Alumni News

Cleveland's famed theatre district might have met certain destruction without a fateful meeting at Cleveland State 50 years ago.

Cleveland musician and friend Colin Dussalt tweaked the lyrics of John Foggerty's classic "Centerfield" to remember Adams as one who provided a heartbeat to generations of baseball fans.

At times, Jerry Noble (BM ’97) thought playing in a US military band didn't count as much as the service of other soldiers. He's since learned quite the opposite.

There are those who teach. And there are those who inspire.

Apply to join the Young Alumni Council by May 31 and the CSU Alumni Association Board of Directors by June 30.

Jonah Magid earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in May 2019. He will serve as a volunteer in Peru in the health sector.

Waverly Willis (BA '13) was recognized by Mayor Justin Bibb for his advocacy for the health of marginalized communities in Cleveland.

Bette Lou Higgins (M.Ed. ’03) proves that history is not just a thing of the past.

Lori Ann Betchker (BA ‘03) began serving on the Alumni Association Board in 2021. She currently serves on the philanthropy and corporate engagement committee.

Currently serving as past-president, Nikki Byrd (BA ’00) joined the Alumni Association Board in 2016.

Richard J. Lafelice (BSCE ’78, MSCE ’82) is a member of CSU’s Alumni Association Board and serves on the finance committee. He joined the board in September 2021.

Dr. Angela Cohen (MSN ’15) began serving as a CSUAA board member in September 2021. Her first time serving on the board, she also serves on the philanthropy and corporate engagement committee.

Currently serving as treasurer, Kevin Bales (BBA ’06) first joined the CSUAA Board in 2016.

Lauren Rudman (MLRHR ’08) is currently a board chair on the CSUAA Board and first started serving on the board in 2017.

Currently serving as president-elect and serving on the executive and events committee, Jim Brazytis (BA ’94) is no stranger to the CSUAA Board. He originally joined the board in the early 2000s and served in a variety of roles, one of which included president, from 2006-2008. He began serving on the board again in 2019.

Brendan Whitt (BA '14, MA '19) reveals how Cleveland has inspired his art and his dreams for the future.

Forty-five alumni were recognized by Cleveland Magazine as top influential leaders on its 2022 Cleveland 500 list.

A year ago, three alumni banded together and left great jobs for something they hope will be even greater, something they hope will transform the Cleveland area.

CSU professor Patrick McGinty shares how his podcast, What We Brought Home, provides a cathartic experience for veterans to share their stories.

We talk a lot about how CSU and our alumni influence the region. For proof of that, look no further than this year's Crain's Cleveland Forty Under 40.

Cigdem Ataseven, associate professor in the Department of Operations and Supply Chain Management, helps explain the current problems with the world's supply chains.

Carolyn Lekan (BBA ‘99, MBA ’04) and Steve Pilotti (BBA ’90) discuss how the pandemic may forever change the way companies operate as employers continue to allow employees to do remote and hybrid work.

Discover how one CSU doctoral student has found a way to secure data from our personal devices with our own breathing patterns.

Although the Career Services Center has rebranded its office, now the Office of Career Development and Exploration, new director Brittany Wampler emphasizes that alumni are truly Vikes for life and will continue to have access to lifelong resources for career development.

There's always much to celebrate about CSU, but this year was different. After over a year apart, coming back together truly felt like home.

In 2020, Cleveland State University graduate student Ricardo Reinoso founded Cleveland Dinners. Since then he has hosted over 12 events, providing people across communities with a safe space to have conversations about race, racism, and other issues in their communities.

A couple months ago, Bruce Gordon (BCE '75) reminisced about moving into Fenn Tower 50 years ago. This month, junior Mason Repas shares how the experience — a half a century later — isn't that different.

We're hoping to see you on campus, but even if you can't make it here, bring the party where you are...Viking style.

If you’re still figuring out your next career move and need help—then look no further!

As students moved back in on campus, one alumnus reminisced about when his parents dropped him off at Fenn Tower over 50 years ago.

A new dramedy by Eric Swinderman (BA '05) hits deep, tackling issues of suicide, mental illness and gun violence.

Throughout the years, CSU athletes and coaches have made a showing in either the Summer or Winter Olympic games. Here are eight Vikings that have represented not only the red, white and blue, but also the green and white.

With all the recent press about the Cleveland Indians' new name, look, and likely mascot, we thought to revisit how the CSU mascot has changed through the years.

CSU tennis player Nico Mostardi was coming off of the high of winning the Horizon League championship this May when he looked to his girlfriend Miruna, also a CSU tennis athlete, and knew. He'd found his forever love, and it was time to propose.

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."

As an HR professional with nearly two decades of experience, Lauren Rudman (MLRHR '08) thrives in helping company employees learn, grow and advance in their respective careers. Now, the senior director of HR and Training for GNCO, Inc., takes the reins as president of the CSU Alumni Association Board of Directors to help cultivate deeper alumni relationships with CSU.

Though Anne-Marie Connors is the new associate vice president for alumni relations, she is no stranger to CSU.

If the walls of The Shire could have talked, what would they have said?

Accomplished alumna Dr. Ediuska Laurens is using the powers of science and engineering and her know-how of industry to improve the health of vulnerable populations.

As CEO of the Chicago Sinfonietta, alumnus Blake-Anthony Johnson is the first African American to lead a nationally renowned orchestra and wants to reimagine what it means to be diverse, inclusive and equitable.

McLendon became the first African American head coach at a predominantly white institution when hired by Cleveland State University in 1966.

The 2020 presidential election might be over, but graduate Kayla Griffin's work as state director of All Voting is Local is just beginning.

Over the past few months, we've had plenty of opportunities to dwell on all that's wrong, but you'd be surprised at how you can find ways to smile, even laugh, amidst turmoil.

In December’s virtual Women’s Leadership Lunch Series, Certified Speaking Professional Lisa Ryan, BBA ’95, MBA ’98, discussed strategies for remaining grateful in challenging times.

Melody J. Stewart, JD '88, Ohio Supreme Court justice, recently shared her thoughts about the qualities of leadership and her journey to Ohio's highest court.

As coronavirus case spiked at Ohio detention facilities in early 2020, Elizabeth Bonham, an attorney for the ACLU, sought the release of nearly two dozen people held by immigration authorities.

In this edition of Alumni College at Home, Dr. Ed Horowitz of the School of Communication, shares how COVID-19 has nearly upended everything about the 2020 campaign.

Just what can we expect in the first presidential debate hosted here in Cleveland? Who has the advantage? CSU Communications professor Ed Horowitz answers those questions and more in a special lecture that's part of the four-part series about presidential debates.

If you’d asked anyone, anywhere at the beginning of 2020, no one would have been bracing for a global pandemic.

CSU's Pandemic Response team has developed a “protection program that is scientifically based [and] factually grounded,” providing a “blanket of protection.”

The road wasn't easy, but you made it. Welcome to the alumni family.

Helpful tips from Catherine Bosley, veteran journalist and friend of the CSU Alumni Association, to preserve your image during a time of heightened emotions and pressures.

As the pandemic poses its unique set of challenges for colleges and universities around the world, alumni associations are also facing a shifting landscape, requiring new modes of engagement, namely digital.

Tuesday, May 5 is #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of generosity and unity. Communities across the world are coming together and giving back in response to the unprecedented needs caused by COVID-19.

CSU recently announced its first-ever virtual commencement ceremony, planned for May 30. It means this year's graduating seniors' celebrations will be decidedly different. How about the alumni community show them some love?

The second week of spring break was when Marty Barnard realized the senior year he'd hoped for was never going to be.

Native Chicagoan Jesse Prado was finishing his first semester at CSU, settling in to campus life, making new friends and carving his place in Cleveland, when everything changed.

Dr. Katherine Judge, associate professor of psychology at CSU, offers helpful tips to navigate a new world of social distancing, isolation and quarantines.

With all that the world is experiencing currently, alumna Lisa Ryan, an expert in gratitude, encourages us to look for the good that's all around us.

Life for many of us, it seems, changed almost in the blink of an eye as the coronavirus quickly spread throughout the country. CSU’s response to COVID-19 was rapid and is closely following the CDC and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s advice.

Award-winning author Lisa Goich will bring her unique perspective on living the unencumbered life to the Women's Leadership Symposium on April 14.

Ask anyone who was a CSU student in the 80s, 90s and early 00s, and they’ll tell you that Rascal House was a campus institution.

As an interventional specialist for an alternative high school in Columbus, Ohio, Kristen Meunster serves some of the city's toughest neighborhoods.

In the seven-year history of Giving Day, support for the University has increased by at least 50% each year, with this year’s performance vastly outpacing last year’s effort.

Cleveland State University has been honored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region Five for excellence in alumni and advancement communications and programming.

There’s a chance that one evening in the future your phone will ring, and Abigail Lindenmeier will be on the other end of the line.

Ask around and legend has it that roaming the hallways and rooms of Samuel Mather's former mansion are residents of the eternal kind.

Gina Vernaci had spent nearly four decades as a theater manager and administrator and was in the middle of a highly successful tenure at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square when a lunchtime walk changed her educational and professional path.

Talk about having a blast. We're actually still recovering from all the fun we had during Homecoming.

Years ago alumna Holly Jackson was left homeless after she fled an abusive relationship. Now, she's making it her life mission to bring hope to the homeless population in Cleveland.

A rift in the time-space continuum brings two black robots to a post-racial world in alumna Lisa Langford's new play debuting at Cleveland Public Theater.

If you were to identify the guiding force in Dennis Gates' perhaps unconventional approach to coaching basketball in just one word, it would be: love.

Twelve outstanding graduates will be honored for their service, leadership and career achievements.

We are excited to announce our newest board members that will join our group of dedicated fellow alumni currently serving on the board.

Senior Marty Barnard didn't know that when his fraternity selected him for a trip to Greece this summer, his life would change forever.

Thousands of students walked across the stage at commencement and stepped into the next phase of life. What would you share with them to help navigate the road that lay ahead?

This year's group of honorees are changing the world and impacting their communities with creativity and ingenuity and includes the fourth class of CSU's Fascinating Alumni.

Two former CSU men's soccer players now playing in the Major Soccer League learned on the CSU fields that to make it big, "you can't cheat the grind."

Following a brief career in the finance industry, recent graduate and Young Alumni Council member Merissa Price decided to forge her own path and put the skills she learned at CSU to work by starting her own company, MajicHome Development.

Anna Gibson is one of Cleveland State University’s Young Alumni Council board members. As a two-time Alumna of CSU with a BBA in Management and Labor Relations and a Masters in Labor Relations and Human Resources, she has been an advocate of the University serving on different councils and committees since graduation. As a Talent Acquisition Specialist for Lincoln Electric, Anna is a wealth of knowledge and in this Q&A, she provides some priceless insight as a young professional.

Cleveland State University’s 6th annual Giving Day was a huge success thanks to your support!

We're extremely proud that many Cleveland State alumni were on the ballot in the recent election, and we're doubly proud that many won. Win or lose though, it's the type of commitment to public service deserves a tip of the Viking cap.

The Cleveland State University Alumni Association continues to receive recognition for its efforts to promote campus engagement and community involvement.

It wasn’t only after Lisa Ryan found the beauty in her life that she saw a turnaround.

What a blast, Vikings. Let's do it again next year.

“Together we will expand our reach as both an anchor and beacon, working to grow our already impressive brand,” Sands said. “Together we will continue to serve our community with our unique mix of high-quality, affordable and accessible academic programs and transform lives.”

Graduates from the class of 1968 will be celebrating their 50th Golden Anniversary at this year's Homecoming and it got us thinking. Just how different was campus and student life 50 years ago?

That kind of sounds like we're preparing for a zombie apocalypse, but we're really not. This is actually far from it.

Homecoming is next week, and you might be on the fence about whether you'll join us. We'll get off the fence and come down and join us. You'll be glad you did.

Consider this your Felton primer for Tuesday's "Meet the Coach" event at Hofbrauhaus.

As much as winter seems to trudge along, if you blink, it's likely you'll miss the summer months. We made sure to keep our eyes wide open and had an incredible time. Join us next summer. You're always welcome.

Enlightened, entertained, informed, inspired and empowered. That’s how 300-plus participants felt following CSU’s fourth-annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Embrace Your Voice.”

Cleveland State University’s fifth-annual Giving Day raised more than $269,000 from more than 2,500 donors — easily exceeding its goal of $150,000 and 1,500 donors.

Ryan found out Stacey was a woman after his own heart when he took her to CSU men's basketball game and she spent the night calling out plays and heckling the refs. The two won us over and are this year's winners of our Vowed Viking contest.

Graduates who are impacting their communities, the world and Cleveland State University in unique and creative ways were honored at the second-annual Alumni Recognition Awards. The event also saluted CSU’s third class of Fascinating Alumni.

Harlan M. Sands, currently vice dean and CFO of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a longtime academic administrator and public servant, has been selected as the seventh president of Cleveland State University.

Alumni routinely marvel at just how much the CSU campus has changed. Indeed it has. Over the years hundreds of millions of dollars have been pumped into its transformation.

The 41st Annual Cleveland State Athletics Hall of Fame Luncheon and Induction Ceremony will take place on Saturday, Feb. 3, beginning at 11:30 am on the fourth floor of the Wolstein Center.

February is a month of chocolates, cards, hearts. It's a veritable celebration of love. And this year, we've created a number of opportunities to connect with fellow Vikings or a special someone and to express our appreciation for you.

While the Alumni Association staff prepares to take a break for the holidays, we wanted to share with you some of our favorite recipes to enjoy with family. They're really good, so eat with caution. We are not responsible for any weight gain you might experience indulging in the following delicious treats.

More than 100 representatives of some 40 organizations shared best practices, ideas and professional perspectives at the first-ever Northeast Ohio Summit on Alumni Engagement.

Dwayne Bray, BA ’88, recently returned to his Viking roots to help the Alumni Association launch a new men’s leadership program geared toward students.

Health care, business, education, public service, journalism . . . this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients have achieved excellence in a variety of fields.

What a great week of laughter, fun, celebration and Viking pride. Thank you, Vikings, for coming back home. We hope to see you again soon.

Remember what it was like starting on the great adventure – college -- at Cleveland State University? If you were lucky, you had a mentor or someone who could give you advice on what to expect, answer questions about navigating an urban campus, and help you succeed.

Our Senior Series has been recognized nationally and regionally as Outstanding Student Advancement Program by both CASE ASAP and CASE ASAP District 5.

Cleveland State University launched the public phase of ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University in May of 2015 with the goal of raising $100 million to assist in providing the additional support necessary to help students graduate on time and with less debt. Just two years later the campaign has surpassed that number with over $114 million raised thanks to the generous support of a host of individuals, foundations and organizations who share CSU’s commitment to community engagement, student success and engaged learning. The announcement was made September 14 at CSU’s annual donor recognition event.

Each year Beloit College publishes its mindset list for incoming freshman. It's a telling list about just how much the world has changed and how differently generations view that world. This year's list, the 20th of its kind, highlights the "last of the Millennials."

We're excited to announce the launch of two virtual book clubs focused on professional development and lifelong learning for CSU alumni.

Alumnus Chris Hendryx shares what drives him to give his time back to CSU.

Both new Athletic Director Michael Thomas and new Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dennis Felton agree: alumni support is critical to the future success of the athletic program at CSU.

Anna Gibson, a two-time alumna, has been a member of the Young Alumni Council since its start in 2014 and at times has been a one-woman show for the organization.

Over 500 attendees at the third-annual event encouraged to embrace what makes them amazing.

Enter to win and cheer on the Tribe from our reserved CSU seats. We're giving away three blocks of 4 tickets and four pairs.

The inclusiveness and diversity of our campus community rank among CSU’s greatest assets, thanks in no small measure to the leadership and vision of Dr. Pratt.

It was fun in the sun – three times over – during CSU’s recent Florida visit.

In honor of Valentine's Day, we're celebrating Viking love. Trina and Gerald Carrier, this year's winners of our Vowed Viking contest, found each other on campus, drifted apart, but eventually reconnected, renewing their resolve to finish school and build a life together.

When we asked for stories of alumni who found love on the CSU campus, we never expected how many heartwarming stories we'd get. It looks like CSU changes lives in more ways than one.

They’ve defied the odds, blazed new trails in technology, graced the silver screen and authored critically acclaimed novels and we couldn’t have planned a better evening to honor them.

It’s mid-January, so it’s likely some of you have forgotten that you made New Year’s resolutions altogether.

A partner with one of Cleveland's top law firms and a veteran journalist join the fast growing list of exceptional, noteworthy graduates.

Ask around and legend has it that roaming the hallways and rooms of Samuel Mather's former mansion are residents of the eternal kind.

This past August, the 20th class of Ohio business leaders began their professional journey into culturally competent leadership.

The Cleveland State University Alumni Association will receive Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at the upcoming Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District V Conference in December for outstanding programs and publications. The Alumni Association will receive the Gold Award for the Best Collaborative Program for Be Amazing…The Women’s Leadership Symposium. In its second year, the women’s leadership program attracted 800 alumnae and students for a day of informative and inspiring lectures, breakout sessions, and panels covering important areas of interest to women.

It's image over issues this presidential election, said CSU professor Dr. Ed Horowitz.

We couldn't be prouder of our honorees and of all CSU alumni for their impact on the economy, workforce, and quality of life in Northeast Ohio and beyond.

You can't wash away Viking Pride with a little rain.

Calling all alumni…Homecoming is right around the corner. Make plans now to join us for a day, or for the week! Along with a variety of group reunions and receptions, Homecoming will also feature activities designed to excite, inspire, honor and deepen your relationship with fellow alumni and CSU.

The Cleveland State University Alumni Association welcomed its third Corporate Chapter this week as employees of American Greetings gathered to share campus stories and networking strategies over lunch at their corporate offices in Brooklyn, Ohio. The world’s largest manufacturer of greeting cards employs approximately 125 CSU alums with a wide range of degrees and specialties.

Studying anthropology might seem far removed from the restaurant business but for CSU alumna Julie Hutchison, studying humans and their societies was a perfect primer for creating a community-focused eatery that caters to the health and wellness of its customers.

CSU Alumni Association membership jumped by more than 2,200 and beloved urban studies Professor Norman Krumholz was awarded an honorary degree during spring 2016 Commencement exercises the weekend of May 14-15.

The sixth-annual Radiance: CSU Realizing the Promise, was a stellar success, attracting nearly 500 guests and raising $1.1 million for student scholarships. Guests enjoyed delicious refreshments; live music; decorations that transformed the Student Center Glasscock Ballroom; and heartfelt, inspirational remarks by Radiance recipient Drewcilla Roberts, delivered the evening before her graduation. CSU President Ronald M. Berkman awarded the President's Medal, CSU’s most prestigious non-academic recognition, to Steven A. Minter, executive-in-residence at the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs and former president/executive director of the Cleveland Foundation. The evening also marked the naming of the Joanie and Tom Adler Atrium in the Student Center.

Recent issues of Cleveland State magazine have covered the new Center for Innovation in Medical Professions, ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University, and the fiftieth anniversary of University. We’ve featured class notes, news of alumni events, and updates on academic programs, research, and the new student-success initiatives.

When Thomas E. Hopkins (MA ’82) recently told a group of CSU students that it would one day be their responsibility to give back to the University, he spoke from authority. Hopkins knows a lot about giving back to CSU.

Cleveland State University’s volunteer leaders gathered in April to hear from a researcher who has devoted his career to studying how universities can benefit from being in thriving cities while at the same time helping their host cities thrive.

Be Amazing … The Second Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium drew more than 800 people to Cleveland’s Public Auditorium for a day of inspirational, thought-provoking talks; shared meals and conversations; and renewal of drive and spirit. Collectively, our guests and presenters represented a breadth and depth of talent and leadership that ranged from a woman running her own construction company, to women thriving in the arts, to entrepreneurs, lawyers, and authors.

An impressive spruce-up, initiated by 39-season coach Wally Morton and alumni Dave Guinther, BSEE ’69, and Joe Stockwell, BBA ’81, gives CSU's Natatorium a facelift.

"Last year's Women's Leadership Symposium was so positive, we sold out and left everyone wanting more. So we've lined up more speakers, more panels, more workshops, more time and more space," said Brian Breittholz, assistant vice president, alumni relations, and executive director, CSU Alumni Association. Registration is now open for this inspirational, day-long event set for Wednesday, April 13. Choose morning only, afternoon only, or join us for the day and re-charge your batteries.

Congratulations to the 10 "Women of Influence" honored by CSU’s Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement for their contributions to the betterment of the campus community.

A mainstay in the School of Nursing, Dr. Vida Lock is assuming a new role at CSU. We caught up with her for a look back on her 38-year career at CSU, and a look forward at new opportunities.

Congratulations to Linda Jurlina Baznik '78 and '81 and Edward Baznik '79 and '83 who won the Vowed Vikings basket of gourmet, handmade chocolates from Lilly Handmade Chocolates, co-owned by Joshua Montague BBA '06. Their love story – submitted by Linda in response to the mass email we sent – is classic CSU stuff!

February being the month of Valentine's Day, we decided to turn our attention toward a couple who fell in love while at CSU and who also love their alma mater! Kurt and Karen (Perez) Steigerwald married three years after their 1988 graduation and have been proud Viking alumni ever since. You could call them Vowed Vikings! They are the parents of a college student and a high school student, both of whom will probably roll their eyes after reading this Q&A.

She is a member of the 1964 Society (the pre-alumni group for current students); she helped organize the big 2015 Homecoming; she has an internship with the CSU Police Department; she works as a tour guide for the Office of Admissions; she's active in student government; and she is a former Presidential Student Ambassador. Phew!

Be proud of your Alumni Association, Vikes! We came home from the CASE District V convention earlier this winter with three awards in recognition of our efforts to engage alumni in meaningful ways.

Champion powerlifter and pre-physical therapy student Ken Bray started his powerlifting career at about the age many of his peers started seriously going to pot. At 40 he joined a gym. Six years "and 43 pounds of muscle later," Bray reports he now holds three national, one American and four Ohio records in powerlifting. Even more inspiring, after successful prostate cancer surgery in December, he plans to use his growing notoriety to draw more attention to the importance of early detection and the treatment of the disease. He's also motivated to jump back into powerlifting and finish his degree.

The annual post-New Year's Day crowds at local gyms are already beginning to disappear. But it's not too late embrace a simple fitness plan, says Dr. Kenneth Sparks, associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance. Dr. Sparks, author of "The Runners Book of Training Secrets" (Rodale Press, 1996), is a former all-American in track and world-class middle-distance runner. He's also a much-loved presence at CSU.

"We're delighted to welcome these recent graduates to our alumni community and we look forward to keeping in touch with them as they pursue their careers and their dreams," said Brian Breittholz, assistant vice president, alumni relations, and executive director, CSU Alumni Association.

Though the weather in Cleveland has been rather spring-like, our minds have been thinking of the great feast that awaits us next week, and we were itching to bring a new dish to the table. Something out of the ordinary. Something with a flavor all its own. We reached out to alumna Natasha Pogrebinsky, owner of Bear restaurant in New York City, and she sent us a recipe you'll just have to try.

Alumna Lisa Ryan has built a successful business around selling the power of gratitude to companies across the county. Turns out it can do wonders for the bottom line. This month, she shares how we can see the silver lining, take the good with the bad and let the sun shine in.

Where Television Host Barbara Walters left off with her Fascinating People specials, we picked up with our own "Fascinating Alumni" project. Originally conceived as part of CSU's 50th anniversary celebration, the Alumni Association undertook an effort to recognize 50 fascinating alumni. "It soon became apparent that 50 was just the beginning," said Brian Breittholz assistant vice president for alumni relations. "Hundreds of nominations poured in and we quickly learned we were blessed with a richness of accomplished and fascinating alumni among our ranks."

They also think WiFi is an entitlement. Yes, theirs is a world that's likely far different from your own. Find out just how different from Beloit College's annual mindset list.

If the walls of The Shire could have talked, what would they have said?