CSU Moving Forward Together
Noting that he has “always liked challenges with big opportunities attached,” Harlan M. Sands officially took on the greatest challenge and opportunity of his academic career – serving as president of Cleveland State University.
“Let’s dream big – together,” he urged an enthusiastic crowd of over 700 students, faculty, staff and community members filling Waetjen Auditorium, as well as hundreds more watching online, as he took the oath of office and was formally installed as CSU’s seventh president.
In his investiture address, Sands committed to building on CSU’s unique position as a nationally recognized public urban research university and pledged to strengthen its mission to provide accessible, high-quality, career-focused education and research. He also stressed the importance of expanding Cleveland State’s identity as a key anchor institution for Northeast Ohio and a beacon for upward mobility for all.
“Together, we will expand our reach as both an anchor and beacon, working to grow our already impressive brand,” he said. “Together, we will continue to serve our community with our unique mix of high-quality, affordable and accessible academic programs that transform lives.”
He also stressed the importance of every member of the CSU community in helping to make these goals a reality.
“As we build our CSU of tomorrow, it is clear that our future will be defined . . . by our people. Together, we will define our own future and not let the future define us,” he said.
While Sands began his tenure June 1, his formal investiture was an opportunity for the CSU community to celebrate the beginning of the next chapter in the University’s history while also allowing the president to outline his vision for the future of the institution.
Sands called CSU, at just “54 years young,” an “incredible success story. And we don’t have any intention of slowing down!”
He cited core principles at the heart of CSU. “We are – and always will be – about putting students first. We will always lead in providing affordable and accessible education to the largest number of students that we can. We are a faculty of scholar/teachers committed to the urban mission; we are students that have grit, energy and drive, with the ambition to fully achieve the American dream; we are staff who are devoted to supporting faculty and students in their vital work. We are an institution of incredible breadth, depth and quality that belies our youth. We are a University and city of collaborations and partnerships. We draw strength from each other.”
Sands pledged to use CSU’s position as an anchor institution to propel the city and region forward. That includes increasing the number of local high school graduates who attend CSU and doing everything possible to ensure they graduate.
“We will double down on our work with local community college partners to establish new and enhanced college completion pathways. We will increase our presence in high schools and on community college campuses,” he said. “Nowhere is this added intentionality more needed than in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.”
To help students graduate from CSU in a timely manner, Sands believes “we will need to better integrate our student recruitment and retention efforts and invest in the kinds of retention support activities that work: summer immersion programs, mentoring programs, intrusive advising, success coaching, and what I call business intelligence — the ability to use state-of-the-art data systems and predictive analytics to tailor support services to specific student needs.”
Sands said that as a beacon institution, the University will engage in aggressive student recruiting, becoming a first-choice destination for students from outside the region, across Ohio, other states and overseas. And CSU will continue to build on its Engaged Learning educational experience to prepare students for jobs in Northeast Ohio.
“A top priority will be to expand co-op opportunities. Our goal – to guarantee any student who wants a co-op experience at CSU gets one at a company in Northeast Ohio,” he said.
Sands believes CSU also must provide regional leaders with ideas that foster urban revitalization, economic development and public health. And CSU must serve as a cultural and intellectual center for metropolitan Cleveland.
The theme for the investiture celebration was Forward Together.
“Together, we will build a best-in-class research and teaching university known for its groundbreaking cradle-to-career programs that expand the boundaries of academic creativity and innovation,” he said.
The investiture of a new university president is a festive event, steeped in tradition. CSU’s ceremony began with a procession of participants in full academic regalia from the Student Center to Waetjen Auditorium. Those marching included the platform party and delegates representing academic institutions throughout the nation. Following the ceremony, the participants and audience members processed down Euclid Avenue to the Student Center for an all-campus reception.
Dignitaries delivering greetings at the event included Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Eli Capilouto, president of the University of Kentucky, and Mark Rosenberg, president of Florida International University.
President Sands’ parents, sisters, wife Lynn, sons Samson and A.J. and other family
and friends were also in attendance.
Also in This Issue...
Harlan Sands
President Harlan M. Sands rose from humble beginnings through the Navy, law, and higher-ed leadership. Now at CSU, he champions urban education and community-focused student success.
Film and Media Arts Students Take Center Stage
The Forest City. Home of rock and roll. Hollywood of the Midwest? Cleveland may soon have a new nickname, thanks to CSU’s new School of Film & Media Arts.
A Message from the President
President Sands celebrates presiding over CSU’s commencement, honors student success, and highlights the university’s growth and community impact in urban research.
Green Power
CSU is one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to the 2018 edition of The Princeton Review’s Guide to 399 Green Colleges.
Enrollment Grows Again!
Marking its 11th straight year of enrollment growth, CSU welcomed more than 1,950 first-year students to campus fall semester, as well as 30 new faculty members.
Treating Diabetes
A team of researchers led by CSU received a $1.69 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to improve treatment of type-2 diabetes.
Law Hall of Fame
Twenty-six leaders — including judges, alumni & public servants — were inducted into CSU's C|M|LAW Hall of Fame. A new legal tech lab also opened to prepare students for practice with hands-on tools.
C|M|LAW Tops Bar Exam
CSU’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law had the highest passage rate for first-time takers of the July Ohio Bar Exam. The school’s 93 percent passage rate was well above the state average of 79 percent.
In Tribute to the Public Service
David Abbott, executive director of the George Gund Foundation, was honored with the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs 2018 In Tribute to the Public Service Award.
MakerSpace Fuels Creativity
CSU’s Dan T. Moore MakerSpace is officially open for business, enhancing Engaged Learning opportunities and helping produce “Ready-to-Go” engineers to meet industry needs.
Master of Influence
The Bernie Moreno Center for Sales Excellence at Cleveland State University launched with an inaugural event featuring Robert Cialdini, widely regarded as the worldwide expert on influence and persuasion.
A Tip of the Viking Helmet
Roland V. Anglin, dean of the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, was elected to the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA).
On the Front Lines Combatting Disease
Scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge discoveries by CSU faculty researchers are helping cure disease, improve quality of life and even save lives.
Record $1.7-plus Million Raised for Scholarships
Radiance, CSU’s annual fundraising event to support student scholarships, raised a record $1.7-plus million in 2018, bringing its seven-year total to over $7.8 million to help students who are a few dollars short graduate on time.
Why I Say “Yes” to Radiance
Mark Ross, managing partner at PwC, shares his thoughts on Radiance.
Homecoming
Were you one of the many alumni who came home to CSU for Homecoming 2018? For those that came from near and far, thank you. We enjoyed talking with you, sharing memories and showing you all that CSU has become.
Distinguished Alumni Awards
From a law man to a scientist and a hoops star to a poetess, CSU’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients represent the wide-ranging power of a CSU education.
Alumna Helps Free Innocent Man From Prison
A CSU alumna helped to secure the release of a wrongfully convicted man, highlighting her dedication to justice and impactful advocacy in the fight against wrongful imprisonment.
Second Act
Thinking of a new career, starting a business, or finding that meaningful volunteer role? Second Act, a new educational series explores lifestyle, health, finance and volunteerism issues to help you find your place in the changing seasons of life.
On the Road Again
The CSU Alumni Association is on the road again, reconnecting with graduates near and far.
Class Notes – Winter 2019
Harlan Sands
President Harlan M. Sands rose from humble beginnings through the Navy, law, and higher-ed leadership. Now at CSU, he champions urban education and community-focused student success.
A Message from the President
President Sands celebrates presiding over CSU’s commencement, honors student success, and highlights the university’s growth and community impact in urban research.
Enrollment Grows Again!
Marking its 11th straight year of enrollment growth, CSU welcomed more than 1,950 first-year students to campus fall semester, as well as 30 new faculty members.
Law Hall of Fame
Twenty-six leaders — including judges, alumni & public servants — were inducted into CSU's C|M|LAW Hall of Fame. A new legal tech lab also opened to prepare students for practice with hands-on tools.
In Tribute to the Public Service
David Abbott, executive director of the George Gund Foundation, was honored with the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs 2018 In Tribute to the Public Service Award.
Master of Influence
The Bernie Moreno Center for Sales Excellence at Cleveland State University launched with an inaugural event featuring Robert Cialdini, widely regarded as the worldwide expert on influence and persuasion.
On the Front Lines Combatting Disease
Scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge discoveries by CSU faculty researchers are helping cure disease, improve quality of life and even save lives.
Why I Say “Yes” to Radiance
Mark Ross, managing partner at PwC, shares his thoughts on Radiance.
Distinguished Alumni Awards
From a law man to a scientist and a hoops star to a poetess, CSU’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients represent the wide-ranging power of a CSU education.
Second Act
Thinking of a new career, starting a business, or finding that meaningful volunteer role? Second Act, a new educational series explores lifestyle, health, finance and volunteerism issues to help you find your place in the changing seasons of life.
Class Notes – Winter 2019
Film and Media Arts Students Take Center Stage
The Forest City. Home of rock and roll. Hollywood of the Midwest? Cleveland may soon have a new nickname, thanks to CSU’s new School of Film & Media Arts.
Green Power
CSU is one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to the 2018 edition of The Princeton Review’s Guide to 399 Green Colleges.
Treating Diabetes
A team of researchers led by CSU received a $1.69 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to improve treatment of type-2 diabetes.
C|M|LAW Tops Bar Exam
CSU’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law had the highest passage rate for first-time takers of the July Ohio Bar Exam. The school’s 93 percent passage rate was well above the state average of 79 percent.
MakerSpace Fuels Creativity
CSU’s Dan T. Moore MakerSpace is officially open for business, enhancing Engaged Learning opportunities and helping produce “Ready-to-Go” engineers to meet industry needs.
A Tip of the Viking Helmet
Roland V. Anglin, dean of the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, was elected to the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA).
Record $1.7-plus Million Raised for Scholarships
Radiance, CSU’s annual fundraising event to support student scholarships, raised a record $1.7-plus million in 2018, bringing its seven-year total to over $7.8 million to help students who are a few dollars short graduate on time.
Homecoming
Were you one of the many alumni who came home to CSU for Homecoming 2018? For those that came from near and far, thank you. We enjoyed talking with you, sharing memories and showing you all that CSU has become.
Alumna Helps Free Innocent Man From Prison
A CSU alumna helped to secure the release of a wrongfully convicted man, highlighting her dedication to justice and impactful advocacy in the fight against wrongful imprisonment.
On the Road Again
The CSU Alumni Association is on the road again, reconnecting with graduates near and far.
Harlan Sands
President Harlan M. Sands rose from humble beginnings through the Navy, law, and higher-ed leadership. Now at CSU, he champions urban education and community-focused student success.
Green Power
CSU is one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to the 2018 edition of The Princeton Review’s Guide to 399 Green Colleges.
Law Hall of Fame
Twenty-six leaders — including judges, alumni & public servants — were inducted into CSU's C|M|LAW Hall of Fame. A new legal tech lab also opened to prepare students for practice with hands-on tools.
MakerSpace Fuels Creativity
CSU’s Dan T. Moore MakerSpace is officially open for business, enhancing Engaged Learning opportunities and helping produce “Ready-to-Go” engineers to meet industry needs.
On the Front Lines Combatting Disease
Scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge discoveries by CSU faculty researchers are helping cure disease, improve quality of life and even save lives.
Homecoming
Were you one of the many alumni who came home to CSU for Homecoming 2018? For those that came from near and far, thank you. We enjoyed talking with you, sharing memories and showing you all that CSU has become.
Second Act
Thinking of a new career, starting a business, or finding that meaningful volunteer role? Second Act, a new educational series explores lifestyle, health, finance and volunteerism issues to help you find your place in the changing seasons of life.
Film and Media Arts Students Take Center Stage
The Forest City. Home of rock and roll. Hollywood of the Midwest? Cleveland may soon have a new nickname, thanks to CSU’s new School of Film & Media Arts.
Enrollment Grows Again!
Marking its 11th straight year of enrollment growth, CSU welcomed more than 1,950 first-year students to campus fall semester, as well as 30 new faculty members.
C|M|LAW Tops Bar Exam
CSU’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law had the highest passage rate for first-time takers of the July Ohio Bar Exam. The school’s 93 percent passage rate was well above the state average of 79 percent.
Master of Influence
The Bernie Moreno Center for Sales Excellence at Cleveland State University launched with an inaugural event featuring Robert Cialdini, widely regarded as the worldwide expert on influence and persuasion.
Record $1.7-plus Million Raised for Scholarships
Radiance, CSU’s annual fundraising event to support student scholarships, raised a record $1.7-plus million in 2018, bringing its seven-year total to over $7.8 million to help students who are a few dollars short graduate on time.
Distinguished Alumni Awards
From a law man to a scientist and a hoops star to a poetess, CSU’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients represent the wide-ranging power of a CSU education.
On the Road Again
The CSU Alumni Association is on the road again, reconnecting with graduates near and far.
A Message from the President
President Sands celebrates presiding over CSU’s commencement, honors student success, and highlights the university’s growth and community impact in urban research.
Treating Diabetes
A team of researchers led by CSU received a $1.69 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to improve treatment of type-2 diabetes.
In Tribute to the Public Service
David Abbott, executive director of the George Gund Foundation, was honored with the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs 2018 In Tribute to the Public Service Award.
A Tip of the Viking Helmet
Roland V. Anglin, dean of the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, was elected to the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA).
Why I Say “Yes” to Radiance
Mark Ross, managing partner at PwC, shares his thoughts on Radiance.
Alumna Helps Free Innocent Man From Prison
A CSU alumna helped to secure the release of a wrongfully convicted man, highlighting her dedication to justice and impactful advocacy in the fight against wrongful imprisonment.