The moments that defined CSU

Cleveland State University is founded

On December 18, 1964, Ohio Governor James Rhodes signed Ohio Assembly’s House Bill No. 2, creating Cleveland State University, Ohio’s seventh state university. During his gubernatorial campaign in 1962, he had argued that a state university should exist within a 30-mile radius of every Ohio resident. On March 10, 1965 the trustees and Fenn College and CSU reached an agreement whereby CSU would absorb the college, taking control of its facilities and personnel. The official first day of classes was September 27, 1965.

College of Law joins CSU

The Cleveland Law School, Ohio’s first evening law school was founded in 1897, ahead of its time, admitting both women and minorities. In 1946, merged with the John Marshall School of Law, which had been founded in 1916. After a brief relationship with Baldwin Wallace, the school received state institutional status and joined CSU in 1969. It was the stable, long-term affiliation the school had long sought after.

Campus hangouts shape CSU student culture

There are few spots on CSU’s campus more iconic than Fat Glenn’s and the Shire. In their heyday in the 70s and 80s, many a student spent their days and nights hanging with friends and—dare we say—blowing off class. 

Fat Glenn’s, the rathskeller, in the basement of the Mather Mansion Annex, was named for Glenn Esch, the assistant to the dean of student life. “Spent many a night there ‘studying’,” said one alumnus.

Tucked away in the basement of the old Student Center, was The Shire, the campus coffeehouse, a staple among students. One alumnus said: “Loved that place. Many Friday afternoons spent there instead of class!”

A new urban campus takes shape

The 1970s marked a period of significant growth for the young university. It’s academic program grew significantly and CSU's footprint expanded with the opening of the University Tower (later named after Ohio Governor James Rhodes) in 1971, Physical Education building in 1973, University Center in 1974 and Law Building in 1977. Student life grew, campus culture took shape and the university continued cementing its status as a vital Cleveland institution.

Vikings Basketball reaches the NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time

No one expected much from the 1986 CSU’s men’s basketball team. But they shocked everyone, earning a place forever enshrined in CSU’s history, when they made the school’s first appearance in the NCAA Sweet 16. As a no. 14 seed, the team upset no. 3 seed Indiana and no. 6 seed Saint Joseph’s, but fell 71-70 to no. 7 seed Navy.

Wolstein Center opens

The success of the men’s basketball team in 1986 created a demand for a new facility to become home of the new hometown heroes and CSU began construction on a new convocation center. In addition, it would give the university a major downtown presence. Cleveland hadn’t yet built an arena for the Cavaliers, so the new construction would be a significant feather in the university’s cap. In November 1991, the convocation center opened and was renamed in 2005 after a $6.5 million gift from Bert and Iris Wolstein.

A campus makeover redefines CSU

The 2000s brought another period of massive growth and transformation. Under President Michael Schwartz, the university raised academic standards, eliminated open enrollment, established an honors program, creating learning communities and revamped general education requirements.

The Urban Affairs building opened in 2001, and Fenn Tower was renovated and opened in 2006, providing new student housing. In 2006, the new Recreation Center opened along Chester Avenue.

The new Student Center opens

Designed by New York architect Charles Gwathmey, CSU’s new Student Center opening in 2010 was a gleaming, bright, glossy landmark of the school’s continued upward trajectory. Coinciding with the City of Cleveland’s Euclid Corridor project, the new center served as one of the hallmarks of the university's transformation as a institution physically integrated into the city.

It would become the new hub of student activity to great fanfare. At the time, Steven Litt, also a CSU alumnus, wrote in The Plain Dealer: “If there were a prize in Northeast Ohio for the most-improved college or university campus, Cleveland State University would win it hands down.”

CSU demolishes Viking Hall

It was the end of an era as CSU razes its original residence hall, Viking Hall. The former Holiday Inn on Euclid Avenue opened for students in 1986 and closed in 2010. The original location of Rascal House was among the buildings to be demolished making way for what was then the new Center for Innovation in Health Professions. 

Just down the street, a new residence hall, Euclid Commons, had opened a year earlier in 2011, providing students with modern apartment style living.

CSU would continue its expand student housing options when it acquired The Langston on Chester Avenue and The Edge on Euclid in 2022.

Launch of Cleveland State United

In 2025, CSU announced its newest strategic plan Cleveland State United, mapping out school’s trajectory until 2030. The plan calls for the university to leverage its location in the heart of downtown Cleveland, dramatically expand and bring innovation to its academic offerings, shore up system for continued efficiency and provide students with “unlimited opportunity.”