Fall 2018

Improvement in International Rankings Reflects Initiative to Raise Case Western Reserve University’s Global Footprint

A new campus-wide international rankings initiative has yielded improvements this year in each of the four major measures of colleges and universities across the world.

The early progress shows that even modest efforts can make a significant difference in how global audiences view Case Western Reserve—a perception that carries increasing impact for U.S. higher education institutions. Rankings can play a pivotal role in international students' choices to continue their educations—and also influence decisions involving educational and research collaborations.

“We are looking at rankings as a way to see where we can improve in quality, not just play the numbers game,” said Molly Watkins, executive director for International Affairs, who began leading the rankings efforts this summer. “It helps our faculty and helps our research.”

In the fall of 2016, Vice Provost for International Affairs David Fleshler and Associate Provost and University Librarian Arnold Hirshon began working to draw attention to the opportunities and challenges of international rankings. The issue resonated strongly among several faculty and, by the spring of 2017, Fleshler and Hirshon began convening staff and faculty from across multiple departments as an International Rankings Committee. With guidance from a consultant, the committee learned more about the various indicators and methodologies organizations apply to their lists. During the process, the committee recognized that the university could improve its standing simply by providing more consistent, accurate and thorough information to ranking organizations.

From that effort, the Office of Institutional Research has begun submitting more complete and precise data to ranking organizations. Kelvin Smith Library has worked extensively on the university’s bibliometrics—cleaning up data on faculty citations. And the Center for International Affairs has created initiatives to enhance the university’s global reputation. Simon Peck, associate professor of design and innovation at the Weatherhead School of Management, and Victoria Wright, associate vice president for University Planning and Administration, provided additional leadership.

The group’s effort is reflected in recent improvements among key international rankings:

  • In the 2019 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, Case Western Reserve moved to 132 from 158.
  • Case Western Reserve moved to 186 from 213 in the 2019 QS World University Rankings.
  • In the 2018 CWTS Leiden Ranking, which analyzed 938 universities based on the number of Web of Science indexed publications, Case Western Reserve jumped to 57 from 143.
  • In the Academic Ranking of World Universities, the university edged up to 123 from 124.

The most recent ratings, the 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings announced just last week, evaluated 1,258 universities from 86 countries on metrics such as teaching, research, international outlook, reputation and more. In the THE rankings, the university improved the following scores:

  • 49.2 from 44.4 in Teaching (based on faculty-student ratio and reputation);
  • 36.2 from 34.9 in Research (number of published research articles in specific high-impact journals);
  • 93.2 from 90.1 in Citations (how many times research is cited);
  • 51.5 from 46.1 in International Outlook (number of international faculty and students, and number of published research articles written with an international collaborator); and
  • 40.8 from 36.7 in Industry Income (corporate investment for research).

“We have a lot of potential to continue to improve our rankings moving forward,” Watkins said. “With this international rankings initiative, we can make some good strides.”

Learn more from the article in The Daily -- http://thedaily.case.edu/improvement-international-rankings-reflects-initiative-raise-case-western-reserve-universitys-global-footprint/ 


The Alumni Association Taps Takeshi Tottori for 2018 Alumni Award

Takeshi Tottori accepts the 2018 Daniel T. Clancy Alumni Service Award from The Alumni Association of Case Western Reserve University

Takeshi Tottori (GRS ‘82, metallurgy and materials science) of Japan, is the recipient of the 2018 Daniel T. Clancy Alumni Service award, honoring an outstanding Case Western Reserve graduate who has been an active member of the alumni community for at least 15 years and has made significant contributions to The Alumni Association and its programs. The honor was bestowed on Tottori during the annual Homecoming Luncheon on Friday, October 12. 

Tottori graduated from the School of Graduate Studies in 1982, with a master of science in metallurgy and materials science. Nominated by Alumni Association Board President Allison Olenginski (CWR '01), Tottori has been involved with Case Western Reserve University since 1998, encouraging a CWRU alumni presence in Japan by managing the Japan Alumni LinkedIn group and personally hosting an annual meeting in Tokyo for more than twenty years.

We asked Tottori a few questions about his time at CWRU:

1) Explain your experience at CWRU.
I was at master’s course. I took three classes per semester. Class was very small, six or eight students were in a class. My research was supported by NSF, and I was doing many experiments. I was enrolled at CWRU from August 1979 to August 1981, during which time I lived in Clarke Tower (1596 East 115th Street, Cleveland, Ohio). Wow I still remember the address!)

I enjoyed spending time with my classmates in the Dept. of Metallurgy and Materials Science and many great instructors, including:

  • Rob Schut, PhD, returned to The Netherlands (classmate)
  • Peter Lagerlof, PhD, now an associate professor at CWRU (classmate)
  • James Cawley, PhD, now a professor at CWRU (classmate)
  • George Talia, PhD, who later became professor at Wichita State University (classmate)
  • Terry Mitchell (instructor)
  • Gerhard Welsch (instructor)

As I was awarded a Graduate Assistantship during my stay, I did experiments and prepared data for my advisor quarterly. Also, I was a teaching assistant for one semester, which was very interesting.

2) Why did you decide to attend CWRU?
I was accepted to several schools at the end of 1978. Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and CWRU in Cleveland offered me almost the same scholarship. At that time, I did not know which was suitable for me. The most important impact was the comment by my father’s friend who received a PhD in metallurgical engineering from The Ohio State University. His comment was “Go to Case." With that, I decided to attend CWRU.

3) What did you enjoy most about your time at CWRU?
Beside studying, I enjoyed the inter-department league of softball. It was very fun. Also, I enjoyed swimming at Emerson Gym and table tennis at the basement floor at Clarke Tower. Additionally, I bought season tickets for the Cleveland Orchestra and was a student member of Cleveland Museum of Art.

During summer holiday in 1980, we (me, Rob Schut, and a student from France) drove a car 7,000 miles in 11 days. Is it called “cross country?"  We took Route 66 through Texas, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, Ohio and more. It was and unforgettable drive.

I have many memories that are not related to study…. I got friends for life.

4) How many years have you hosted the annual dinner in Japan for CWRU alumni?
20 years in Tokyo, Japan.

5) Why did you decide to start hosting CWRU alumni dinners in Japan?
Until 1997, we did not have an alumni chapter. If any opportunity was available, I wanted to join an Alumni Chapter in Japan. That was the reason.

In 1997, I was one of about 180 recipients in Japan who received a letter from Alumni Office of CWRU. According to the letter, there were about 180 alumni in Japan and if I show an interest, the Alumni Office will provide an alumni directory and help us to communicate with fellow alumni in Japan. Several alumni got together to think about forming a new chapter.

We discussed whether to start an official chapter because we were not so sure about the obligations or duties associated with an “official” chapter. Finally, we decided to start an “official chapter." Along with another member, I signed the official documents and the by-laws of the chapter. With that, I became the first president of the Japan Alumni Chapter. 

6) What do you most enjoy about the dinners you hold in Japan?
I enjoy the possibility to meet CWRU alumni from a wide variety of background, majors, jobs and ages. Alumni in Japan consist of many schools of CWRU, such as Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Business, Law, Nursing, Medicine and the Mandel School. They cover almost all categories of majors.

It is impossible to meet with such variety if we stay in a specified field. Of course, it is very comfortable to talk with someone who has the same background and major of study. But, at this moment The Alumni Association of CWRU is very fantastic.

7) What else do you do to encourage connections between CWRU alumni - both to each other and to CWRU.
The most frequent questions to the chapter leaders are “What is the merit?,” “What is the cost performance to attend the chapter event?” and “Is it just a fund raising?” To answer these questions, I like to say that “if alumni are able to do something for their alma mater, it is the time to do so.”

If you look at older alumni, you can easily imagine what will happen to you on the physical and mental side. Also, nothing can beat “meeting young people” for refreshing your spirit. So, “stay involved in the alumni association” is beyond the way of thinking about whether it is worthy or not.

8) What advice or message do you have for international alumni?
When you write about your profile, you can write that your alma mater is CWRU. That is a kind of great contribution to help spread the name of Case Western Reserve in your country.

p.s.
In my case, it was impossible for me to be involved with chapter activity if I did not receive the understanding, encouragement and support from my wife, Misa. I wish I could have attended the award ceremony with her. However, her father is not in good condition, so I went by myself.

Learn more about Tottori and The Alumni Association's Alumni Awards here.


CWRU Continues Study Abroad-Alumni Connections

Case Western Reserve University’s Study Abroad-Alumni Connections program was created by the Center for International Affairs and The Alumni Association to bring current students and alumni together around the globe. This fall, the program connected 12 students who are studying abroad with alumni living and working in United Kingdom, China, France, Denmark, Spain and Germany. 

In August, information about the program was sent to CWRU alumni living or working in 18 countries. Interested alumni were matched with students based on location and field of study. Then, introductions between students and alumni were made, either before or during the student’s international stay. 

The relationships formed through this program benefit both students and alumni. Whether it’s sharing a dinner, answering questions about local culture, or exploring the city, CWRU alumni living abroad play an important part in helping students adapt to a new country. In return, alumni hear about life at CWRU from a current student. 

Sign up for next semester's Study Abroad-Alumni Connections here


Building Bridges, Fighting Disease: Celebrating CWRU's 30-Year Partnership with Uganda

Logos of Makerere University and Case Western Reserve University above the headline "Building Bridges, Fighting Disease: Celebrating CWRU's 30-Year Partnership with Uganda"

On October 25, CWRU will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Uganda-CWRU Research Collaboration with the presentation How Decades of Success Battling HIV/AIDS Can Help Shape the Future. The event includes a cocktail reception and a panel discussion featuring:

  • Dr. Peter Mugyenyi, Chair of the Uganda National Academy of Science Research Committee, former Executive Director of the Joint Clinical Research Centre, and recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the world's foremost specialists in HIV/AIDS
  • Dr. Robert Salata, Professor and Chairman of the CWRU Department of Medicine, Physician-in-Chief and Master Clinician in Infectious Diseases at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
  • Dr. Harriet Mayanja-Kizza, Professor at Makerere University in Uganda

The panel will be moderated by John R. Corlett, President and Executive Director of The Center for Community Solutions.

Register for the event here

Learn more about the Uganda-CWRU Research Collaboration here.


Summer Send-offs Welcome New Students from Around the World

Incoming CWRU Students from Beijing Gathered for the 2018 Summer Send-off

Each year, The Alumni Association of Case Western Reserve University hosts Summer Send-off events to connect alumni, current students, incoming students and their parents. All members of the CWRU community can mingle, ask questions and form friendships before students arrive on campus in the fall. This year, domestic events were held in: Cleveland, Baltimore/Washington D.C., Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, New York City, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.

Internationally, Summer Send-offs were scheduled for Beijing and Shanghai, where students and parents would be involved in Q & A sessions with alumni, current students, and staff. Unfortunately, Typhoon Amphil led to the cancelation of Shanghai’s session, but Beijing’s event was attended by more than 120 people, while over 175 registered for Shanghai. We hope to return to Shanghai in Summer 2019!

While CWRU staff and the president of The Alumni Association of CWRU were in China, they also met with members of the new Beijing and Shanghai Chapters of The Alumni Association. Both chapters are ready to build their network and strengthen the bonds between CWRU graduates. If you or someone you know lives in Beijing or Shanghai, please encourage them to contact The Alumni Association for more information on joining the Beijing and Shanghai Alumni Chapters.


Hundreds Celebrate Asian Mid-Autumn Festival with CWRU

Case Western Reserve University brought a special holiday from Asia to campus this September for more than 700 students, faculty, staff and community members to enjoy. The Asian Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates a successful harvest and brings family and friends together across several East Asian countries. CWRU's celebration features the traditional mooncake dessert and authentic cuisine from China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and Taiwan. Campus offices, student organizations and community groups, set up tables with games and giveaways to entertain the crowd. 

The event provides an opportunity for international students from countries who celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival to feel more at home in Cleveland and share an exciting cultural experience with those from the U.S. The festival is part of CWRU's Cultural Event Series, a partnership between the Center for International Affairs, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Office of First-Year Experience and Family Programs, and the Office of the Provost. The series continues during Spring semester with celebrations of Lunar New Year and Holi

Click here to view pictures from the Asian Mid-Autumn Festival.

Students gather on CWRU's campus to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival

CWRU Students Spend Summer Break Studying Abroad

Students gather during a study abroad trip

More than 100 CWRU students expanded their global perspective this summer by studying abroad all over the world. CWRU faculty members led study abroad programs to China, Cuba, France, Greece, Italy, Ireland and Scotland and South Africa. A total of 80 students participated in these programs from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Case School of Engineering and the Weatherhead School of Management. 

Beyond the faculty-led programs, an additional 60 students pursued independent study abroad opportunities all across the globe. The top destinations this summer were Japan, England, Hong Kong and Denmark.

Students often return from studying abroad with a deeper appreciation for their chosen field.

"China is an amazing place with so much to explore," said Reid Bolding, a rising third year CWRU student studying engineering physics. "This experience has definitely given me a new perspective on my career path. Academic work there is different in many ways, and I think it taught me something about what I get out of this type of work personally. I also got to meet a lot of great people with similar interests, who I hope will remain good connections in my career."

The Center for International Affairs' Office of Education Abroad stayed busy this summer as well, providing support for all of the students studying around the world and preparing for the annual Study Abroad Fair in September to showcase the various options available for students to enhance their CWRU experience.


Faculty receives Fulbright to share ideas about growing entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Canary Islands

Michael Goldberg, Assistant Professor of Design and Innovation at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University

“Although it is impossible to replicate Silicon Valley’s exact model, the Canary Islands are striving to define their unique strategy for consolidating an entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Michael Goldberg, assistant professor of design and innovation at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.

With this grant, Goldberg hopes to connect the Canary Islands’ entrepreneurial ecosystem with global entrepreneurship networks, and to inspire collaboration between the islands. He was previously awarded Fulbright fellowships to teach entrepreneurship at the National Economics University in Hanoi, Vietnam (2012) and at the Polytechnic in Windhoek, Namibia (2015). 

Goldberg created a massive open online course (MOOC) for Case Western Reserve University on Coursera called Beyond Silicon Valley: Growing Entrepreneurship in Transitioning Economies, which has attracted over 135,000 students from 190 countries. Moisés Darío Santana Quintana, who is the managing director of Asociación Canaria de Startups, Empresas de Base Tecnológica e Inversores Ángeles (Emerge), the startup organization that will host Goldberg in the Canary Islands, was a student in Beyond Silicon Valley several years ago. This organization also manages two co-working spaces for innovators in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Palet Express – Cajasiete and Marine Park, both supported by the Government of the Canary Islands, a regional financial institution (Cajasiete) and the city council of Las Palmas GC.

Goldberg will also be collaborating with faculty and students at Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Universidad de La Laguna in Tenerife.

“I was honored to be selected for another Fulbright,” says Goldberg of the opportunity. “It’s exciting to build upon the work that I started with Moisés when he was a student in the Beyond Silicon Valley MOOC, and to get to see, firsthand, the community he talked about in his assignments. I’m looking forward to bringing the content of the course, which uses Cleveland as an example of a growing startup ecosystem, to explore ways to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Canary Islands.” 

Moisés Santana explains that the Canary Islands are a unique area to focus on for entrepreneurial growth, as their remoteness makes them especially dependent on the digital economy. “This is why I found Professor Michael Goldberg’s course so interesting,” says Santana. “It provided lessons and experiences that can be applied to our entrepreneurial ecosystem. We were so pleased that the Fulbright Commission awarded Professor Goldberg a fellowship. We are excited to engage with him and try and apply the lessons from Beyond Silicon Valley to the Canary Islands during his visit.”

Santana added that Goldberg will present the main findings from his Fulbright to President of the Government of the Canary Islands Fernando Clavijo and his cabinet at the conclusion of his fellowship. 

Alumni are invited to sign up for Professor Goldberg’s MOOC!