January 2009

Gund Foundation Award Moves Allen Theater to Center Stage

The George Gund Foundation is taking CSU one step closer toward a new home for its expanded theater program by awarding the University $1 million to reconfigure PlayhouseSquare’s 2,800-seat Allen Theater into two smaller stages. University plans call for the renovation of the PlayhouseSquare landmark into a state-of-the-art theater and movie venue. Read more here.

Nance Students Take First Place in Competition

Here's a look at engaged learning in action. Two graduate students recently devised a marketing solution for the Cleveland Clinic and won first place for it in the Clinic's Solutions Competition, taking with them scholarship money and meaningful experience in working collaboratively and strategically. In addition to the award-winning duo, the Nance College of Business also had a number of other students participate in the Clinic's second-annual program. Read more here.

CSU Students Create Mini Machine to Drive Past Competition

Deep in the bowels of the Science Building lives a creature that few know exist. Its roar is muffled, it enjoys slopping around in the mud and can scale the steps of the Physical Education Building, as well as jump through the air with the greatest of ease. Is it a hybrid pig-bear-kangaroo freak of nature? Not really. It's the creation of the Cleveland State University Chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Read more here.

Athletic Hall of Fame: Class of 2009

The Varsity C Club announces the Class of 2009 for induction into the CSU Athletic Hall of Fame:

Paul Clark - Soccer 1985/1989
Al DiGiovanni - Wrestling 1975/1979
Pat Joyce - Track and Cross Country 1988/1993

The induction ceremony will be held on Thursday February 12, 2009 at the Wolstein Center. For information contact the CSU Athletic Department at 216.687.4848 or Tim Brimus (Varsity C Club) at 440.356.1115.

What's your perception of CSU?

In the coming months, you'll have the opportunity to participate in an attitudinal survey that will help the University gauge alumni perceptions. There are great things happening here at CSU, and with your feedback, we will be able to channel our efforts in the most effective ways to stay at the forefront of higher education in the Greater Cleveland area and country. Be on the lookout for details soon.

Math Prof Recognized as College of Science Outstanding Teacher

Mathematics professor Keith Kendig was recently honored with the College of Science 2008 Jearl Walker Outstanding Teaching Award, recognizing his enthusiasm and devotion to students and to his profession. Dr. Kendig has been a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics since 1971 and has been the recipient of many other prestigious awards.

Visiting Ukrainian Prof Explores Possible Exchange

A guest faculty member from Poltova University in the Ukraine recently visited CSU to explore ways in which the Ukrainian university and CSU could collaborate. Dr.Tetyana Luynova spent 6 weeks working with the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and the College of Education and Human Services faculty, learning more about CSU curriculum, support services for students and exploring potential exchange opportunities. Those interested in learning more about this Ukrainian initiative or participating in this potential exchange program may contact Chuck Schuller at c.schuller@csuohio.edu or George Burke at g.burke@csuohio.edu.

Students Lead Roof Top Garden Project

Senior Environmental Science students Erin Huber and LeeAnn Westfall have taken the lead on creating a 7,000 square- foot roof top garden on the CSU Recreation Center. The garden would serve as a learning tool for CSU students, the community and area schools, providing engaged learning on such topics as green building, urban planning, environmental protection, sustainability, managing storm water, decreasing impervious surfaces, creating urban habitat for wildlife, LEED certification, filtering pollutants from the air and water, reducing urban heat island effect, and decreasing dependence on energy for heating and cooling buildings.

Each dollar contributed by alumni, up to $60,000, will be matched by President Michael Schwartz. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible and may be mailed to: Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., MM 209, Cleveland, OH 44115-2214. Or contact Erin Huber and LeeAnn Westfall at csurooftop@gmail.com. Your support is encouraged and appreciated! Read more about the project here.

On the Town with the Alumni Association

There are so many great ways to have fun in Cleveland! And your Alumni Association has planned special outings that are guaranteed fun for the entire family.

Receive a seasonal gift when you join us for a reception and a performance of Mahalia: A Gospel Musical at the Cleveland Play House on Saturday, Jan. 31; or the Lake Erie Monsters vs. the Houston Aeros hockey game at the Q on Saturday, April 4.

Check out the alumni calendar of events here and reserve your seats now for these and other great outings by calling 216.687.2078 or emailing alumassoc@csuohio.edu.

Register for and attend one or more events and you could win prizes valued from $100 to $200. Prize drawings will be held at the Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner on June 5 for participation in events between Jan. 3 and June 5, 2009.

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