Letter from the Interim Dean

Commencement is just around the corner, a time to celebrate academic success and new beginnings. The Levin College is preparing to graduate its 28th class of over one hundred students who will join the ranks of more than 3,500 alums. Part of what makes the Levin College so successful is alumni involvement, and I want to thank you for staying engaged with the College and Cleveland State University.

Urban Affairs alumni continue to symbolize the commitment of the Levin College to public service and the urban environment. I offer a note of congratulations to Chris Ronayne (’97 MUPDD), President of University Circle Inc., who will be recognized along with seven other outstanding graduates by CSU at the Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner on Friday, June 5, 2009. Call (216) 687-2078 for more information. Later this summer, the Levin College will recognize the achievement and public service record of one of its alumni with the “Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Award.” I invite you to submit a nomination. (See the call for nominations below.)

I hope to see you at upcoming alumni events. On May 21, 2009 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Lisa Kious McGovern (’98 BA and ’00 MPA) will lead a “Behind the Scenes Tour of the Gordon Square Arts District” (more details below). On Thursday, June 25 from 5:00-7:00 p.m., please join us for our annual State of the College Address in the Bonda Community Board Room (254). This event was so successful last year in bringing together alumni, students, faculty and staff that the Urban Alumni Organization agreed to once again sponsor this event. Please join in the informal discussion and reconnect with the Levin College community. Hearty appetizers will be provided. RSVP here.

Friday Conversations As you may know, the Ohio Urban University Program (UUP) funding is at risk. This funding supports the Forum Program as well as the public policy research, database capabilities, and other programs of the Levin College of Urban Affairs that you and others turn to for help in addressing the most pressing issues facing the Northeast Ohio region. Editorial support from the Plain Dealer and the Akron Beacon Journal is positive and helps to communicate the importance of the work of the UUP. Because the funding impacts the Levin College as a whole, faculty and staff now get together on Friday afternoons for an informal open dialogue about the status and challenges of the funding. Former State Representative Grace Drake and former State Senator Patrick Sweeney are co-hosting these “Friday Conversations.”

Thanks to all who sent letters of support--it's not too late to add your voice. For more information about this important issue, please visit the Ohio Urban University Program or email Molly Schnoke at m.s.schnoke@csuohio.edu

In closing, I want to assure you that the Levin College of Urban Affairs remains committed to national thought leadership in urban policy and public management as well as to equipping students with the skills needed to succeed as professionals in public and nonprofit service. Your good work is the proof that the Levin College is changing America’s cities one graduate at a time.

Sincerely,
Dr. Edward W. (Ned) Hill
Interim Dean, Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs
Cleveland State University

2009 Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Award—CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Each year the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs honors and celebrates the achievement and public service record of one of its alumni. These alumni are selected by a committee comprised of Levin College alumni, faculty and staff. They have excelled in their careers and have demonstrated dedication to community service. Together, the Distinguished Alumni represent and symbolize the commitment made by each and every alumnus of the Levin College. In many respects, they also represent the College itself, for they serve as national ambassadors to our mission of public service.

Nominations are being accepted for 2009. Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged. The nomination deadline is Monday, June 8, 2009. Nomination form here.

Behind the Scenes at Gordon Square Arts District
Hosted by the Urban Alumni Organization and the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization

Thursday, May 21, 2009 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
You are invited to join the Urban Alumni Organization for a guided walking "behind the scenes" tour of the Gordon Square Arts District, an exciting new addition to Cleveland’s arts scene at West 65 and Detroit. The Gordon Square Arts District is a $30 million capital campaign to raise funds to renovate two theatres and build a new performance theatre, as well as rebuilding Detroit Avenue and creating additional parking. The $7.5 million renovation of the Capitol Theatre is the first of the GSAD projects to start construction and is helping to leverage an additional $300 million in economic development in our community. Special thanks to urban affairs graduate Lisa Kious McGovern of the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization who will lead the tour. Afterwards, the urban alumni organization will provide appetizers at the restaurant Luxe Kitchen and Lounge. RSVP here.

In Tribute to the Public Service Award and Scholarship Event: A Salute to Judy and Bob Rawson

Cleveland State University’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs has named Judy and Bob Rawson as recipients of the 2009 In Tribute to the Public Service Award. The award will be presented during an In Tribute program and award ceremony on Thursday, May 7 at the Hanna Theater, 2067 East 14th Street. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. More information and tickets here

Judy Rawson served the City of Shaker Heights for 21 years, culminating in two terms as mayor. As mayor, she was noted for her leadership on regional economic development and tax sharing. She also served on the Commission on the Reform of Cuyahoga County Government and as Assistant Director of Law for the City of Cleveland. She drafted the Title IX legislation as a Legislative Assistant for Senator Birch Bayh of Indiana.

Bob Rawson stepped down in 2007 after 15 years as partner-in-charge of the Cleveland office of Jones Day. He continues as a partner with the firm. Rawson served for 20 years on the Board of Princeton University. He was appointed to the CSU Board of Trustees in 2007 and currently serves as vice chairperson. He is currently serving as Interim Dean of the Law School at Case Western Reserve University. He is former Chair of the National Civic League and currently on the Board of the Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education.

The Levin College Forum Program

The Forum continues to explore planning and development issues facing Northeast Ohio. We have a whole slate of new Forum Programs planned for April and May. Hope to see you at the Forum!

You can sign-up to receive notice of upcoming Levin College Forum Program at http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101197854559

Building our Future Beyond Foreclosure
The foreclosure crisis in Cuyahoga County did not happen overnight. Similarly, the strategies for moving our communities and residents Beyond Foreclosure will take time to evolve. Over the coming year, the Levin College Forum will focus on strategies, tactics and projects that are new, creative, environmentally sustainable and invigorating to the marketplace. Join us as we work together, Building our Future Beyond Foreclosure. Thank you to our forum series sponsors: Dominion Foundation and Third Federal Foundation with additional support from Neighborhood Progress, Inc. and Enterprise Community Partners.

Lessons from the Rhur Valley
The Levin College Forum Program and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture present RUHR 2010: The European Capital of Culture, A Strategy for Revitalizing an Old Industrial Region with Ralf Ebert, Director, STADTart, Consultancy for City, Culture and Planning, Dortmund, Germany and Lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences in Werningerode/Harz. Germany Friday April 24, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Transforming Cleveland by Building a World Class Waterfront, Thursday, April 30, 2009, 5:30-7:30 p.m., The Forum is pleased to partner with the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority; the Urban Land Institute, Cleveland District Council; the City of Cleveland and the Downtown Cleveland Alliance to engage the public in a discussion about the unprecedented opportunity for economic transformation on Cleveland's lakefront. Speakers will highlight successful waterfront regeneration projects, share best practices and present possibilities for Cleveland. The forum's objective is for people to come away with an understanding of the opportunity that Cleveland has before it by redeveloping 100 acres of prime lakefront land currently occupied by the Port.

All Forum programs are free and open to the public. For more information and registration www.urban.csuohio.edu/forum or call 216.523.7330.

Urban Alumni and Student Notes

Ana Velez (’99 BA) is a Budget Officer, National Institute of Mental Health and former Presidential Management Fellow is in a video called “Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) at National Institutes of Health (NIH)” Ana is pictured to the right.

James Gay (’02 MPA) is running for Judge, Cleveland Municipal Court, November 2009.

The Cleveland International Film Festival showed POLY CULTURES: Food Where We Live that featured urban alumnus Brad Masi ('02 MS in Urban Studies). Interim Dean Ned Hill and Professor Norm Krumholz were also in the film.

Jerry A. Rugley ('06 BA, '08 MPA) to Development Coordinator, Union Miles Development Corporation. Jerry is pictured to the left.

Adam Martinez ( MUPDD student) is running for election for the Toledo City Council.

Debbie Brown, former Levin College undergraduate advisor, has been promoted to Interim Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at CSU. Debbie is also a student in the MPA program. She is pictured to the right as she received the distinugished academic advisor award from President Schwartz (2007). Congratulations Debbie.

For more updates about what is happening with your former classmates. Check out class notes on the Urban alumni web pages. Take a moment to update your alumni profile at www.urban.csuohio.edu/alumni/updateform.html

PHOTOGRAPHY NOTE: The picture used in the banner at the top of this message shows MPA graduate student, Tony Gutowski and Professor Norman Krumholz. The photo is courtesy of Second Story Productions, LLC.

If you are having trouble viewing this email, please click here.
To unsubscribe, please send an email to j.mccrone@csuohio.edu with the subject line UNSUBSCRIBE.



	Letter from the Interim Dean Commencement is just around the corner, a time to celebrate academic success and new beginnings. The Levin College is preparing to graduate its 28th class of over one hundred students who will join the ranks of more than 3,500 alums. Part of what makes the Levin College so successful is alumni involvement, and I want to thank you for staying engaged with the College and Cleveland State University. Urban Affairs alumni continue to symbolize the commitment of the Levin College to public service and the urban environment. I offer a note of congratulations to Chris Ronayne (’97 MUPDD), President of University Circle Inc., who will be recognized along with seven other outstanding graduates by CSU at the Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner on Friday, June 5, 2009. Call (216) 687-2078 for more information. Later this summer, the Levin College will recognize the achievement and public service record of one of its alumni with the “Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Award.” I invite you to submit a nomination. (See the call for nominations below.) I hope to see you at upcoming alumni events. On May 21, 2009 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Lisa Kious McGovern (’98 BA and ’00 MPA) will lead a “Behind the Scenes Tour of the Gordon Square Arts District” (more details below). On Thursday, June 25 from 5:00-7:00 p.m., please join us for our annual State of the College Address in the Bonda Community Board Room (254). This event was so successful last year in bringing together alumni, students, faculty and staff that the Urban Alumni Organization agreed to once again sponsor this event. Please join in the informal discussion and reconnect with the Levin College community. Hearty appetizers will be provided. RSVP here. As you may know, the Ohio Urban University Program (UUP) funding is at risk. This funding supports the Forum Program as well as the public policy research, database capabilities, and other programs of the Levin College of Urban Affairs that you and others turn to for help in addressing the most pressing issues facing the Northeast Ohio region. Editorial support from the Plain Dealer and the Akron Beacon Journal is positive and helps to communicate the importance of the work of the UUP. Because the funding impacts the Levin College as a whole, faculty and staff now get together on Friday afternoons for an informal open dialogue about the status and challenges of the funding. Former State Representative Grace Drake and former State Senator Patrick Sweeney are co-hosting these “Friday Conversations.” Thanks to all who sent letters of support--it's not too late to add your voice. For more information about this important issue, please visit the Ohio Urban University Program or email Molly Schnoke at m.s.schnoke@csuohio.edu In closing, I want to assure you that the Levin College of Urban Affairs remains committed to national thought leadership in urban policy and public management as well as to equipping students with the skills needed to succeed as professionals in public and nonprofit service. Your good work is the proof that the Levin College is changing America’s cities one graduate at a time. Sincerely, Dr. Edward W. (Ned) Hill Interim Dean, Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs Cleveland State University 2009 Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Award—CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Each year the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs honors and celebrates the achievement and public service record of one of its alumni. These alumni are selected by a committee comprised of Levin College alumni, faculty and staff. They have excelled in their careers and have demonstrated dedication to community service. Together, the Distinguished Alumni represent and symbolize the commitment made by each and every alumnus of the Levin College. In many respects, they also represent the College itself, for they serve as national ambassadors to our mission of public service. Nominations are being accepted for 2009. Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged. The nomination deadline is Monday, June 8, 2009. Nomination form here. Behind the Scenes at Gordon Square Arts District Hosted by the Urban Alumni Organization and the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization Thursday, May 21, 2009 \| 5:30-7:30 p.m. You are invited to join the Urban Alumni Organization for a guided walking "behind the scenes" tour of the Gordon Square Arts District, an exciting new addition to Cleveland’s arts scene at West 65 and Detroit. The Gordon Square Arts District is a $30 million capital campaign to raise funds to renovate two theatres and build a new performance theatre, as well as rebuilding Detroit Avenue and creating additional parking. The $7.5 million renovation of the Capitol Theatre is the first of the GSAD projects to start construction and is helping to leverage an additional $300 million in economic development in our community. Special thanks to urban affairs graduate Lisa Kious McGovern of the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization who will lead the tour. Afterwards, the urban alumni organization will provide appetizers at the restaurant Luxe Kitchen and Lounge. RSVP here. In Tribute to the Public Service Award and Scholarship Event: A Salute to Judy and Bob Rawson Cleveland State University’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs has named Judy and Bob Rawson as recipients of the 2009 In Tribute to the Public Service Award. The award will be presented during an In Tribute program and award ceremony on Thursday, May 7 at the Hanna Theater, 2067 East 14th Street. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. More information and tickets here Judy Rawson served the City of Shaker Heights for 21 years, culminating in two terms as mayor. As mayor, she was noted for her leadership on regional economic development and tax sharing. She also served on the Commission on the Reform of Cuyahoga County Government and as Assistant Director of Law for the City of Cleveland. She drafted the Title IX legislation as a Legislative Assistant for Senator Birch Bayh of Indiana. Bob Rawson stepped down in 2007 after 15 years as partner-in-charge of the Cleveland office of Jones Day. He continues as a partner with the firm. Rawson served for 20 years on the Board of Princeton University. He was appointed to the CSU Board of Trustees in 2007 and currently serves as vice chairperson. He is currently serving as Interim Dean of the Law School at Case Western Reserve University. He is former Chair of the National Civic League and currently on the Board of the Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education. The Levin College Forum Program The Forum continues to explore planning and development issues facing Northeast Ohio. We have a whole slate of new Forum Programs planned for April and May. Hope to see you at the Forum! You can sign-up to receive notice of upcoming Levin College Forum Program at http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101197854559 Building our Future Beyond Foreclosure The foreclosure crisis in Cuyahoga County did not happen overnight. Similarly, the strategies for moving our communities and residents Beyond Foreclosure will take time to evolve. Over the coming year, the Levin College Forum will focus on strategies, tactics and projects that are new, creative, environmentally sustainable and invigorating to the marketplace. Join us as we work together, Building our Future Beyond Foreclosure. Thank you to our forum series sponsors: Dominion Foundation and Third Federal Foundation with additional support from Neighborhood Progress, Inc. and Enterprise Community Partners. Be part of the conversation, connect with policy makers to rebuild Northeast Ohio's cities. Setting the Stage, Beating the Odds, Thursday, April 23, 2009, 4:00-6:30 p.m. Lessons from the Rhur Valley The Levin College Forum Program and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture present RUHR 2010: The European Capital of Culture, A Strategy for Revitalizing an Old Industrial Region with Ralf Ebert, Director, STADTart, Consultancy for City, Culture and Planning, Dortmund, Germany and Lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences in Werningerode/Harz. Germany Friday April 24, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Transforming Cleveland by Building a World Class Waterfront, Thursday, April 30, 2009, 5:30-7:30 p.m., The Forum is pleased to partner with the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority; the Urban Land Institute, Cleveland District Council; the City of Cleveland and the Downtown Cleveland Alliance to engage the public in a discussion about the unprecedented opportunity for economic transformation on Cleveland's lakefront. Speakers will highlight successful waterfront regeneration projects, share best practices and present possibilities for Cleveland. The forum's objective is for people to come away with an understanding of the opportunity that Cleveland has before it by redeveloping 100 acres of prime lakefront land currently occupied by the Port. All Forum programs are free and open to the public. For more information and registration www.urban.csuohio.edu/forum or call 216.523.7330. Urban Alumni and Student Notes Ana Velez (’99 BA) is a Budget Officer, National Institute of Mental Health and former Presidential Management Fellow is in a video called “Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) at National Institutes of Health (NIH)” Ana is pictured to the right. James Gay (’02 MPA) is running for Judge, Cleveland Municipal Court, November 2009. The Cleveland International Film Festival showed POLY CULTURES: Food Where We Live that featured urban alumnus Brad Masi ('02 MS in Urban Studies). Interim Dean Ned Hill and Professor Norm Krumholz were also in the film. Jerry A. Rugley ('06 BA, '08 MPA) to Development Coordinator, Union Miles Development Corporation. Jerry is pictured to the left. Adam Martinez ( MUPDD student) is running for election for the Toledo City Council. Debbie Brown, former Levin College undergraduate advisor, has been promoted to Interim Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at CSU. Debbie is also a student in the MPA program. She is pictured to the right as she received the distinugished academic advisor award from President Schwartz (2007). Congratulations Debbie. For more updates about what is happening with your former classmates. Check out class notes on the Urban alumni web pages. Take a moment to update your alumni profile at www.urban.csuohio.edu/alumni/updateform.html PHOTOGRAPHY NOTE: The picture used in the banner at the top of this message shows MPA graduate student, Tony Gutowski and Professor Norman Krumholz. The photo is courtesy of Second Story Productions, LLC. If you are having trouble viewing this email, please click here. To unsubscribe, please send an email to j.mccrone@csuohio.edu with the subject line UNSUBSCRIBE.
Cleveland State University \| 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-2214 \| 216.687.2000