Making it Happen
Many individuals with CSU connections played key roles in the collaborative effort to win the RNC and ensure a safe and successful convention. They included:
Three-time CSU alumnus Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, BA ’77/MSUS ’79/JD ’83. Welcoming the delegates on opening day, he said, “Everything we have done to be successful, including winning the opportunity to host this convention, we’ve done together as a community.”
Diane Downing, member of the CSU Foundation Board of Directors. The chief operating officer of the Cleveland Host Committee was “on loan” from her job as senior vice president and regional manager of corporate affairs for Huntington Bank of Cleveland. The RNC, she says, was an opportunity “to dispel old myths about the city, show off the city as it is now, and set the stage for more development to come.”
Two-time alumna Valarie McCall, BA ’95/MPA ’97, chief of government/international affairs for the city of Cleveland. She was a Host Committee member and the city’s point person for the RNC. Prepping for the big event and the convention itself was a “24/7, whatever is needed, get it done whatever it takes” effort, she says.
Daniel Veloski, MA ’05, leads a team of 80 officers and is responsible for the safety of more than 43 million annual visitors as chief of rangers for the Cleveland Metroparks. For the RNC, the rangers, including their mounted unit, were an integral part of safety and security operations. “Professionally, it was a chance of a lifetime to be involved in something so significant,” he says.
Mike Brickner, MA ’09, is the Ohio senior policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He had a lead role in overseeing the ACLU’s efforts during the RNC to protect free speech and the rights of protesters. This included helping to staff the organization’s “war room,” where he and colleagues monitored protests as they developed, and the police response, to ensure that speech was not being repressed. He also spoke at a town hall meeting on voting rights held at CSU and hosted by alumna/Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, JD ’83.
Hannah Belsito, MUPDD ’11, is vice president of destination development and community affairs at Destination Cleveland. She was charged with creating an unforgettable visitor experience during the RNC. Among the tactics employed:
- We The People, which featured photos of 50 everyday Clevelanders on street pole banners and LED boards
- Large posters on buildings and windows, sharing little-known facts about Cleveland
- A beautification effort that included three gardens, 135 planters and 1.4 million LED twinkle lights throughout downtown
- Rock Box public art, which featured giant, bright loudspeakers playing music from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
Media and Social Media Were Buzzing
- Sirius XM interviewed President Ronald M. Berkman about the RNC’s impact on Cleveland. Dr. Berkman also talked to the Hechinger Report about Donald Trump’s plan to base student loans on employability. And he did an interview with a TV crew from CP24 in Toronto.
- At the TEDxSalon, Interim Dean Lee Fisher did an interview with NET TV from New York City.
- Associate Professor Ed Horowitz spoke to television crews from Tunisia and Brazil.
- A crew from Attessia TV in Tunisia interviewed assistant professor Sarah Rutherford about the Get Out the Vote exhibit in the Galleries at CSU.
- Richey Piiparinen of CSU’s Center for Population Dynamics talked with the BBC about Cleveland’s strengths and weaknesses. Also tapping his expertise were USA Today, BillMoyers.com, Agence France-Presse and the U.K.’s Daily Mail.
- Associate Professor Debbie Jackson took part in ab panel on Rethinking High School.
- CBS News interviewed Ohio City restaurateur and CSU alumnus Sam McNulty, BA ’97, for a segment on Cleveland’s comeback.
- CNET plugged the Cleveland Historical app developed by CSU’s Center for Public History + Digital Humanities.
Also in This Issue...
A Reason to Celebrate
For the third consecutive year, generous donors helped Radiance: CSU Realizing the Promise achieve more than $1 million for scholarships.
Be Amazing Symposium is Amazing
The Second Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium drew some 800 women (and a few men) for a day of inspirational, thought-provoking talks; shared meals and conversations; and renewal of drive and spirit.
A Message from the President
President Ronald M. Berkman highlights CSU’s record freshman class, fundraising success, improved retention, U.S. News recognition, and his advocacy for increased state support for higher education.
CSU Among Best in the Nation
Cleveland State University again is among the best colleges and universities in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
CSU helps Cleveland shine during RNC
CSU hosted RNC events — from online classes to TEDx — boosting national media coverage and spotlighting Cleveland’s resurgence.
CSU’s man in Rio
Wally Morton, who coached CSU swimming and diving for 39 seasons, was in Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Olympics along with his wife, Carol, a faculty member at Baldwin Wallace University. It was their 10th Olympic adventure.
Lights, Cameras, Cleveland State
From Captain America and the Avengers to Ralphie, the Old Man and a pitcher known as Wild Thing — Cleveland has long been a fertile filming ground for the motion picture industry.
O Hail the Green and White
Homecoming 2016 brought hundreds of alumni back to campus to celebrate CSU.
On the road again
Visiting Cleveland-area landmarks, hosting fun-filled family outings, touring the world, connecting with grads across the country — the CSU Alumni Association’s calendar of events has something for everyone.
Student Success Initiatives Drive CSU Growth and Recognition
In an era where barely half of the nation’s college students obtain a degree within six years, Cleveland State is all about student success — and innovative ways to help them graduate on time and with as little debt as possible.
The Recipe for Student Success
First-gen and transfer learners thrive at CSU through TRIO, coaching, tutoring, and service pathways, proving engaged support leads to success.
Face-off! Lacrosse comes to CSU
The newest addition to the Department of Athletics is men’s lacrosse. The sport is the fastest growing in the nation among high school student-athletes, and CSU head coach Dylan Sheridan used the 2015-16 year to build his program.
73 New Members Boost Expertise of Strong Faculty
This fall, CSU welcomed 73 new faculty members, many of whom come from flagship Association of American Universities (AAU) institutions. The group includes 47 tenure/tenure track faculty – by far the largest number to join Cleveland State.
Deans bring expertise to colleges
CSU welcomed three expert deans: Dr. Roland Anglin in Urban Affairs, Dr. Timothy Gaspar in Nursing, and former Ohio AG Lee Fisher at Cleveland–Marshall Law — each bringing deep experience to elevate their respective colleges.
Corporate chapters engage alumni
The Alumni Association welcomes American Greetings as its third corporate chapter. It joins the Forest City Enterprises chapter, which just celebrated its first anniversary, and Sherwin-Williams, which established a corporate chapter in 2014.
Stay Engaged!
Keep up to date with the CSU Alumni Association by following us online. Our website, csualumni.com, is your starting point for all things alumni.
The 26th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards honors 10 graduates
With the basketball court at Wolstein Center transformed into a sparkling ballroom, nearly 500 alumni and friends gathered to pay tribute to this year’s class of Distinguished Alumni.
Research Aids Veterans, Caregivers
CSU researchers secured a $1 million NSF grant to develop tools supporting veterans and their caregivers — enhancing resources, care strategies, and transitions from service to civilian life.
Sullivan-Deckard Foster Program Lauded
Cleveland State was one of just nine colleges and universities nationwide honored by University Business magazine with a 2016 Models of Excellence award, which recognizes innovative approaches to encouraging and nurturing student success.
Class Notes – Fall 2016
A Reason to Celebrate
For the third consecutive year, generous donors helped Radiance: CSU Realizing the Promise achieve more than $1 million for scholarships.
A Message from the President
President Ronald M. Berkman highlights CSU’s record freshman class, fundraising success, improved retention, U.S. News recognition, and his advocacy for increased state support for higher education.
CSU helps Cleveland shine during RNC
CSU hosted RNC events — from online classes to TEDx — boosting national media coverage and spotlighting Cleveland’s resurgence.
Lights, Cameras, Cleveland State
From Captain America and the Avengers to Ralphie, the Old Man and a pitcher known as Wild Thing — Cleveland has long been a fertile filming ground for the motion picture industry.
On the road again
Visiting Cleveland-area landmarks, hosting fun-filled family outings, touring the world, connecting with grads across the country — the CSU Alumni Association’s calendar of events has something for everyone.
The Recipe for Student Success
First-gen and transfer learners thrive at CSU through TRIO, coaching, tutoring, and service pathways, proving engaged support leads to success.
73 New Members Boost Expertise of Strong Faculty
This fall, CSU welcomed 73 new faculty members, many of whom come from flagship Association of American Universities (AAU) institutions. The group includes 47 tenure/tenure track faculty – by far the largest number to join Cleveland State.
Corporate chapters engage alumni
The Alumni Association welcomes American Greetings as its third corporate chapter. It joins the Forest City Enterprises chapter, which just celebrated its first anniversary, and Sherwin-Williams, which established a corporate chapter in 2014.
The 26th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards honors 10 graduates
With the basketball court at Wolstein Center transformed into a sparkling ballroom, nearly 500 alumni and friends gathered to pay tribute to this year’s class of Distinguished Alumni.
Sullivan-Deckard Foster Program Lauded
Cleveland State was one of just nine colleges and universities nationwide honored by University Business magazine with a 2016 Models of Excellence award, which recognizes innovative approaches to encouraging and nurturing student success.
Be Amazing Symposium is Amazing
The Second Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium drew some 800 women (and a few men) for a day of inspirational, thought-provoking talks; shared meals and conversations; and renewal of drive and spirit.
CSU Among Best in the Nation
Cleveland State University again is among the best colleges and universities in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
CSU’s man in Rio
Wally Morton, who coached CSU swimming and diving for 39 seasons, was in Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Olympics along with his wife, Carol, a faculty member at Baldwin Wallace University. It was their 10th Olympic adventure.
O Hail the Green and White
Homecoming 2016 brought hundreds of alumni back to campus to celebrate CSU.
Student Success Initiatives Drive CSU Growth and Recognition
In an era where barely half of the nation’s college students obtain a degree within six years, Cleveland State is all about student success — and innovative ways to help them graduate on time and with as little debt as possible.
Face-off! Lacrosse comes to CSU
The newest addition to the Department of Athletics is men’s lacrosse. The sport is the fastest growing in the nation among high school student-athletes, and CSU head coach Dylan Sheridan used the 2015-16 year to build his program.
Deans bring expertise to colleges
CSU welcomed three expert deans: Dr. Roland Anglin in Urban Affairs, Dr. Timothy Gaspar in Nursing, and former Ohio AG Lee Fisher at Cleveland–Marshall Law — each bringing deep experience to elevate their respective colleges.
Stay Engaged!
Keep up to date with the CSU Alumni Association by following us online. Our website, csualumni.com, is your starting point for all things alumni.
Research Aids Veterans, Caregivers
CSU researchers secured a $1 million NSF grant to develop tools supporting veterans and their caregivers — enhancing resources, care strategies, and transitions from service to civilian life.
Class Notes – Fall 2016
A Reason to Celebrate
For the third consecutive year, generous donors helped Radiance: CSU Realizing the Promise achieve more than $1 million for scholarships.
CSU Among Best in the Nation
Cleveland State University again is among the best colleges and universities in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Lights, Cameras, Cleveland State
From Captain America and the Avengers to Ralphie, the Old Man and a pitcher known as Wild Thing — Cleveland has long been a fertile filming ground for the motion picture industry.
Student Success Initiatives Drive CSU Growth and Recognition
In an era where barely half of the nation’s college students obtain a degree within six years, Cleveland State is all about student success — and innovative ways to help them graduate on time and with as little debt as possible.
73 New Members Boost Expertise of Strong Faculty
This fall, CSU welcomed 73 new faculty members, many of whom come from flagship Association of American Universities (AAU) institutions. The group includes 47 tenure/tenure track faculty – by far the largest number to join Cleveland State.
Stay Engaged!
Keep up to date with the CSU Alumni Association by following us online. Our website, csualumni.com, is your starting point for all things alumni.
Sullivan-Deckard Foster Program Lauded
Cleveland State was one of just nine colleges and universities nationwide honored by University Business magazine with a 2016 Models of Excellence award, which recognizes innovative approaches to encouraging and nurturing student success.
Be Amazing Symposium is Amazing
The Second Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium drew some 800 women (and a few men) for a day of inspirational, thought-provoking talks; shared meals and conversations; and renewal of drive and spirit.
CSU helps Cleveland shine during RNC
CSU hosted RNC events — from online classes to TEDx — boosting national media coverage and spotlighting Cleveland’s resurgence.
O Hail the Green and White
Homecoming 2016 brought hundreds of alumni back to campus to celebrate CSU.
The Recipe for Student Success
First-gen and transfer learners thrive at CSU through TRIO, coaching, tutoring, and service pathways, proving engaged support leads to success.
Deans bring expertise to colleges
CSU welcomed three expert deans: Dr. Roland Anglin in Urban Affairs, Dr. Timothy Gaspar in Nursing, and former Ohio AG Lee Fisher at Cleveland–Marshall Law — each bringing deep experience to elevate their respective colleges.
The 26th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards honors 10 graduates
With the basketball court at Wolstein Center transformed into a sparkling ballroom, nearly 500 alumni and friends gathered to pay tribute to this year’s class of Distinguished Alumni.
Class Notes – Fall 2016
A Message from the President
President Ronald M. Berkman highlights CSU’s record freshman class, fundraising success, improved retention, U.S. News recognition, and his advocacy for increased state support for higher education.
CSU’s man in Rio
Wally Morton, who coached CSU swimming and diving for 39 seasons, was in Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Olympics along with his wife, Carol, a faculty member at Baldwin Wallace University. It was their 10th Olympic adventure.
On the road again
Visiting Cleveland-area landmarks, hosting fun-filled family outings, touring the world, connecting with grads across the country — the CSU Alumni Association’s calendar of events has something for everyone.
Face-off! Lacrosse comes to CSU
The newest addition to the Department of Athletics is men’s lacrosse. The sport is the fastest growing in the nation among high school student-athletes, and CSU head coach Dylan Sheridan used the 2015-16 year to build his program.
Corporate chapters engage alumni
The Alumni Association welcomes American Greetings as its third corporate chapter. It joins the Forest City Enterprises chapter, which just celebrated its first anniversary, and Sherwin-Williams, which established a corporate chapter in 2014.
Research Aids Veterans, Caregivers
CSU researchers secured a $1 million NSF grant to develop tools supporting veterans and their caregivers — enhancing resources, care strategies, and transitions from service to civilian life.