A Family Affair
If all goes as planned, Samia Shaheen (BA ’19) will graduate from CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in May, take the bar exam, and join the firm Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease to practice labor and employment law. With that, she’ll become one of the latest members of her family with a new CSU degree.
Samia, who also earned undergraduate degrees from CSU in political science and international relations, is among 16 relatives who have attended CSU in some capacity. A few took coursework, some are current students, but the majority are full-fledged alumni — 10 to be exact, soon to be 11.
It all started back in the 1980s when Samia’s uncle, Bassam (Sam) Khawam (BIME ‘85), having recently left his home country of Lebanon, enrolled at CSU. Most of his family had emigrated together, including Samia’s mother and grandparents. Around the same time, Samia’s father and his family were separately making the same move to the United States. The two families — the Shaheens and Khawams — would eventually settle in Cleveland.
Samia says that she doesn’t think that her family’s legacy of attending CSU was coincidental. Her family is close, so it made sense that after having one member attend, another one would soon follow, and then another one and another.
“Every single year, the next person who was in line to enroll in a university said, ‘I am going to go to Cleveland State because cousins A, B, C and D did it’,” she says.
“I think it was leading by example.”
Samia’s experience as an undergraduate
“I had one of the best college experiences that I honestly could have ever had.” In her immediate family, Samia is a first-generation college student, which she admits came with its challenges. But university support, primarily through her involvement in TRIO, helped her to thrive. Eventually, she became the student body president.
The family’s original CSU alumnus: Bassam Khawam
It’s not likely that Bassam set out to start a family tradition when he made the decision to attend CSU, but that’s what happened. The proximity to home and family is what sold him. And he was able to study industrial engineering, while gaining hands-on experience in the workforce. By all accounts, the choice was a no-brainer. In his day, The Cage stood tall as the university center, and Peabody’s, a music club, was a campus hotspot. His son, Malek, also an alumnus, says he’s full of stories. Along with Malek, Bassam has two other children who attended CSU: Tarek and Elisa.
Hana Shaheen (BA ’21)
Hana knew that attending college with her cousins would make for a memorable experience, and she was right. Not only did she have her built-in family support system, she also created another one through her involvement with the Student Government Association and the Public Relations Student Society. “Being as involved as I was allowed me to create lifelong friendships, grow as an individual and professional and network myself into larger opportunities post-graduation.” Today, she’s a social media coordinator for The Adcom Group in Cleveland.
Malek Khawam (BA ’16, MPA ’17, JD ’20)
Like Samia, family is important to Malek, so having his family close while attending college was appealing. Plus, he says CSU’s location — in the heart of downtown Cleveland — was an added bonus. Malek’s a go-getter with three CSU degrees and works as an attorney at the Cleveland firm Mansour Gavin, where he says over half of the attorneys are also graduates of CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. But he didn’t leave CSU only with degrees; he also left with his soon-to-be wife. Malek met his fiancé, an alumna and now physician, in student government.
In May 2021, the family celebrated (second row, left to right) Hana, Nezar, Elias and Tarek as the newest CSU graduates.
Who’s Who in this Viking family
(in relation to Samia Shaheen, BA ’19, current CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law student). Although everyone didn’t fully graduate from CSU, at some point, they all walked the campus as students.
- Bassam (Sam) Khawam (BIME ’85) – uncle
- Rana Fadel (BBA ’10) – sister
- Malek Khawam (BA ’16, MPA ’17, JD ’20) – cousin
- Olga Grech-Khawam (BSHS ’18) – cousin
- Edward Khawam (BME ’20) – cousin
- Elias B. Khawam (BSHS ’21) – cousin
- Tarek Khawam (BME ’21) – cousin
- Hana Shaheen (BA ’21) – sister
- Nezar Khawam, (BSHS ’21) – cousin
- Rawad Khawam (junior chemical engineering major) – cousin
- Elias Khawam – uncle
- Jamil Khawam – uncle
- Samia Saah-Khawam – aunt
- George Khawam – cousin
- Elisa Khawam – cousin
Also in This Issue...
University unveils blueprint for the future: CSU 2.0
Cleveland State University has unveiled an aggressive, growth-oriented plan for emerging from the global pandemic a stronger, more-focused institution.
Madam Secretary
Marcia Fudge (JD ’83) is the once-reluctant politician who has risen the ranks to earn a spot in President Joe Biden’s cabinet.
Steven Lake pays it forward, helps Cleveland students thrive in college and beyond
Steven Lake, first in his family to attend college, thrived at CSU with prep programs and mentorship. Now executive director of Cleveland’s Thrive Scholars, he supports underrepresented students through college success.
Tenacious McGee
At an age when most are reflecting on lifelong careers and enjoying their golden years, Robert McGee, 74, has no plans to slow down.
A Message from the President
Harlan Sands marks his first anniversary as CSU’s president, celebrating new strategic priorities, the Say Yes initiative, partnerships with Tri‑C & LCCC, and global student engagement — all focused on student success.
The Space for Success
Throughout the past few years, CSU has developed a collection of student success programs that set students on an upward trajectory. This summer saw the rollout of a new initiative that had both students and parents breathing a sigh of relief.
With access for all: space law and the final frontier
As space travel ramps up, the rules we play by still trace back to a 1967 treaty. From asteroid mining to satellite swarms, “space law” is adapting — without new treaties — to keep the final frontier open and peaceful.
Business prof’s top podcast seeks to create better workplaces, one listener at a time
Anchored by CSU’s Ben Baran and co‑host Chris Everett — The Indigo Podcast blends science-backed strategies and real-world stories to help listeners build flourishing, meaningful workplaces for all.
Hands off the steering wheel to build a better future
Level 3 and some Level 4 driverless cars already navigate roads — identifying hazards, following routes — with full autonomy (Level 5) still decades away. These vehicles could slash parking needs and reshape urban spaces by 2030.
Making secondhand the first choice
A nonprofit creative reuse space minutes from downtown Cleveland, Upcycle Parts Shop offers low‑cost materials — beads, fabric, buttons — and fosters community through workshops, local hires, and partnerships that spark connection and revitalization.
The walls that love built
Holly Jackson turned her experience of homelessness into Walls of Love: a nonprofit that installs community “needs walls” stocked with essentials. In 3 years, it's served 325,000+ people across 21 states — all driven by grassroots volunteerism.
We can’t get enough of this local t-shirt shop
When Cleveland rebranded its baseball team to the Guardians, locals were buzzing: why wasn’t GV Art involved? The Vlosich brothers swiftly launched their own tribute — mixing civic pride with Cleveland grit.
What Now?
CSU alumni in diversity and equity roles reflect on post-2020 racial justice protests, pushing lasting change through anti-racist training and community-driven accountability.
New leader of alumni relations seeks greater engagement
Anne-Marie Connors returns to CSU as associate VP for alumni relations, focusing on mentoring, internships, and events to strengthen alumni ties and support for students.
Alumnus teams with industry heavy hitters for new film
Eric Swinderman (BA ’05) returns with The Enormity of Life, a dramedy about mental health and gun violence, starring Breckin Meyer; now streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube, and Google Play.
One recent grad’s quest to end homelessness
As a child, Claire Billingsley grew up witnessing housing instability. She didn’t know it then, but those early experiences would shape her life’s work: to combat housing inequity and end homelessness, in her words, “one way or another.”
New president of alumni association board takes reins
With nearly 20 years in HR, Lauren Rudman (MLRHR ’08) leads GNCO’s HR and Training and now serves as CSU Alumni Association president, aiming to strengthen alumni connections and support career growth for CSU grads.
The Birth of the Vikings
As the Cleveland Indians transition to their new moniker the Guardians, we couldn’t help but wonder why and how the Vikings became CSU’s official nickname.
Greater Cleveland Partnership spearheads scholarships for Levin College of Urban Affairs students
A new scholarship fund created in honor of longtime civic leader Joe Roman will provide support to CSU undergraduate and graduate students who are studying economic development or urban planning at CSU’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs.
CSU partners with TransDigm to promote diversity in aerospace with scholarship fund
CSU has formed a new partnership with TransDigm Group Inc., which will provide scholarship funds to support tuition and on-campus housing needs for female and underrepresented minority engineering and business students at CSU.
CSU joins Industry 4.0 with new lab donation
CSU’s Washkewicz College of Engineering now houses the Rockwell Automation Connected Enterprise Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility designed to train students on advanced manufacturing technologies.
Remembering former CSU president Dr. Claire Van Ummersen
The first woman to hold the position of President at Cleveland State University, Dr. Claire A. Van Ummersen, passed away on September 29 after sustaining injuries in an automobile accident in Needham, Massachusetts. She was 86.
Grace Drake was a public servant with CSU students at heart
As the founder of the Ohio Center for the Advancement of Women in Public Service, former state senator Grace Drake, worked tirelessly for close to 20 years promoting the advancement of Levin students in public sector careers.
In Memoriam – December 2021
Class Notes – Winter 2021
University unveils blueprint for the future: CSU 2.0
Cleveland State University has unveiled an aggressive, growth-oriented plan for emerging from the global pandemic a stronger, more-focused institution.
Steven Lake pays it forward, helps Cleveland students thrive in college and beyond
Steven Lake, first in his family to attend college, thrived at CSU with prep programs and mentorship. Now executive director of Cleveland’s Thrive Scholars, he supports underrepresented students through college success.
A Message from the President
Harlan Sands marks his first anniversary as CSU’s president, celebrating new strategic priorities, the Say Yes initiative, partnerships with Tri‑C & LCCC, and global student engagement — all focused on student success.
With access for all: space law and the final frontier
As space travel ramps up, the rules we play by still trace back to a 1967 treaty. From asteroid mining to satellite swarms, “space law” is adapting — without new treaties — to keep the final frontier open and peaceful.
Hands off the steering wheel to build a better future
Level 3 and some Level 4 driverless cars already navigate roads — identifying hazards, following routes — with full autonomy (Level 5) still decades away. These vehicles could slash parking needs and reshape urban spaces by 2030.
The walls that love built
Holly Jackson turned her experience of homelessness into Walls of Love: a nonprofit that installs community “needs walls” stocked with essentials. In 3 years, it's served 325,000+ people across 21 states — all driven by grassroots volunteerism.
What Now?
CSU alumni in diversity and equity roles reflect on post-2020 racial justice protests, pushing lasting change through anti-racist training and community-driven accountability.
Alumnus teams with industry heavy hitters for new film
Eric Swinderman (BA ’05) returns with The Enormity of Life, a dramedy about mental health and gun violence, starring Breckin Meyer; now streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube, and Google Play.
New president of alumni association board takes reins
With nearly 20 years in HR, Lauren Rudman (MLRHR ’08) leads GNCO’s HR and Training and now serves as CSU Alumni Association president, aiming to strengthen alumni connections and support career growth for CSU grads.
Greater Cleveland Partnership spearheads scholarships for Levin College of Urban Affairs students
A new scholarship fund created in honor of longtime civic leader Joe Roman will provide support to CSU undergraduate and graduate students who are studying economic development or urban planning at CSU’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs.
CSU joins Industry 4.0 with new lab donation
CSU’s Washkewicz College of Engineering now houses the Rockwell Automation Connected Enterprise Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility designed to train students on advanced manufacturing technologies.
Grace Drake was a public servant with CSU students at heart
As the founder of the Ohio Center for the Advancement of Women in Public Service, former state senator Grace Drake, worked tirelessly for close to 20 years promoting the advancement of Levin students in public sector careers.
Class Notes – Winter 2021
Madam Secretary
Marcia Fudge (JD ’83) is the once-reluctant politician who has risen the ranks to earn a spot in President Joe Biden’s cabinet.
Tenacious McGee
At an age when most are reflecting on lifelong careers and enjoying their golden years, Robert McGee, 74, has no plans to slow down.
The Space for Success
Throughout the past few years, CSU has developed a collection of student success programs that set students on an upward trajectory. This summer saw the rollout of a new initiative that had both students and parents breathing a sigh of relief.
Business prof’s top podcast seeks to create better workplaces, one listener at a time
Anchored by CSU’s Ben Baran and co‑host Chris Everett — The Indigo Podcast blends science-backed strategies and real-world stories to help listeners build flourishing, meaningful workplaces for all.
Making secondhand the first choice
A nonprofit creative reuse space minutes from downtown Cleveland, Upcycle Parts Shop offers low‑cost materials — beads, fabric, buttons — and fosters community through workshops, local hires, and partnerships that spark connection and revitalization.
We can’t get enough of this local t-shirt shop
When Cleveland rebranded its baseball team to the Guardians, locals were buzzing: why wasn’t GV Art involved? The Vlosich brothers swiftly launched their own tribute — mixing civic pride with Cleveland grit.
New leader of alumni relations seeks greater engagement
Anne-Marie Connors returns to CSU as associate VP for alumni relations, focusing on mentoring, internships, and events to strengthen alumni ties and support for students.
One recent grad’s quest to end homelessness
As a child, Claire Billingsley grew up witnessing housing instability. She didn’t know it then, but those early experiences would shape her life’s work: to combat housing inequity and end homelessness, in her words, “one way or another.”
The Birth of the Vikings
As the Cleveland Indians transition to their new moniker the Guardians, we couldn’t help but wonder why and how the Vikings became CSU’s official nickname.
CSU partners with TransDigm to promote diversity in aerospace with scholarship fund
CSU has formed a new partnership with TransDigm Group Inc., which will provide scholarship funds to support tuition and on-campus housing needs for female and underrepresented minority engineering and business students at CSU.
Remembering former CSU president Dr. Claire Van Ummersen
The first woman to hold the position of President at Cleveland State University, Dr. Claire A. Van Ummersen, passed away on September 29 after sustaining injuries in an automobile accident in Needham, Massachusetts. She was 86.
In Memoriam – December 2021
University unveils blueprint for the future: CSU 2.0
Cleveland State University has unveiled an aggressive, growth-oriented plan for emerging from the global pandemic a stronger, more-focused institution.
Tenacious McGee
At an age when most are reflecting on lifelong careers and enjoying their golden years, Robert McGee, 74, has no plans to slow down.
With access for all: space law and the final frontier
As space travel ramps up, the rules we play by still trace back to a 1967 treaty. From asteroid mining to satellite swarms, “space law” is adapting — without new treaties — to keep the final frontier open and peaceful.
Making secondhand the first choice
A nonprofit creative reuse space minutes from downtown Cleveland, Upcycle Parts Shop offers low‑cost materials — beads, fabric, buttons — and fosters community through workshops, local hires, and partnerships that spark connection and revitalization.
What Now?
CSU alumni in diversity and equity roles reflect on post-2020 racial justice protests, pushing lasting change through anti-racist training and community-driven accountability.
One recent grad’s quest to end homelessness
As a child, Claire Billingsley grew up witnessing housing instability. She didn’t know it then, but those early experiences would shape her life’s work: to combat housing inequity and end homelessness, in her words, “one way or another.”
Greater Cleveland Partnership spearheads scholarships for Levin College of Urban Affairs students
A new scholarship fund created in honor of longtime civic leader Joe Roman will provide support to CSU undergraduate and graduate students who are studying economic development or urban planning at CSU’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs.
Remembering former CSU president Dr. Claire Van Ummersen
The first woman to hold the position of President at Cleveland State University, Dr. Claire A. Van Ummersen, passed away on September 29 after sustaining injuries in an automobile accident in Needham, Massachusetts. She was 86.
Class Notes – Winter 2021
Madam Secretary
Marcia Fudge (JD ’83) is the once-reluctant politician who has risen the ranks to earn a spot in President Joe Biden’s cabinet.
A Message from the President
Harlan Sands marks his first anniversary as CSU’s president, celebrating new strategic priorities, the Say Yes initiative, partnerships with Tri‑C & LCCC, and global student engagement — all focused on student success.
Business prof’s top podcast seeks to create better workplaces, one listener at a time
Anchored by CSU’s Ben Baran and co‑host Chris Everett — The Indigo Podcast blends science-backed strategies and real-world stories to help listeners build flourishing, meaningful workplaces for all.
The walls that love built
Holly Jackson turned her experience of homelessness into Walls of Love: a nonprofit that installs community “needs walls” stocked with essentials. In 3 years, it's served 325,000+ people across 21 states — all driven by grassroots volunteerism.
New leader of alumni relations seeks greater engagement
Anne-Marie Connors returns to CSU as associate VP for alumni relations, focusing on mentoring, internships, and events to strengthen alumni ties and support for students.
New president of alumni association board takes reins
With nearly 20 years in HR, Lauren Rudman (MLRHR ’08) leads GNCO’s HR and Training and now serves as CSU Alumni Association president, aiming to strengthen alumni connections and support career growth for CSU grads.
CSU partners with TransDigm to promote diversity in aerospace with scholarship fund
CSU has formed a new partnership with TransDigm Group Inc., which will provide scholarship funds to support tuition and on-campus housing needs for female and underrepresented minority engineering and business students at CSU.
Grace Drake was a public servant with CSU students at heart
As the founder of the Ohio Center for the Advancement of Women in Public Service, former state senator Grace Drake, worked tirelessly for close to 20 years promoting the advancement of Levin students in public sector careers.
Steven Lake pays it forward, helps Cleveland students thrive in college and beyond
Steven Lake, first in his family to attend college, thrived at CSU with prep programs and mentorship. Now executive director of Cleveland’s Thrive Scholars, he supports underrepresented students through college success.
The Space for Success
Throughout the past few years, CSU has developed a collection of student success programs that set students on an upward trajectory. This summer saw the rollout of a new initiative that had both students and parents breathing a sigh of relief.
Hands off the steering wheel to build a better future
Level 3 and some Level 4 driverless cars already navigate roads — identifying hazards, following routes — with full autonomy (Level 5) still decades away. These vehicles could slash parking needs and reshape urban spaces by 2030.
We can’t get enough of this local t-shirt shop
When Cleveland rebranded its baseball team to the Guardians, locals were buzzing: why wasn’t GV Art involved? The Vlosich brothers swiftly launched their own tribute — mixing civic pride with Cleveland grit.
Alumnus teams with industry heavy hitters for new film
Eric Swinderman (BA ’05) returns with The Enormity of Life, a dramedy about mental health and gun violence, starring Breckin Meyer; now streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube, and Google Play.
The Birth of the Vikings
As the Cleveland Indians transition to their new moniker the Guardians, we couldn’t help but wonder why and how the Vikings became CSU’s official nickname.
CSU joins Industry 4.0 with new lab donation
CSU’s Washkewicz College of Engineering now houses the Rockwell Automation Connected Enterprise Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility designed to train students on advanced manufacturing technologies.