Cleveland State University’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs has named Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson as the 2010 recipient of the In Tribute to the Public Service Award. The award will be presented during an In Tribute scholarship program on Tuesday, June 8 at the Hanna Theatre, 2067 East 14th Street. The program begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a cocktail reception at 7 p.m.

A Cleveland native and product of the Cleveland public schools, Mayor Jackson holds three degrees from Cleveland State – a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences in 1977, a master’s degree in urban studies in 1979 from the Levin College of Urban Affairs, and a JD from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1983.

He was elected to City Council in 1989 and served as Ward 5 representative for 16 years. He was elected as City Council President in 2002 and became the Mayor of Cleveland in 2006.

As mayor, Jackson has addressed issues of economic development, financial stability, job creation and safety. He has challenged the Cleveland schools to improve education to children, worked to revitalize the city’s diverse neighborhoods, collaborated with suburban mayors and other public officials on issues of regionalism, and has successfully balanced the city’s budget without significant layoffs or cuts in services.

“The In Tribute to the Public Service Award honors individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership in public life and contribute significantly to the betterment of the community. Mayor Frank G. Jackson personifies what this award is all about,” said Edward “Ned” Hill, Ph.D., Dean of the Levin College of Urban Affairs. “We are pleased to honor him and his achievements in public service.”

In Tribute to the Public Service Award tickets and sponsorships range from $75 to $10,000. Proceeds from In Tribute support scholarships for students attending the Levin College who aspire to careers in public service. For further details and ticket information, call 216.687.5205 or visit www.csuohio.edu/advancement/intribute2010.html.

The In Tribute to the Public Service Award was established in 1985 by the Levin College’s Visiting Committee to honor individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership in public life and contribute significantly to the betterment of the community. Over the past 24 years, the program has honored 29 individuals who have made significant contributions to public service in Greater Cleveland.

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