings as its third corporate chapter. It joins the Forest City Enterprises chapter, which just celebrated its first anniversary, and Sherwin-Williams, which established a corporate chapter in 2014.
The 26th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards honors 10 graduates
With the basketball court at Wolstein Center transformed into a sparkling ballroom, nearly 500 alumni and friends gathered to pay tribute to this year’s class of Distinguished Alumni.
Sullivan-Deckard Foster Program Lauded
Cleveland State was one of just nine colleges and universities nationwide honored by University Business magazine with a 2016 Models of Excellence award, which recognizes innovative approaches to encouraging and nurturing student success.
Making it Happen
CSU alumni played vital roles in the 2016 RNC — from city leadership to safety, free speech, and visitor experience — showcasing Cleveland’s growth, unity, and success.
CSU Among Best in the Nation
Cleveland State University again is among the best colleges and universities in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
CSU’s man in Rio
Wally Morton, who coached CSU swimming and diving for 39 seasons, was in Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Olympics along with his wife, Carol, a faculty member at Baldwin Wallace University. It was their 10th Olympic adventure.
O Hail the Green and White
Homecoming 2016 brought hundreds of alumni back to campus to celebrate CSU.
Student Success Initiatives Drive CSU Growth and Recognition
In an era where barely half of the nation’s college students obtain a degree within six years, Cleveland State is all about student success — and innovative ways to help them graduate on time and with as little debt as possible.
Face-off! Lacrosse comes to CSU
The newest addition to the Department of Athletics is men’s lacrosse. The sport is the fastest growing in the nation among high school student-athletes, and CSU head coach Dylan Sheridan used the 2015-16 year to build his program.
Deans bring expertise to colleges
CSU welcomed three expert deans: Dr. Roland Anglin in Urban Affairs, Dr. Timothy Gaspar in Nursing, and former Ohio AG Lee Fisher at Cleveland–Marshall Law — each bringing deep experience to elevate their respective colleges.
Stay Engaged!
Keep up to date with the CSU Alumni Association by following us online. Our website, csualumni.com, is your starting point for all things alumni.
Research Aids Veterans, Caregivers
CSU researchers secured a $1 million NSF grant to develop tools supporting veterans and their caregivers — enhancing resources, care strategies, and transitions from service to civilian life.
Class Notes – Fall 2016
A Reason to Celebrate
For the third consecutive year, generous donors helped Radiance: CSU Realizing the Promise achieve more than $1 million for scholarships.
CSU Among Best in the Nation
Cleveland State University again is among the best colleges and universities in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Lights, Cameras, Cleveland State
From Captain America and the Avengers to Ralphie, the Old Man and a pitcher known as Wild Thing — Cleveland has long been a fertile filming ground for the motion picture industry.
Student Success Initiatives Drive CSU Growth and Recognition
In an era where barely half of the nation’s college students obtain a degree within six years, Cleveland State is all about student success — and innovative ways to help them graduate on time and with as little debt as possible.
73 New Members Boost Expertise of Strong Faculty
This fall, CSU welcomed 73 new faculty members, many of whom come from flagship Association of American Universities (AAU) institutions. The group includes 47 tenure/tenure track faculty – by far the largest number to join Cleveland State.
Stay Engaged!
Keep up to date with the CSU Alumni Association by following us online. Our website, csualumni.com, is your starting point for all things alumni.
Sullivan-Deckard Foster Program Lauded
Cleveland State was one of just nine colleges and universities nationwide honored by University Business magazine with a 2016 Models of Excellence award, which recognizes innovative approaches to encouraging and nurturing student success.
Making it Happen
CSU alumni played vital roles in the 2016 RNC — from city leadership to safety, free speech, and visitor experience — showcasing Cleveland’s growth, unity, and success.
CSU helps Cleveland shine during RNC
CSU hosted RNC events — from online classes to TEDx — boosting national media coverage and spotlighting Cleveland’s resurgence.
O Hail the Green and White
Homecoming 2016 brought hundreds of alumni back to campus to celebrate CSU.
The Recipe for Student Success
First-gen and transfer learners thrive at CSU through TRIO, coaching, tutoring, and service pathways, proving engaged support leads to success.
Deans bring expertise to colleges
CSU welcomed three expert deans: Dr. Roland Anglin in Urban Affairs, Dr. Timothy Gaspar in Nursing, and former Ohio AG Lee Fisher at Cleveland–Marshall Law — each bringing deep experience to elevate their respective colleges.
The 26th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards honors 10 graduates
With the basketball court at Wolstein Center transformed into a sparkling ballroom, nearly 500 alumni and friends gathered to pay tribute to this year’s class of Distinguished Alumni.
Class Notes – Fall 2016
A Message from the President
President Ronald M. Berkman highlights CSU’s record freshman class, fundraising success, improved retention, U.S. News recognition, and his advocacy for increased state support for higher education.
CSU’s man in Rio
Wally Morton, who coached CSU swimming and diving for 39 seasons, was in Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Olympics along with his wife, Carol, a faculty member at Baldwin Wallace University. It was their 10th Olympic adventure.
On the road again
Visiting Cleveland-area landmarks, hosting fun-filled family outings, touring the world, connecting with grads across the country — the CSU Alumni Association’s calendar of events has something for everyone.
Face-off! Lacrosse comes to CSU
The newest addition to the Department of Athletics is men’s lacrosse. The sport is the fastest growing in the nation among high school student-athletes, and CSU head coach Dylan Sheridan used the 2015-16 year to build his program.
Corporate chapters engage alumni
The Alumni Association welcomes American Greetings as its third corporate chapter. It joins the Forest City Enterprises chapter, which just celebrated its first anniversary, and Sherwin-Williams, which established a corporate chapter in 2014.
Research Aids Veterans, Caregivers
CSU researchers secured a $1 million NSF grant to develop tools supporting veterans and their caregivers — enhancing resources, care strategies, and transitions from service to civilian life.