May 2009
Ronald Berkman Named CSU's Sixth President
The Board of Trustees of Cleveland State University voted recently to appoint Ronald M. Berkman as the sixth president of the University, succeeding Michael Schwartz who will retire from CSU’s top post on June 30. In making the announcement, Ronald Weinberg, Chairman of the CSU Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Presidential Search Committee, said, "I am delighted that after a diligent and thoughtful national search, we have come up with the best choice for our institution’s next president. The fact that we have been able to attract a very special individual of Ron Berkman’s caliber is testimony to the achievements of Michael Schwartz as President for the last eight years. It speaks well for Cleveland State University, the Greater Cleveland region and the opportunities we can pursue. I am confident we have been able to attract the finest person to be our next president, and I look forward to working with him, as I am sure we all do."
More coverage of Ronald Berkman:
Official CSU Announcement
President-Designate Ronald M. Berkman Named 2009 Malone Award Winner
Plain Dealer: Ronald Berkman is a promising choice to lead Cleveland State University
Plain Dealer: Ronald Berkman, new Cleveland State University president, makes debut
Plain Dealer: Ron Berkman Press Conference
Farewell Festivities Begin for President Schwartz
If only for a day, Krenzler Field became a tropical paradise. Students, faculty, staff and friends recently joined President Schwartz and his wife Joanne for a farewell picnic as he prepares to retire on June 30. "A Special Tribute to Michael Schwartz" is planned for Tuesday, June 23, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Allen Theater at PlayhouseSquare. Call 216.875.9855 for more information.
Changing Face of Wind Energy
CSU is officially on the leading edge of wind energy. That's thanks to Dr. Majid Rashidi, mechanical engineering professor and his soon-to-be-unveiled wind turbine system. Through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Dr. Rashidi developed the patented machine, with two additional patents pending, that is both cost effective and commercially viable. He believes that there is a better way to harness the power of the wind, especially in geographic areas with lower wind speeds, and has conducted extensive research focusing on the potential of wind amplification structures that are capable of increasing the velocity of wind speeds. CSU will host an unveiling event on Thursday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center. The event is open to CSU alumni. Call 216.687.5205 or email rsvp.events@csuohio.edu to RSVP. Click here for more about the recent installation and here for the official invitation to the unveiling event.
 
 
 |
You're Invited to the First-Ever...
Join the Cleveland State University Alumni Association and the Department of Student Life at the first-ever CSU Alumni Association Graduation Party on Thursday, May 21 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Come enjoy free food, drinks, raffle prizes, games, and entertainment on the plaza outside Main Classroom and Rhodes Tower. Hang out and network with fellow Vikings as we celebrate December 2008 and May 2009 graduates. This event is open to students, alumni, and friends, however you must RSVP to attend. Contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 216.687.2078 or email alumassoc@csuohio.edu.
Receive A Free Ticket to a Men's or Women's Basketball Game
Cleveland State University recently emailed you an Alumni Survey. If you have already completed and submitted the questionnaire, please accept our hearty thanks.
If you did not receive the previous message, you can access the survey at: http://www.lookoutmanagement.com/surveys/uploads/CSUAS2009.aspx?Y244Y2ZQ.
NOTE TO AOL USERS: Please do not use your AOL browser to link to the survey. Copy the URL into an Internet Explorer browser.
The questionnaire is confidential, however, we ask that you paste this number, <<CODE>>, in the SURVEY ID field at the beginning of the questionnaire to avoid future survey reminders and to allow us the ability to send your ticket voucher.
City's Best, Brightest From CSU
Each year, Crain's Cleveland Business salutes the top 20 movers and shakers in the Cleveland area who are in their 20s. We're proud that five of this year's honorees are Vikings.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Asmaae Benmerzouga | John Madachik |
Stephanie Morales |
Greg Nichols |
Shantiel Soeder |
John Madachik, '05 BA, CFO, Contract Transport Services.
Stephanie Morales (pursuing MPA), Director, Key Career Place, Cuyahoga Community College.
Greg Nichols, '05 BA, National Business Expert, Federal Reserve Bank.
Shantiel Soeder, '09 MPA, Manager, Poll Worker Department, Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.
Cutting-Edge Mock Courtroom Will Prepare Students, Connect Area Law Firms to University
If all goes as planned, by 2011 the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law will have a $1 million mock courtroom that's unmatched in the area and outfitted with the latest in courtroom technologies, adding yet another feather to the cap for the program that has seen a number of accomplishments recently. Dean Geoffrey Mearns believes that the courtroom will prove a learning base for current law students, but also sees its presence and accessibility for Cleveland law firms as a way to deepen ties with Northeast Ohio. Read more about the project here.
We Are Beaming With Viking Pride In...
Anthony Austin, '06 MA, who was recently awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship. The doctoral student in experimental psychology (the study of how psychological factors affect physiology) at Ohio University will travel to Berne, Switzerland, to study with Dr. Roland von Kanel, one the world's leading researchers in the field of experimental psychology.
Joseph Pease, '79 BBA, and his firm Pease & Associates, Inc., for being named one of The Most Dependable™ Accounting Professionals of the Central United States by Goldline Research. Pease, a certified public accountant, is a past president of the Cleveland State University Alumni Association.
CSU, Cool Cleveland Take on the Future of Cleveland
If there's one thing a good many Clevelanders are passionate about, it is how to build Cleveland into a thriving metropolis. That was never more evident than at an event co-hosted recently by CSU and Cool Cleveland, where several hundred Clevelanders and six CSU executives-in-residence came together to discuss the possibilities for Cleveland's renewal, revitalization and rebirth. Read more about what came of the event here.
Let Your Voice Be Heard at 2009 Creative Voices Summit and Arts Education Day Luncheon
What is the role of the artist in society? And how does the state of the arts and humanities reflect the state of the community? On Thursday, May 28, on Arts Education Day in Cleveland, Cleveland State University’s Center for Arts and Innovation will present a one-day, two-part event that examines these questions from several perspectives, including that of renowned actor Michael York and a panel of highly esteemed experts from different arts disciplines.
The two-part event features: the 2009 Creative Voices Summit, titled "How Does the State of the Arts and Humanities Reflect the State of the Community?" from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Westfield Insurance Studio, located at The Idea Center, home of 90.3 WCPN ideastream ® . It will be moderated by National Public Radio’s Susan Stamberg, produced in partnership with 90.3 WCPN ideastream ®.The popular Arts Education Day Luncheon will follow the Summit from 12:00 -2:00 p.m. next door at the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare and will feature actor, author and arts advocate Michael York as keynote speaker.
Admission to the Summit is complimentary. The Luncheon cost is $20. Reservations are required. To attend one or both events, visit www.csuohio.edu/cai or call 216.687.5018.
Vikings Are Everywhere
Have pictures from your wedding or pictures of a future Viking? The Viking Nation is everywhere, and we want to see where you've been. Pictured left is Peter Pudner, '04 BA, Urban Studies, and his daughter at the Great Wall of China.
Send Alumni Affairs pictures of yourself or a group of fellow Vikings in different places around the world. Also submit pictures of your days at CSU and tell us your Viking memories. Please submit all photographs with the city, state and/or country in which they are taken to alumassoc@csuohio.edu.
* Disclaimer: Alumni Affairs has the right to edit and publish all submitted material. There is no guarantee that submissions will be used.
Upcoming Events
Visit the complete alumni events calendar here.
Alumni Association Graduation PartyOn the plaza outside Main Classroom and Rhodes Tower
Thursday, May 21, 5:00 p.m.
2009 Creative Voices Summit and Arts Education Day Luncheon
Westfield Insurance Studio at The Idea Center; Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare
Thursday, May 28, 9:30 a.m.
About Town West: Energy, the Sustenance for Civilzation; Renewable Energy, A Must
Red Tail Golf Club in Avon
Thursday, June 4, 6:00 p.m.
19th Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner
InterContinental Hotel and Conference Center
Friday, June 5, 5:00 p.m.
Legacy Tribute, Talk & Tour
Fenn Tower
Saturday, June 6, 12:30 p.m.
Life 101: Pairing Fine Wine with a Fine Financial Future
The Cleveland Wine School
Thursday, June 18, 6:00 p.m.
Engaged Learning in Action
Click here to find out how your college is engaging today's students.