Alumni News

When Thomas E. Hopkins (MA ’82) recently told a group of CSU students that it would one day be their responsibility to give back to the University, he spoke from authority. Hopkins knows a lot about giving back to CSU.

Cleveland State University’s volunteer leaders gathered in April to hear from a researcher who has devoted his career to studying how universities can benefit from being in thriving cities while at the same time helping their host cities thrive.

Be Amazing … The Second Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium drew more than 800 people to Cleveland’s Public Auditorium for a day of inspirational, thought-provoking talks; shared meals and conversations; and renewal of drive and spirit. Collectively, our guests and presenters represented a breadth and depth of talent and leadership that ranged from a woman running her own construction company, to women thriving in the arts, to entrepreneurs, lawyers, and authors.

An impressive spruce-up, initiated by 39-season coach Wally Morton and alumni Dave Guinther, BSEE ’69, and Joe Stockwell, BBA ’81, gives CSU's Natatorium a facelift.

"Last year's Women's Leadership Symposium was so positive, we sold out and left everyone wanting more. So we've lined up more speakers, more panels, more workshops, more time and more space," said Brian Breittholz, assistant vice president, alumni relations, and executive director, CSU Alumni Association. Registration is now open for this inspirational, day-long event set for Wednesday, April 13. Choose morning only, afternoon only, or join us for the day and re-charge your batteries.

Congratulations to the 10 "Women of Influence" honored by CSU’s Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement for their contributions to the betterment of the campus community.

A mainstay in the School of Nursing, Dr. Vida Lock is assuming a new role at CSU. We caught up with her for a look back on her 38-year career at CSU, and a look forward at new opportunities.

Congratulations to Linda Jurlina Baznik '78 and '81 and Edward Baznik '79 and '83 who won the Vowed Vikings basket of gourmet, handmade chocolates from Lilly Handmade Chocolates, co-owned by Joshua Montague BBA '06. Their love story – submitted by Linda in response to the mass email we sent – is classic CSU stuff!

February being the month of Valentine's Day, we decided to turn our attention toward a couple who fell in love while at CSU and who also love their alma mater! Kurt and Karen (Perez) Steigerwald married three years after their 1988 graduation and have been proud Viking alumni ever since. You could call them Vowed Vikings! They are the parents of a college student and a high school student, both of whom will probably roll their eyes after reading this Q&A.

She is a member of the 1964 Society (the pre-alumni group for current students); she helped organize the big 2015 Homecoming; she has an internship with the CSU Police Department; she works as a tour guide for the Office of Admissions; she's active in student government; and she is a former Presidential Student Ambassador. Phew!