Cleveland State University’s fall commencement ceremony will take place on Sunday, December 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the Bert L. and Iris S. Wolstein Center, located at 2000 Prospect Ave. A procession of graduates and faculty begins at 1 p.m.

Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, College of Science, Fenn College of Engineering, Nance College of Business Administration, College of Education and Human Services, and Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs will participate. Graduates will be recognized by name as they cross the stage and receive their diplomas. Ph.D. and doctoral graduates will be hooded on stage.

An honorary doctor of science degree will be presented to Glenn R. Brown, Ph.D., President of the Generation Foundation. The President’s Medal will be presented to Mrs. Jean L. Elsner, a Project 60 student in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

President Ronald M. Berkman will deliver the commencement address.

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Dr. Glenn Brown is widely recognized for his many achievements in science, civic leadership and the advancement of industry in Northeast Ohio and throughout the state. He was appointed by Governor Voinovich in 1996 as Ohio's first, formally designated Science and Technology Advisor to the Governor; in 1999, Governor Taft asked him to continue in this role, where he served until August 2000.

Dr. Brown devoted his career to The Standard Oil Co. (now BP) for 33 years, retiring in 1986 as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer and member of the Board of Directors. He was responsible for research and development, engineering, patenting and licensing, health, safety and environmental affairs, alternate energy, and corporate planning. After retiring from Standard Oil, he spent seven years at Case Western Reserve University, where he served as the first Dean of the combined faculties and Vice Provost of Corporate Research and Technology Transfer.

In addition to his career as a distinguished scientist, Dr. Brown has enriched the lives of countless Ohioans as an active civic leader and educational advocate. He has served on numerous corporate boards, including Society National Bank, Ferro Corporation and Nordson Corporation. He has served on the boards of Cleveland Playhouse Square Foundation (Chair, 1991-1996), Cleveland Reads (Chair, 1987-1993), the Cleveland Advanced Manufacturing Program, Cleveland Engineering Society, the American Red Cross, United Way Services, the Northeastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair, and the American Chemical Society.

His numerous awards and honors include the Distinguished Alumnus Award from The Pennsylvania State University, the Distinguished Service Award from the Cleveland Technical Societies Council, the Leadership Award from the Cleveland Engineering Society, and the People of Vision Award from Prevent Blindness Ohio.

As President of the Generation Foundation, Dr. Brown is now dedicated to identifying and funding the economic drivers that can help restore the economic vitality of Northeast Ohio.

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The President’s Medal is awarded to individuals of outstanding achievement and extraordinary commitment to Cleveland State University who have directly and tangibly advanced the best interests and mission of the University.

Mrs. Jean L. Elsner, the 2009 recipient, is a passionate champion of education and a Project 60 student in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. As a proud participant in Project 60, which allows Ohio residents over age 60 to attend classes at public universities at no charge, Mrs. Elsner has taken more than 100 courses at Cleveland State, more than any student in the University’s history.

Over the last 28 years, she has pursued advanced knowledge in a wide array of academic fields, including history, English, computers, political science, and anthropology, and has just completed three courses during the Fall 2009 semester.

Mrs. Elsner has prized learning throughout her life. She graduated with high honors from John Adams High School in Cleveland and went on to distinguish herself with honors at Ohio University. During World War II, she served in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp. Later, she worked as a substitute teacher and office manager while raising a family. Always politically involved, she has been an active volunteer for election campaigns and various causes.

Thousands of fellow students have enriched their own studies and academic success through Mrs. Elsner’s extensive contributions in the classroom. By sharing her life and work experiences, by her thoughtful engagement in today’s rapidly changing world, and by her joy and zest for knowledge, she embodies the intellectual mission of Cleveland Sate.

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