Case Western Reserve University’s 2023 Homecoming and Reunion Celebration begins today—four days of events across campus designed to bring together alumni and students, faculty and staff, family and friends.
Wondering where to start? The Daily has you covered. We’ve highlighted a few key events you’re sure to enjoy.
And there is plenty more to explore! View the full homecoming event list and register today to attend student performances, panel discussions, networking events and much more.
Blue Bash
The entire Case Western Reserve community is invited to gather on Freiberger Field for an evening of food, fun and fireworks tonight (Oct. 12) from 7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy student performances, capture special moments in a photobooth and much more at this signature kickoff event.
The Alumni Association’s Homecoming Luncheon
On Friday, Oct. 13, at Tinkham Veale University Center, President Eric W. Kaler will share the State of the University prior to a formal recognition of five outstanding CWRU alumni for their achievements and service. Read on to learn more about the honorees.
This event is offered both in person and virtually. For guests on campus, doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the program begins at noon ET. Register to get the livestream link.
Spartie’s Pregame Party
Get ready for the homecoming football game at the Linsalata Alumni Center Saturday, Oct. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All-you-can-eat stadium food, a performance by the CWRU marching band and a visit from Spartie are sure to get you in the school spirit. Students do not need to register for this event.
Homecoming Football Game and Celebration of the Homecoming Court
On Saturday, Oct. 14, celebrate the 2023 Homecoming Court and cheer on the CWRU Spartan football team as they take on the Westminster Titans! Kickoff is at 2 p.m. on DiSanto Field.
Homecoming Concert
Close out a day of celebration with a live concert on East Bell Commons, Saturday, Oct. 14, from 8–10 p.m.
Winners of the Alumni Association of CWRU Awards
Distinguished Alumni Award: Mohamed Ibn Chambas, PhD, JD (LAW ’84, HON ’14)
Mohamed Ibn Chambas has spent his decades-long career as a Ghanaian lawyer, politician and diplomat preventing and ending conflicts. His work as a mediator with the United Nations helped forge the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended the Liberian Civil War. Now retired from the UN, Chamas serves the African Union as high representative for Silencing the Guns, an initiative to achieve peace and security in Africa.
Newton D. Baker Distinguished Service Award: Grover “Cleve” Gilmore, PhD
During Cleve Gilmore’s 20 years as dean of Case Western Reserve’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, he cultivated academic excellence and critical investments in people, research and building renovations. As a longtime member of the university’s psychology faculty, Gilmore investigated visual perception and cognition in older adults, specifically people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Daniel T. Clancy Alumni Service Award: James “Jim” Lawrence Reinis (WRC ’74)
Jim Reinis has always been an organizer energized by bringing people together. After he moved to Southern California in the late 1970s, Reinis launched the CWRU Los Angeles alumni chapter and was the founding president. He also created an annual event for alumni to picnic together and attend concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. “When I started this event, I joked that I’d host [it] for 25 years,” said Reinis. That gathering has now been held for 30 years, with other alumni leading it for the last five.
Professional Achievement Award: Phillip J. Resnick, MD (ADL ’59, MED ’63)
Phillip J. Resnick is a world-recognized expert in forensic psychiatry, consulting on some of the nation’s most infamous mass-murder cases. He is director of forensic psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and a decadeslong professor of psychiatry at Case Western Reserve. One of his gifts to CWRU established the Phillip J. Resnick, MD Professorship in Forensic Psychiatry.
Young Alumni Award: Victoria Lichet (LAW ’16)
As Victoria Lichet neared graduation from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, the increasing urgency of threats from climate change prompted her to seek work helping to preserve the environment for future generations. Today, as executive director of the advocacy organization, Global Pact for the Environment, Lichet pursues her passion by urging governments to adopt laws to protect and foster healthy environments.