A Message from the President
Dear CSU alumni, friends and partners,
At the start of this calendar year, students, faculty and staff returned to campus to find a new photo installation along the main concourse in Berkman Hall. In recognition of the 60th anniversaries of both Cleveland State University and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, our Office of University Marketing partnered with the Department of Africana Studies to create the exhibit “Protest to Progress,” which charted the growth of CSU amidst a city adapting to its newly affirmed inclusivity.
“Protest to Progress” was an important history lesson for us all, summarizing key events and providing the context for how these events impacted the City of Cleveland, CSU and the nation at large. Located in a popular gathering spot in Berkman Hall, members of our campus community came across the exhibit daily, giving them the opportunity to pause, learn and reflect.
In viewing the exhibit for the first time, I walked through six decades of tensions, debates, mutual understanding and, unfortunately at times, setbacks on our campus. I was struck by the tumultuous times in which CSU was founded. Yet, the University came to root itself firmly and proudly in Cleveland. CSU became a pillar of the community, guided by the core value of embracing the diversity of the region. This period of development for CSU was possible because educators, students and administrators were committed to the idea of a public university that would thrive in its urban environment. We would become of the city, not merely situated in it.
This type of dedication is what we highlight in this edition of Cleveland State Magazine. Here we feature the stories of individuals who have shown unique and inspiring commitment to making the world a better place, even in the face of challenging circumstances.
These are just a few examples of our engaged alumni. In honor of CSU’s 60th anniversary, thank you to the many members of the CSU family who have gone on to pursue your own progress and improve the lives of others.
We are Cleveland State University.
Also in This Issue...
Jearl Walker on 50 Years at CSU
The legendary physics professor talks how he got here, why he’s stayed and what’s ahead.
Roads Less Traveled
Phil Kidd, recent CSU student, is on a mission to run every single street in the city of Cleveland. He’s nearly halfway there.
On ‘the razor’s edge of fighting for life while dying right’
Richey Piiparinen’s (MUPD ’11) new book weaves his signature approach to urban planning and his battle with glioblastoma.
Of pierogis and paczkis
Lidia Trempe (BA ’02) has taken her family’s bakery and made it quintessentially Cleveland and one of the city’s hotspots.
License suspensions could be costing Ohio a big chunk of its workforce
Kyle Fee, a CSU doctoral student, and Brian Mikelbank, an associate professor in Urban Studies, recently authored a study about how suspended driver’s licenses could negatively affect the state’s economy.
Levin College of Public Affairs and Education students reimagine Cleveland’s waterfront
The group recommended the City of Cleveland create “a waterfront that offers more people-centered amenities.”
White House celebrates one of Cleveland State’s own
Dr. Maryam Younessi, faculty member in CSU’s mechanical engineering department, participated in a White House roundtable on “Commercializing Climate and Clean Energy Technologies.”
CSU|LAW launches Terry Gilbert Wrongful Conviction Clinic
CSU unveiled a new visionary Master Plan proposal capitalizing on its location in the heart of Cleveland that will guide the development of the University’s physical campus over the next decade.
Radiance lights up the night
President Laura Bloomberg said next to commencement, Radiance is her favorite event of the year. It’s a fitting acknowledgment.
Jearl Walker on 50 Years at CSU
The legendary physics professor talks how he got here, why he’s stayed and what’s ahead.
On ‘the razor’s edge of fighting for life while dying right’
Richey Piiparinen’s (MUPD ’11) new book weaves his signature approach to urban planning and his battle with glioblastoma.
License suspensions could be costing Ohio a big chunk of its workforce
Kyle Fee, a CSU doctoral student, and Brian Mikelbank, an associate professor in Urban Studies, recently authored a study about how suspended driver’s licenses could negatively affect the state’s economy.
White House celebrates one of Cleveland State’s own
Dr. Maryam Younessi, faculty member in CSU’s mechanical engineering department, participated in a White House roundtable on “Commercializing Climate and Clean Energy Technologies.”
Radiance lights up the night
President Laura Bloomberg said next to commencement, Radiance is her favorite event of the year. It’s a fitting acknowledgment.
Roads Less Traveled
Phil Kidd, recent CSU student, is on a mission to run every single street in the city of Cleveland. He’s nearly halfway there.
Of pierogis and paczkis
Lidia Trempe (BA ’02) has taken her family’s bakery and made it quintessentially Cleveland and one of the city’s hotspots.
Levin College of Public Affairs and Education students reimagine Cleveland’s waterfront
The group recommended the City of Cleveland create “a waterfront that offers more people-centered amenities.”
CSU|LAW launches Terry Gilbert Wrongful Conviction Clinic
CSU unveiled a new visionary Master Plan proposal capitalizing on its location in the heart of Cleveland that will guide the development of the University’s physical campus over the next decade.
Jearl Walker on 50 Years at CSU
The legendary physics professor talks how he got here, why he’s stayed and what’s ahead.
Of pierogis and paczkis
Lidia Trempe (BA ’02) has taken her family’s bakery and made it quintessentially Cleveland and one of the city’s hotspots.
White House celebrates one of Cleveland State’s own
Dr. Maryam Younessi, faculty member in CSU’s mechanical engineering department, participated in a White House roundtable on “Commercializing Climate and Clean Energy Technologies.”
Roads Less Traveled
Phil Kidd, recent CSU student, is on a mission to run every single street in the city of Cleveland. He’s nearly halfway there.
License suspensions could be costing Ohio a big chunk of its workforce
Kyle Fee, a CSU doctoral student, and Brian Mikelbank, an associate professor in Urban Studies, recently authored a study about how suspended driver’s licenses could negatively affect the state’s economy.
CSU|LAW launches Terry Gilbert Wrongful Conviction Clinic
CSU unveiled a new visionary Master Plan proposal capitalizing on its location in the heart of Cleveland that will guide the development of the University’s physical campus over the next decade.
On ‘the razor’s edge of fighting for life while dying right’
Richey Piiparinen’s (MUPD ’11) new book weaves his signature approach to urban planning and his battle with glioblastoma.
Levin College of Public Affairs and Education students reimagine Cleveland’s waterfront
The group recommended the City of Cleveland create “a waterfront that offers more people-centered amenities.”
Radiance lights up the night
President Laura Bloomberg said next to commencement, Radiance is her favorite event of the year. It’s a fitting acknowledgment.