Gateway to Engineering

Copy URL
Gateway cover
 

CSU’s spectacular new northern gateway to campus, Donald E. Washkewicz Hall, provides enhanced educational and research opportunities for engineering students and faculty.

Those opportunities were enriched with the surprise announcement of a $1 million gift from Don and Pam Washkewicz during the building’s ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony.

“Today we celebrate this tremendous new resource for our students, our University and the community,” said President Ronald M. Berkman. “And we thank Don and Pam for their latest gift, which will further educational opportunity for all and support our next generation of engineers and business leaders.”

The new engineering building was made possible by a combined $20 million gift from the Washkewiczes and the Parker Hannifin Foundation. It includes teaching and research laboratories, simulation labs for computer modeling, student collaboration spaces, smart classrooms, and more.

The four-story facility also features the Dan T. Moore MakerSpace, where students can transform their ideas into reality using state-of-the art technology, and the Parker Hannifin Human Motion and Control Lab, which is developing innovative orthotics and prosthetics to assist individuals with mobility issues.

Washk space

The facility was financed through a public-private partnership, with capital funds provided by the state of Ohio. Additional support was provided by Dan T. Moore and the estate of Frederick H. Ray.

Alumnus Washkewicz graduated from CSU with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1972 and joined Parker Hannifin the same year. He rose through the ranks to ultimately become president, chairman and chief executive officer, and proudly says his education provided the foundation for career success. He retired in 2016.

Through the years, he and Parker have been among CSU’s strongest partners, supporting the Human Motion and Control laboratory and other labs, equipment and technology, endowed professorships and scholarships, the annual Radiance scholarship event, a new Administration Center and renovation of a building for the College of Graduate Studies, renovation of the Allen Theatre for the CSU arts campus, and more. Parker also regularly recruits and hires graduates; through the years, hundreds of CSU alumni have worked for the company across the United States.

Washkewicz recently served as co-chair of ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University. In recognition of his transformational impact and belief in CSU and its students, the College of Engineering was named in his honor in 2013.

His surprise announcement of an additional $1 million wowed the capacity audience at the ribbon-cutting and dedication dinner.

“Pam and I and our entire family have been delighted to see this facility take shape and are truly honored to have had the opportunity to work with President Berkman to enhance the important mission of the University,” he said. “We hope the additional support we are announcing today will enable the CSU engineering program to do even more to make engineering a core driver of job growth and economic opportunity in the region.”

The Washkewicz Scholars Program provides full academic scholarships for undergraduate students in an engineering discipline, including civil, mechanical, electrical, computer and chemical engineering.

“CSU is committed to developing first-in-class education, research and Engaged Learning opportunities that will continue to ensure that we are graduating ‘ready-to-go’ engineers,” noted Anette M. Karlsson, dean of the Washkewicz College of Engineering. “We thank Don and Pam for their sustained commitment to this goal and to the continued elevation of CSU as a premier urban university.”

Washk stairwell

President Berkman called the couple “true champions of CSU whose support has helped transform our College of Engineering into a powerhouse of innovation and opportunity for students and faculty, placing CSU at the forefront of engineering education and research.

“Through their generosity, Don and Pam are helping to ensure that CSU graduates are ready for the jobs and leadership positions of tomorrow,” he added.

With more than 2,500 students enrolled across six majors, the Washkewicz College of Engineering has experienced unprecedented growth, with undergraduate enrollment more than doubling over the past decade -— a strong signal that the College of Engineering has become the college of choice for traditional full-time students across the region.

Through their generosity, Don and Pam are helping to ensure that CSU graduates are ready for the jobs and leadership positions of tomorrow.

President Ronald M. Berkman

We hope the additional support … will enable the CSU engineering program to do even more to make engineering a core driver of job growth and economic opportunity in the region.

Don Washkewicz

Side washk

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

Athletics

Four new members have been inducted into the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame — Sarah Galon, Christine Kohler Myeroff, Kristen Obush and Jake Scott.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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

Read On

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.

Read On

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.”

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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!

Read On

Class Notes – Summer 2018

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

Class Notes – Summer 2018

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

Athletics

Four new members have been inducted into the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame — Sarah Galon, Christine Kohler Myeroff, Kristen Obush and Jake Scott.

Read On

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.

Read On

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.

Read On

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

Read On

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.”

Read On

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.

Read On

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!

Read On