CSU celebrates graduating students who have overcome obstacles, made significant achievements or are fulfilling Cleveland State University’s mission in or outside the classroom.

Today, we celebrate Sylvia Lyons ‘25. 

CSU: Have you had any significant Internships/Co-ops/Careers while at CSU?

SL: As a Cleveland State University Student, I have held a long-term position at a nonprofit in Lorain County. Leadership Lorain County is an organization that focuses on professional development and building leaders in the community. We serve as a resource for college students, high school students, young professionals and those well into their careers. I have been able to leverage my minor in Nonprofit Administration to best serve my organization and community. As an Executive Assistant for Leadership Lorain County, I play an integral role in helping drive the organization’s mission. My experience in this role is directly affected by my experiences in the classroom as a Nonprofit Administration minor. 

Prior to holding this position, I was an Intern Program participant of Leadership Lorain County. Placed at the Lorain County Urban League, I developed, ran and engaged the community in youth programming. As the Literacy Teacher for Read and Rise, I had the opportunity to research my community, literacy levels, educational attainment and family and living arrangements. Using my experience in research as a Sociology student helped me best understand and support my students who were aged 4 to 12. The most successful piece of this program was the limitless support I received for my consistent efforts to engage my community in ways the children would be most receptive to. The Elyria Police Department, Elyria Fire Department and Elyria Public Library were kind enough to support these efforts. The library spent the summer hosting us and donating books to the program, and the men and women of the public sector came together to read to the children and entertain them with information about their jobs.

Finally, I was presented with an opportunity to sit on a Young Professionals Committee at CHN Housing Partners. Cleveland State University is responsible for making this opportunity available to me. At the Levin College Homecoming event, my professors encouraged us to network with the alumni, so I did, and I made a connection with a woman who holds at position at CHN. After meeting with her for lunch, she invited me to join the committee, and I now sit on the committee as the Secretary. Learning about the importance of workplace housing and the needs of community in an unfamiliar space have given me a more comprehensive understanding of Cleveland that I did not have before. I am happy to have the opportunity to serve people in a way I once did not understand.

CSU: How would you describe the connections you have made with the faculty and staff at CSU?

SL: The staff at Cleveland State University have been very important to my journey as a student. While this chapter of my life only lasted two years, I have learned enough to last me a lifetime. My professors in Sociology and Nonprofit Administration treated me with respect and encouraged me to do my best work and showed excitement for my achievements. Never have I felt so confident in my academic career. Their teaching has been transformative to my work performance and professional development. Without these men and women who would expect my best work and push me to implement my skills into the real world, life would be dull, and my achievements would be limited.

CSU: How has Cleveland State inspired you for your future?

SL: Cleveland State has shown me a whole new world of opportunities. Change is hard, and transferring to CSU was no different. I was scared, upset and unsure of what came next after moving home. Thankfully, my professors, my friends and my fellow students showed me all that CSU and Cleveland have to offer. I have a great outlook on life after graduating college. I do not know exactly what my future holds professionally, because that would be a lie. 

I have a lot of passion, and picking a favorite seems impossible at this point. What I do know is that I will have a future full of good people with mindsets like my own, surrounded by a community that is eager to grow and a culture that will never give up. I am graduating with a degree in Sociology, so I can see all that lies within the CSU and Cleveland community. People, arts, culture, history, academia and more. I will continue to immerse myself in as much of it as possible and hope to continue making a difference.

CSU: How do you think you have fulfilled the CSU’s mission?

SL: I work hard every day to achieve success inside and outside of the classroom. My nonprofit work helps my community and my peers, giving professional and personal opportunities to students and adults like me. I utilize the knowledge I have obtained as a student at CSU to provide the best possible resources I can for those I serve. 

Outside of work I spend a lot of time giving back to the community, supporting small businesses, and connecting with others around me. I consistently talk to other young adults about opportunities to serve the community and opportunities to receive services. I believe a vibrant nonprofit sector full of professionals and volunteers improves any and every community. 

It is important to be a good person. No matter what path you may embark on, being a servant leader, a volunteer, a helping hand, and a good neighbor, will add value to your life and your community. I am grateful to be a part of a community of Alumni, Leaders, and Students that offer so much value to the city of Cleveland.

Congratulations, Sylvia!