Case Western Reserve University’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing marked its 100th anniversary of educating students. Members of the Class of 1973 were the first to be inducted as Graduates of Distinction in a special ceremony, marking the occasion with a gift to support CWRU students. The Spartan football team defeated Westminster 31-6. And alumni and friends alike attended more than 100 events in a Homecoming and Reunion Weekend that started with fireworks and ended with the final showing of an acclaimed play, The Moors.
While the weekend included more than its share of wet weather, the sky was clear Thursday as festivities began with Blue Bash, an event that included performances, games and a stunning fireworks show above Freiberger Field.
At Friday’s Alumni Association Homecoming Luncheon, President Eric W. Kaler updated the crowd on some of the university’s most significant activities, including a state-of-the art Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building designed to encourage collaboration and significantly expand campus research.
President Kaler also spoke about the expansion of the Cleveland Scholars program, a signature community initiative that will become even more appealing to eligible Cleveland and East Cleveland public school students (including graduates of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s partner charter schools) this fall. While the university previously guaranteed full tuition, it now will cover the total cost of attendance— and include a mentored, paid research or internship experience on campus.
“We are committed to removing barriers to a Case Western Reserve University education for these promising students,” said President Kaler, “many of whom are first-generation college students who live right in our neighborhood. We want to give them every opportunity to thrive.”
The luncheon also saw five members of the CWRU community were recognized for their accomplishments and service with the presentation of the Alumni Association Awards:
- Distinguished Alumni Award: Mohamed Ibn Chambas, PhD, JD (LAW ’84, HON ’14)
- Newton D. Baker Distinguished Service Award: Grover “Cleve” Gilmore, PhD, Dean Emeritus at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
- Daniel T. Clancy Alumni Service Award: James “Jim” Lawrence Reinis (WRC ’74)
- Professional Achievement Award: Phillip J. Resnick, MD (ADL ’59, MED ’63)
- Young Alumni Award: Victoria Lichet, JD (LAW ’16)
Throughout the weekend, schools and organizations united their alumni, faculty, staff, students and families through events such as:
- The College of Arts and Sciences’ annual IGNITE event to thank donors;
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing Centennial Gala to benefit the next generation of nurse leaders;
- A live surgery demonstration of the School of Dental Medicine’s Yomi Robot;
- An interactive tour through the Roger E. Susi First-Year Engineering Experience Lab at Case School of Engineering;
- A state-of-the-school address to provide updates on Weatherhead School of Management;
- A “Day in the Life of a Medical Student” experience with the School of Medicine;
- The induction of new members of the Black Law Students Association; and
- The inaugural Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences carnival to showcase new programs and community partnerships.
On Saturday, alumni, students, family and friends gathered at the Frank N. and Jocelyne K. Linsalata Alumni Center for Spartie’s Pregame Party to enjoy stadium food, a photobooth and other activities before heading to DiSanto Field to watch the football team take down the Titans 31-6.
At halftime, 2023 homecoming royalty were announced, with Veann Lee, Sedona Jolly and Germaine Harvey taking home the crowns. See the full homecoming court list.
Want to relive the memories or see a recap of what you missed? Watch the festivities in action: