Case Western Reserve University’s story is nearly 200 years in the making. Each April, Legacy Week celebrates the people, traditions and events that have shaped our institution—and those whose work will inspire future generations of CWRU students, faculty, staff and postdocs.
We spoke to student leaders at the university to learn about their cherished memories and favorite traditions. Then we took a look back in CWRU’s history for archival photos using Digital Case—an investigation that showed that, no matter the generation, the same kinds of traditions bring our student body together as Spartans.
Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Mary Im
May Im is a third-year student majoring in nursing and math. She holds leadership positions with the University Program Board, Kappa Alpha Theta and the Greek Games Committee.
What is your favorite CWRU tradition or memory as a student?
My favorite CWRU tradition is Greek Week, a week in the spring semester full of activities for all sororities and fraternities to participate and compete against each other. Some events include trivia, knockout, and rope pull. As someone on the Greek Games Committee, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the events come to life, especially when I see chapter members having fun and getting into the competition. It brings out such a lively, energetic side of campus, and fosters a connection across all of Greek Life.
Despite the competition, there’s a strong sense of unity as students come together to cheer one another on, creating so many memories. It’s also open for everyone to watch and enjoy, so you should definitely come see it in action!
Harini Ganapathy
Harini Ganapathy is a third-year student majoring in neuroscience and psychology (secondary major). She is the director of the University Program Board’s New Members Committee.
What is your favorite CWRU tradition or memory as a student?
This past academic year, my friend and I went on the fall break trip (an annual trip hosted by the University Program Board), and this has become one of my favorite experiences as a CWRU student; laughing our way through a new city without the stress of planning transportation and stay was just the right break from a tough round of exams.
Ayosubomi Akande
Ayosubomi Akande is a fourth-year student majoring in psychology and communication sciences and disorders. She is the president of the Class of 2025, executive president of the Class Officer Collective (COC), and co-founder and president of the Nigerian Students’ Association.
What is your favorite CWRU tradition or memory as a student?
My favorite CWRU tradition is the Class Officer Collective’s Snowball—a winter formal dance programmed in the spring semester of the school year. I first attended Snowball as a COC officer during my first year at CWRU and served on the planning committee. It was a rewarding experience for me to assist in organizing an event that put a smile on every attendee’s face!
I’ve also chaired Snowball twice, in 2023 and 2024, and seeing all the thought and consideration that goes into the committee creating a fun and lively environment for the undergraduate population has been so rewarding. I also love good music, dancing like no one’s watching, and dressing up, so Snowball always allows me to live my best life even when it’s 20 degrees out.
Carson Williams
Carson Williams is a fourth-year student majoring in computer science. He is president of the University Program Board.
What is your favorite CWRU tradition or memory as a student?
It’s a tie! My two favorite traditions at CWRU are the Back to School Bash and the Hudson Relays. The Back to School Bash began during my first year, and it’s been exciting to see it grow over the past four years. It’s a chance to unwind after the first week of classes, with food, activities, giveaways, and a headlining performance. It’s where returning students reconnect with friends and new students get their first glimpse of campus life after Discover Week.
Hudson Relays is also a favorite of mine because of the way it brings the campus community together. From those cheering at the finish line near Adelbert Hall to those who happen to see a runner pass by somewhere on campus, there’s a shared energy and excitement. Everyone joins in to support the runners, and that morning of class camaraderie is a great time.
Milana Sacco (CWR ’24)
Milana Sacco is a 2024 graduate of Case Western Reserve and first-year student in the full-time MBA program. She is the vice president of marketing for the Weatherhead Women in Business organization.
What is your favorite CWRU tradition or memory as a student?
Homecoming has always been one of my favorite traditions at CWRU because it brings together so many aspects of my college experience. As a member of the Case Concert Choir I get to perform in the homecoming PRISM concert each year. It is a special moment to share music with the CWRU community. The energy of the homecoming tailgate is another favorite part—seeing alumni, students, and families come together to celebrate CWRU creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
I am lucky that my family is usually able to come into town for homecoming weekend, making it even more special. One of my most memorable moments at CWRU was being on the homecoming court my senior year, which was an incredible honor and a unique way to engage with the tradition. Now, in my role as graduate marketing assistant for the Office of Student Activities and Leadership, I have the opportunity to help plan and work on homecoming, which gives me a whole new appreciation for the event. Being part of the behind-the-scenes effort to create an amazing experience for others makes homecoming even more significant to me.
Alexus Planas
Alexus Planas is a third-year student majoring in medical anthropology. She works in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership, where she helps students navigate and manage their leadership roles.
What is your favorite CWRU tradition or memory as a student?
Although CWRU isn’t the traditional rah-rah sports culture school, I have always enjoyed watching our basketball team play. In my first two years here, I was part of the CWRU Cheer team, so I spent a lot of time in Veale cheering on the boys and girls basketball teams. Their energy is unmatched, they seem to really care about their teammates and the game. It’s also fun and unique to know that our student-athletes are exceptional students too—you see them around in class and get a sense that they are really passionate about school too.
In my freshman and sophomore year our basketball team made it to the tournament and the gym was electric. Everyone came out for our white-out game and being a cheerleader it was so fun to see everyone get into it. We study hard but we also have fun too, that’s what I love about CWRU.
Want to dive even further into CWRU’s history? Check out Digital Case to see digitized items from the CWRU Archives, including photos, programs, yearbooks and more.