The walls that love built
When Holly Jackson (BA ’11) walked away from her abusive relationship nearly 30 years ago, she left everything behind including the roof over her head. There were few places to turn for the young, pregnant woman, who suddenly found herself on the streets. And when she did muster the courage to reach out for help, she learned she earned $7.11 above the threshold to qualify.
“I remember feeling defeated, very embarrassed – all of the things that go along with having to ask for help,” she said.
“So then having to ask for help and not be able to get it, made it even worse.”
Back then, homeless shelters had a three-day-stay limit without exception – even for Holly, who was expecting her eldest daughter. So, for the next couple months, she slept under bridges and in parks, couched surfed and showered where she could. All while working a full-time job.
It’s an experience seared into her conscience.
Eventually, she saved enough for a home. But that feeling – of living on the edge, of never having enough, of worrying about where she’d sleep at night – it never left her. In fact, it shaped her.
For years after that, she volunteered for many different organizations. As a student at Cleveland State, she was a part of a team deeply involved in service projects, but even then, she felt that there was more she could do.
One chilly November evening in 2018, she drove past a group walking on the sidewalk in shorts and Crocs, clearly in need of proper winter wear.
And Jackson started to dream out loud.
“I just said, ‘I wish there was some magic place — a wall, if you will — where people could go and get things they need without judgement or stigma.’”
Holly held a small fundraiser with family and friends to help equip and supply her first wall, what she simply called a labor of love, initially. But the media got wind of her plans. Publicity soared and her plans exploded into what became the nonprofit Walls of Love.
In November 2021, she celebrated three years after having served well over 325,000 people in 21 states and outfitting over 1,000 walls with daily necessities like toothpaste, soap and more.
“I didn’t intend for it to be what it is now,” Jackson said.
“I just wanted to do something kind for the community.”
And the community is a big reason why Walls of Love is still around today. Jackson’s efforts are funded almost fully by grassroots support. Though she’d one day like to secure corporate sponsors, she credits a crew of volunteers and donors for sustaining the organization through the years.
“I’m adamant that it’s not a me thing; it’s a we thing. I can’t do this without other people.”
She estimates that she works 90 to 100 hours per week on Walls of Love, coordinating locations for new walls, organizing donations and managing hundreds of volunteers. And that’s in addition to her full-time job. She doesn’t mind though. It’s clear that it’s her passion.
Eventually, she hopes to expand the organization to all 50 states. And she wants to build the biggest wall of essential items ever.
For now, Jackson is relishing her journey so far.
“This thing that I do. I can’t honestly put into words. It makes me so happy.”
Learn more about Walls of Love at www.wallsoflove.com.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.