In Memoriam – December 2021
Alumni
1940s
Michael Pollock (BA ’40) • Jeane Beardsley (BA ’43) • Eugene Klingshirn (BA ’46) • James Frey (BA ’48) • Delores Hall (BA ’49)
1950s
Earl Platell, Jr. (BBA ’50) • George Lautanen (BA ’51) • Alfred Tolaro (JD ’51) • John Skubiak (BA ’53) • Thomas Geopfert, Sr. (BA ’55) • Jacquelyn Vogler (AAS ’55) • David Albrecht (JD ’57) • Alfred Cortelezzi (BBA ’57) • Howard Meyers (BBA ’57) • Robert Eucker (BA ’58) • Nancy Plescia (BS ’58) • Alex Katrinchak (BBA ’59) • Rudy Spagnuolo (BA ’59) • Charles Yohe (BBA ’59)
1960s
David Block (BA ’60) • Ralph Duey (BA ’60) • Lyle Gleason (BBA ’60) • Ruth O’Brien (BBA ’60) • William Spitzig (BA ’60) • William Moore (BBA ’61) • Charles Galipo (JD ’62) • Elaine Jelly (BA ’62) • Thomas Knoll (BA ’63) • Robert Henry Moore, Jr. (JD ’63) • Lester Tolt (JD ’63) • William Adler, Sr. (BA ’64) • Robert Ganiere (BBA ’64) • Sheldon Schweikert (JD ’64) • Thomas Hanson (BBA ’65) • Alexander Krinickas, Jr. (BA ’65) • Richard McClement (BBA ’65) • David Niege (BA ’65) • James Carpenter (BA ’66) • Gary Faul (BEE ’66) • Fred Gray (BA ’66) • Margaret Morris (BS ’66) • James Francis Costanza (JD ’67) • Kenneth Oberuch (BBA ’67) • Gerald Shaw (JD ’67) • John Budd, Jr. (JD ’68) • Philip Hodanbosi (BS ’68) • Richard Trenty (BA ’68) • Michael Paller (BA ’69) • Sheldon Polish (JD ’69) • Philip Shupe (BBA ’69) • Robert Treacy (BBA ’69)
1970s
Edward Christie (JD ’70) • Henry Davis (BS ’70) • Patricia Martis (BBA ’70) • Daisy Newman (BA ’70) • Dr. John Schindler (BSE ’70) • David Thomas (JD ’70) • Sanda Coben (BS ’71) • Clark Davis (BA ’71) • William Kohner (JD ’71) • Virginia Hopkins (BS ’71) • Marie Rehmar (BA ’71) • Edward Galluci (BBA ’72) • Ranelle Gamble (JD ’72) • Bruce Meadows (BS ’72) • Louis Peterlin (MA ’72) • Annie Rodgers (MA ’72) • Bronwen Stimpert (BA ’72) • Manfred Weiss (BBA ’72) • Henry Cooper (BS ’73) • Ronald Butrey (MA ’74) • Timothy Glynn (BA ’74) • Lee Goltscher (BBA ’74) • Charles Hendricks (MA ’74) • Neil Klepetko (BA ’74) • Emma Lee (JD ’74) • Dr. Joyce Ann McGrath (MA ’74) • William Ockington (JD ’74) • Albert Ricchetti (BA ’74) • Richard Walsh (BBA ’74) • Ann Jeanette Baxter (MA ’75) • Liane Kramer Bliss (BA ’75) • Anastasiu Fourmas (MA ’75) • James Gordon (BBA ’75) • Margaret Hansen (MA ’75) • Gwendolyn Jenkins (BS ’75) • Joseph Jerome (JD ’75) • Richard Perz (BS ’75) • Robert Becker (BA ’76) • Anthony Brazie (BBA ’76) • William Carter (BS ’76) • Ellen H. Daiber (MEd ’76) • Edward Jarema (BS ’76) • Helene Love (JD ’76) • William Luther (BS ’76) • William Shaw (JD ’76) • Michael Swinney (BS ’76) • Olivia Donery Wright (MA ’76) • Mary Mroczka (BS ’77) • William Bein (JD ’78) • Andrew Grant, Jr. (MA ’78) • Dale Pelsozy (JD ’78) • James Primosch (BA ’78) • Grant Relic (JD ’78) • Ingelore Gertraut Reschke (BA ’78) • Michael Rogazione (BBA ’78) • Hilary Sheldon Taylor (JD ’77) • Nick Tomino (JD ’78) • Douglas Wolinsky (JD ’78) • Vincetta Dirocco (BA ’79) • Anthony Wrobel (BA ’79)
1980s
Thomas Gipson (JD ’80) • Stephen Marunowski (BS ’80) • James Moore (MA ’80) • Douglas Cormack (BA ’81) • Carol Hong (MBA ’81) • Gertrud Schuechner (BA ’82) • Lynn Bermudez (BS ’83) • Joseph Campbell (JD ’83) • Emil Christoph Feador (BS ’83) • Leonard Kelly (BA ’83) • Joseph Moss (BA ’83) • Thomas Imbordino (BA ’84) • John Pietch (BS ’84) • Lena Spackman (BBA ’84) • Martin Cohen (JD ’85) • Darryl Davis (BA ’85) • Douchka Noren (MBA ’85) • Maria Pia (BA ’85) • David Figueroa (BA ’86) • Laura Brandich (BS ’87) • David Garcia (MA ’87) • Madge Marty (BS ’88) • Halim Saab (MS ’88) • Elizabeth Scanlon (JD ’88) • Scott McCabe (BA ’89)
1990s
Judith Politzer (BA ’90) • Thomas Stimac (BS ’90) • Jeffrey Tuma (MA ’90) • Barbara VanderMolen (BBA ’90) • Raymond Riggs (BA ’91) • Paula Bapka (MA ’92) • John Spotts (BA ’92) • Mark Wearsch (BBA ’92) • Raymond Mitchell (BA ’93) • Gregory Strach (BA ’94) • Kim Bartlett (BS ’96) • Philip Lamos (JD ’96) • Joseph Zevchek (BS ’96) • Amy Gullifer (BS ’98) • Stacy Marino (BA ’98)
2000s
Susan Carver (BS ’00) • Roberta Lyon (BA ’00) • Dennis Murray (MED ’03) • Jeffrey Cahill, Jr. (BCE ’04) • Dudley Hadden III (BS ’04) • Michael Jankowski (BA ’07) • Brandon Jackson (BA ’11) • Francien Davenport (MED ’12) • Tyler Thompson (MPA ’12) • William Demarco (BA ’13)
CSU Deaths
George Ficken, Jr., associate professor emeritus in physics, in April 2020.
Kevin Moore, former instructor, in October 2020.
Michael Davis, former professor of law, in November 2020.
Dr. Boaz Kahana, professor emeritus in psychology, in November 2020.
Paul Madlock, former visiting assistant professor in marketing, in November 2020.
Marisol Pla, former piano instructor, in November 2020.
Ralph Eckstein, former plant maintenance engineer, in December 2020.
Joseph A. Faraldo, former chief of CSU police department, in December 2020.
Sanford Jacobs, retired teaching specialist and marketing instructor, in December 2020.
Hon. Diane Karpinski (JD ’80), former executive in residence, in December 2020.
Christine Vodicka, former head of the Tutoring and Academic Success Center, in December 2020.
Timothy Sullivan, former lecturer, in December 2020.
Dr. James Schuerger, professor emeritus in psychology, in January 2021.
Eugene Klingshirn, professor emeritus, in February 2021.
Dr. Cynthia B. Edelberg, professor emeritus of English, in February 2021.
Marie Adams, former head of reference services, in April 2021.
Jeffrey Brudney, former professor and Levin chair, in April 2021.
Toshinori Munakata, former professor of computer science, in April 2021.
Edwin Price, Jr., former lecturer, in April 2021.
Gordon Hansen, former vice president for business affairs and finance, in May 2021.
Ernest Hisey, associate professor emeritus in music, in May 2021.
Roger Manning, former professor of history, in May 2021.
Charles Washington, former professor, in May 2021.
Dr. David Bynum, former professor, in June 2021.
Mary Mroczka, former continuing education lecturer, in June 2021.
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.
A Family Affair
Samia Shaheen (BA ’19) is set to graduate from CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and join Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease. She'll be the 11th in her family to earn a CSU degree.
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.
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.
A Family Affair
Samia Shaheen (BA ’19) is set to graduate from CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and join Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease. She'll be the 11th in her family to earn a CSU degree.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
A Family Affair
Samia Shaheen (BA ’19) is set to graduate from CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and join Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease. She'll be the 11th in her family to earn a CSU degree.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.