---

THIS THURSDAY-Behind the Scenes at Gordon Square Arts Disctrict 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.

---

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.

---

News from Leadership Development

The Center for Leadership Development invites you to a guest author and book signing event featuring Michael Carroll, author of Awake at Work and The Mindful Leader: Bringing the Wisdom of Mindfulness to the Work Place on Thursday, June 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Dively Auditorium. RSVP and more information here.

The Center for Leadership Development graduated members of Leadership Academy XVIII on Thursday, May 14, 2009 after a full day capstone, "Building the New Vision - New Days, New Ways," facilitated by Dr. Vera Vogelsang-Coombs.  Dr. Larry Ledebur welcomed family and friends of the graduates and congratulated the class on their perseverance and engagement since early November.  The "Outstanding Fellow" award was presented to Dr. Floun'say Caver of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority -- a graduate of the Levin College.  

---

ArcGIS Workshop

ArcGIS Workshop—July 13-15, 2009. For more information and registration http://urban.csuohio.edu/nodis/workshops/gis_workshop_07_2009.html

---

Levin College Forum Program

Emerging Black Political Leadership in Cleveland: A forum commemorating the public service career of the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones
Tuesday, May 26, 2009. 4:00-6:00 p.m.
The forum is an event to commemorate the public service career of the late Stephanie Tubbs-Jones. To honor the Congresswoman’s memory, we are planning an annual public forum about the future of black political leadership. The forum will focus on how the nature of black political leadership has changed since the time when Carl Stokes was elected the first black Mayor of a major American City and that there is a new generation of black politicians, choosing careers in public service in a different way. We hope that the forum will address such questions as: How was black political leadership nurtured in the past, how is it nurtured presently, and how should it be nurtured going forward? How can we foster and develop political leadership in individuals? And, what are the qualities and experience needed for a successful career in public service?

---

LCUA Out and About

Dr. Ned Hill is quoted in the Grand Forks Herald article "Gettin' it done." Registration is necessary to view the article online here: http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/account:login/ Dr. Hill's speech to Grand Forks, North Dakota is outlined on the Middle Cities Monitor blog here.

Dr. Ned Hill is quoted in the Ohio.com article, "Analyzing the Plusquellic factor: Study shows the value of leadership in a tough economy."

The New City Beautiful, a concept promoted by Dr. Edward Hill is noted in the Plain Dealer's article "Cuyahoga County land bank could launch Cleveland Renewal."

Dr. Dennis Keating was elected President of the Cleveland Civil War Roundtable for 2009-2010. Dr. Keating will lead the club's annual field trip this September to Civil Ward sites in and around Richmond and Petersburg, Virginia.

Jeffrey L. Brudney, Ph.D., and Danielle Wonkovich ('09 MUPDD) are  pleased to announce a new Levin Chair webpage.  The webpage details recent Levin Chair activities, especially as they relate to community presentations and involvement.  Please bookmark the web address at www.urban.csuohio.edu/faculty_staff/levin_chair.   Special thanks to Caryn Eucker for her excellent assistance in creating the webpage.

Welcome to The Future of Cleveland! On April 22, 2009, invited by hosts CoolCleveland.com and Cleveland State University, a couple hundred people assembled in the 3rd floor game room of the newly renovated Fenn Tower on the campus of Cleveland State University for food, drinks and the opportunity to engage with each other, and with eight CSU executives-in-residence on their subject of expertise: Entrepreneurship & Science: Dr. Julian Earls, former director, NASA Glenn Research Center; Economic Development & Community Building: Steven Minter, former director, Cleveland Foundation; Politics, Public Service & Health Care: Grace Drake, former Ohio state senator; Innovative Education: Barbara Byrd-Bennett, former CEO, Cleveland Metropolitan School District; Business & Law: David W. Whitehead, former Vice President, FirstEnergy Corporation; and Public/Private Partnerships: Dr. Stuart Mandel, Asst. Dean for the Levin College of Urban Affairs. Check out this site for a wrap-up and discussion from the party http://futureofcleveland.wordpress.com/

---

For Students and From Students

CSU's APA group continues their work at Jane Addams High School in Cleveland. This time the group worked alongside with current high school students. Check out the great photos here.

Congratulations to Tony Gutowski ('09 MS in Urban Studies) on his selection into the Legislative Service Commission program.

---