Happy Juneteenth!
President’s Message – June 2026
Members of the African American Alumni Association (AAAA),
It is my pleasure to send greetings to all of you and to extend a special welcome to our newest members—the Class of 2026!
Welcome to our community—YOUR community. As you begin this next chapter, know that (AAAA) is here for you. You are now part of the proud legacy of Case Western Reserve University, and we hope you will remain engaged as we build meaningful connections, celebrate one another's accomplishments and strengthen our network across the country.
I am especially excited about this edition of our newsletter, and I hope you are too. Inside, you'll find highlights from Black Celebration and Destination Weekend, along with an inspiring interview featuring photographer extraordinaire and fellow alumnus Georgio Sabino III (GRS ’09, art education). It is also wonderful that this newsletter falls during the month of Juneteenth—ever so special because of the true liberation of the enslaved and the celebration of freedom and resilience. Also special to me because it is my birthday 😊.
Although it may only be June, Homecoming and Reunion Weekend will be here before we know it. Be sure to mark your calendars for October 8–11. This is our "on" year, which means a full slate of signature events, including our Business Meeting and Elections, Leadership Awards Gala, and Inspirational Breakfast, as well as our Vigil and Game Night. We look forward to celebrating with you.
As homecoming approaches, I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities to recognize and elevate your fellow alumni. Nominations are now open for the AAAA Awards, which will be presented during the Dinner Dance.Our community is filled with alumni making amazing contributions in their professions, neighborhoods and communities, and I hope you'll help us celebrate their achievements.
This year also marks an important election cycle, with several board members reaching their two-term limit. While bittersweet, this transition creates an opportunity for new voices and perspectives to help shape the future of Quad A. I encourage you to explore the available leadership positions and consider nominating yourself or another engaged alum to continue this important work.
I remain deeply grateful for AAAA and all that we accomplish together. Thank you for your commitment to our community. Together, let us continue making an indelible impact on Case Western Reserve University and on one another for years to come.
Warmest regards,
With warmth and solidarity,
Tiarra Thomas (CWR ’12)
President
African American Alumni Association
Seeking Leaders
AAAA will hold elections for the Board of Directors at its biennial membership meeting on Oct. 10. Please help us identify future leaders by making nominations, including self-nominations. Nominations must be received by July 30. Apply for leadership.
2026 AAAA Leadership Awards
Nominations are open for the 2026 CWRU African American Alumni Association Leadership Awards! These awards celebrate the rising stars and dedicated servants among our alumni and faculty.
Help us identify these remarkable individuals by submitting a nomination today. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET June 30, and self-nominations are welcome.
Awardees will be honored Saturday evening, Oct. 10, at the AAAA Leadership Awards Gala.
Stephanie Tubbs Jones Leadership Award
Recipients of the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Leadership Award are CWRU alumni who provide service to the broader community and demonstrate loyalty to the university through participation and/or financial support. They show strong, effective leadership and resilience in the face of adversity.
Previous Winners
- 2010: Robert Madison (ARC ’48, HON ’00, ’04)
- 2012: May Wykle (NUR ’62, ’69; GRS ’81, education)
- 2014: Harold McRae (ADL ’65)
- 2016: Vincent Holland, PhD (GRS ’79, sociology)
- 2018: Debra Lewis-Curlee (WRC ’74)
- 2020: Teresa Dews (MED ’88)
- 2022: Justin Bibb (LAW ’18, MGT ’18)
- 2024: Linda Sharpe-Taylor (WRC ’78)
Ella Mae Johnson Service Award
Recipients of the Ella Mae Johnson Service Award are alumni who have made a difference in the lives of others. They have provided direct service to the university and the community through volunteerism and civic engagement.
Previous Winners
- 2010: Fred Gray (LAW ’54)
- 2012: Annette Butler (FSM ’66)
- 2014: Joan Southgate (SAS ’54)
- 2016: Donald Freeman (ADL ’61)
- 2018: Dean Patterson (WRC ’75; GRS ’82, health science education)
- 2020: Francis Curd (DEN ’77)
- 2022: Constance Hill-Johnson (WRC ’80)
- 2024: Donté Gibbs (CWR ’10, SAS ’12)
Rising Star Award
Recipients of the Rising Star Award are alumni from within the past 15 years who have demonstrated the potential for long-term distinction.
Previous Winners
- 2010: Alicia Graves (CWR ’05)
- 2012: Paul Adams (GRS ’00, chemistry)
- 2014: Gayle Williams-Byers (CWR ’96, LAW ’00, MNO ’00)
- 2016: Kari Cunningham (DEN ’10, ’12)
- 2018: Alesha Washington (MNO ’07)
- 2020: Brian Webster (CWR ’11)
- 2022: Tobili Hatcher (CWR ’20)
- 2024: George Bukenya (GRS ’23, medical physiology)
Distinguished Academic Award
Recipients of the Distinguished Academic Award are current or former faculty members or department heads who have made significant contributions to the university and to their professional areas of expertise.
- 2018: John McCluskey
- 2020: Joy Bostic
- 2022: Rev. Dr. Heather E. Burton
- 2024: Abidemi Bolu Ajiboye, PhD
Back in the Day: Drawing inspiration from legacy and mentorship
While leadership in STEM education may have shaped the unique story of Case Western Reserve University, countless alumni—like Georgio Sabino III (GRS ’09, art education)—see their alma mater as a backdrop for artistic exploration and creative discovery, helping make the university interdisciplinarity hub it is today.
Sabino points to encouragement from Tim Shuckerow (GRS ’76, art education), the late former director of art education in the Department of Art History and Art, as the origin of his Case Western Reserve story. The two served together on the Sankofa Fine Art Plus board, while Sabino was considering pursuing a master’s degree.
“After seeing my artwork,” Sabino said, “Tim encouraged me to take a summer ceramics course. That invitation became a pivotal step, ultimately leading me to Case Western Reserve University.”
Shuckerow would serve as a critical mentor for Sabino over the full course of his time at the university.
“The faculty were the program,” Sabino said. “They met students where we were, invested deeply in our success, and modeled what it means to be both an educator and a mentor. That level of personal care and intentional guidance is something I could not have received anywhere else.”
Some of Sabino’s most lasting memories from Case Western Reserve came from difficult conversations—especially those that “opened space for honesty.”
“In one class with Professor Saslaw, I asked my classmates—most of whom were white, while I was the only African American scholar in the room—whether they truly wanted to teach Black children,” Sabino recounted. “Watching and listening as the student body thoughtfully and sincerely said ‘yes’ was powerful and affirming for me.”
Another formative experience during his time at CWRU was a field study in New York City, during which Sabino documented visits to institutions that included the Guggenheim Museum, the Studio Museum in Harlem, a private Upper East Side school and a school in a low-income neighborhood in Harlem. He valued seeing firsthand the collaboration among these institutions and the disparities in art education funding across different environments.
Art education faculty at CWRU invested in Sabino early on, and the mentorship he received inspired him to invest in others—first as an educator and later as an involved alumnus.
This experience led Sabino to his work with Studio in a School, an art education organization in New York City. “There, my students were featured at Christie’s Auction House three years in a row,” he said. “It has been incredibly rewarding to witness these young scholars grow artistically and develop belief in themselves through their work.”
As an alumnus, Sabino continues to put his creativity to work for the African American Alumni Association (AAAA) serving as the group’s photographer for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2025.
Sabino has a nephew applying to Case Western Reserve. If accepted, he would become the seventh member of Sabino’s family to attend the university. This possibility “represents not just attendance, but legacy,” he said. “Each family member’s presence adds another layer to a shared history rooted in education, perseverance and opportunity. For me, this legacy symbolizes generational commitment, access to academic excellence, and the belief that education can shape lives across decades. Being part of that continuum is both humbling and profoundly rewarding.”
Sabino hopes to remain an active member of AAAA through his photography and drone work, as well as through annual memorial activities honoring the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (FSM ’71, LAW ’74). One of many AAAA members who knew the alumna personally—through her mentorship to CWRU students and her involvement in the community—Sabino also served as an art judge for an initiative in her district, selecting student artwork for display in Washington, D.C.
“Staying connected to the broader alumni community is vital, especially when you are seeking guidance, resources or collaboration,” Sabino said. “I have personally benefited from those connections—at one point, I reached out to an emeritus professor for insight on solar energy and the technical systems used for my home and properties. That willingness to share knowledge is something you only gain by remaining engaged.”
Maintaining a connection with his alma mater—most recently through a collaboration with a clinic at Case Western Reserve University School of Law—has also helped Sabino to develop the community police safety app GoVia: Highlight a Hero, which is designed to modernize and improve police encounters. The app has more than 32,000 subscribers worldwide and is preparing for a launch in the fall.
Outside of the classroom, Sabino’s artistic work spans painting, fashion design and photography, with pieces being displayed in multiple venues across Cleveland and the world. Most recently, he presented original designs at the Violet Edge Magazine Fashion Show and exhibited fashion pieces alongside visual art at Deep Roots Gallery, a project emphasizing “the intersection of fine art and wearable expression.”
Along with his artistic pursuits and alumni involvement, Sabino is also working on a sports photography book chronicling championship teams’ visits to the White House.
Recent Events
Black Celebration
Graduates and well-wishers packed Tinkham Veale University Center on the evening of May 16 for the 11th annual Black Celebration, hosted by the Black Student Union (BSU). Remarks from outgoing BSU President James Kline (CWR ’26) and other speakers put to words the pride that filled the room.
Positivity flowed from the podium. Heather Burton welcomed everyone to this celebration of resilience, courage and excellence. AAAA Vice President Brian Webster CWR ’11) commended the graduates for “doing something not everyone can do” and encouraged them to get involved with AAAA, providing a vibrant and supportive community for current and future students. Graduate speakers Sharese Lucas (CWR ’26) and Sydney Lloyd (CWR ’26), respectively, thanked their peers for “not just occupying space, but transforming the space you were in” and “having the courage to dream bigger than what was expected of you”. Said Lloyd, “You do not have to shrink to fit into any room.”
CWRU Weatherhead School of Management professor John Paul Stephens called out the various people groups comprising the very cohesive BSU. “Creating belonging, as you have done on this campus, is a superpower that you can take with you into the workplace,” said Stephens. “It is increasingly necessary.”
Other highlights of the evening included the presentation of Senior Superlative Awards by incumbent BSU President Samara Kirkpatrick and kente stoles by Stephen Furlow of the Office of Multicultural Affairs during the graduate procession. Attendees lingered long after closing remarks.
Destination Weekend
Cleveland rocks! And, if you were among the 200 registered for Destination Weekend, April 30–May 2, you know that CWRU does, too. Partnering with some of the institutions it uses to provide a world-class education to students, the university leveraged the power of partnership to treat alumni to a world-class weekend as well. As an alumna who could not attend the weekend exclaimed when she heard about it, “Wow! You were all over the place!”
The festivities kicked off downtown at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 30, where President Eric Kaler restated the university’s priorities of elevating academic excellence, expanding the impact of research and enhancing community engagement. He gratefully acknowledged the recent $125 million commitment from the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation and Supporting Foundation, which will help further these goals. Guests then enjoyed browsing exhibits and reconnecting with friends.
On Friday, May 1, author and graphic designer Karen Kaler moderated a playful discussion between Playhouse Square Board of Trustees Chairperson Brent Ballard (LAW ’85) and Craig Hassel, president and CEO of Playhouse Square, the country’s second-largest theater district. A high-energy performance by Pack Drumline followed in the State Theater.
The momentum continued in midtown at the Cleveland Foundation, beginning with lunch and a panel discussion facilitated by President Kaler, with alumna Constance Hill-Johnson (WRC ’80), the first African American woman to chair the foundation board of directors, and Lillian Kuri, the first woman president and CEO of the foundation, which is the world’s first community foundation and one of the largest. Tours of the beautiful building and the equally stunning Midtown Collaboration Center, which houses diverse tenants such as CWRU and the Black Frog Brewery, offered a glimpse into how the foundation invests in neighborhoods and individuals.
Next destination? Uptown to the Linsalata Alumni Center, where the power of partnerships was stressed by panelists Betsy Bolman, professor and chair of the Department of Art History; John Grabowski (ADL ’71), associate professor of history; Michael Benard, professor of biology; and moderator Joy K. Ward, provost and executive vice president. The 60-year relationship between CWRU and the Cleveland Museum of Art, which allows students to work closely with curators and museum educators, was one of the highlighted partnerships. Another was the Bio-Science Alliance between the Department of Biology, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Holden Arboretum and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, which grants students free access to hundreds of networking, research and internship opportunities. Students also have free admission to the Cleveland History Center and a number of other museums, where university researchers and educators regularly contribute to ongoing displays. Guests were given the opportunity to tour their choice of partner institution on Saturday afternoon.
The adventure in uptown continued Saturday morning, May 2, at the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic. Lia Logio, MD, vice dean, CWRU School of Medicine; Stan Gerson, MD, dean, CWRU School of Medicine; Dale Baur, DDS (DEN ‘80), interim dean, CWRU School of Dental Medicine; Ronald L. Hickman, Jr. (CWR ’00; NUR ’06, ’13; GRS ’08, nursing), dean, CWRU Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing; Kylie Meyer, PhD, assistant professor, CWRU Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences; and Scott Pelok, DDS, associate professor, CWRU School of Dental Medicine, addressed such current topics as the use of AI in healthcare, keeping up with emerging technologies and maintaining the human connection. Following the discussion, attendees toured the state-of-the-art Sheila and Eric Samson Pavilion.
The weekend ended on a high note at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Guests were invited to come dressed as a musical artist, and they did not disappoint. From legendary performers to contemporary stars, attendees brought music history to life with creative costumes, making for a fun and unforgettable finale to the weekend. Rock Hall Vice President of Education and Engagement Jason Hanley, former Executive Director Dennis Barrie, and CWRU Professor of Popular Music Daniel Goldmark detailed the long-standing relationship between the university and the Rock Hall. Robert P. Madison International, a renowned architectural firm founded by alumnus Robert P. Madison (ARC ’48), was the architect of record for the Rock Hall when ground was broken in 1993, and is again for the extensive expansion currently underway. From 1996 to 2016, the two institutions co-produced American Music Masters, a week-long educational series celebrating rock and roll pioneers, featuring conferences, film screenings and tribute concerts by artists such as Aretha Franklin (HON ’11) and Smokey Robinson (HON ’15). Rock Hall internships for students, joint research initiatives, and the Richman Professorship in Popular Music Studies, recently endowed by CWRU alumnus James S. “Great Neck” Richman (ADL ’72) and his wife, Elissa, connect university academics to the cultural heritage work of the Rock Hall and allow students and faculty to engage directly with experts in the music industry.
Delicious food, tours of the Rock Hall, and terrific photo ops brought the weekend to a "groovy" close. Stay tuned for information about Destination Weekend New Orleans, March 4-7, 2027. In the meantime, rock on!
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend
AAAA invites you to a series of exciting events during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.
Oct. 10 | Stephanie Tubbs Jones Candlelight Vigil and Mixer
An evening to honor community members that have passed, and enjoy each other's company with games and laughs. | 6:30–10 p.m. | Frank N. and Jocelyne K. Linsalata Alumni Center
Oct. 11 AAAA Annual Meeting
Your participation in the AAAA Annual Meeting is vital, as we gather to discuss programming for the upcoming year and elect the leadership that will guide our association forward. Don't miss this opportunity to share your ideas, connect with fellow alumni and help shape the future of our association. Light refreshments available. | 10 a.m.–Noon | Linsalata Alumni Center
Oct. 11 | Spartan Tailgate
Join the CWRU community to grab a bite to eat at the Spartan Tailgate before the football game. | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | East 115th Street, DiSanto Field
Oct. 11 | AAAA Leadership Awards Gala
Get ready for an evening of excellence at the AAAA Leadership Awards Gala! We are coming together to honor distinguished alumni and faculty who are making an impact on campus and beyond. | 6–10 p.m. | Tinkham Veale University Center | Ballroom A and B
Oct. 12. | Inspirational Breakfast
Feed your body and soul with a delicious breakfast, uplifting keynote speaker, and the fellowship of alumni and friends before saying farewell for another year. | 9–11 a.m. | Linsalata Alumni Center Great Hall
Business Directory
Discover the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of the African American Alumni Association community through our newly completed Alumni Business Directory.
Featuring alumni-owned and operated businesses across a variety of industries, the directory is a valuable resource for supporting fellow alumni, building connections, and discovering products and services within our network.
To request a copy of the directory, please contact us at aaaa@case.edu. We encourage you to explore, support and celebrate the achievements of our alumni entrepreneurs.
Membership Survey
If you have not yet completed the survey, please do so and help shape the future of AAAA programming! Help us plan future events.
Upcoming Events
Bicentennial events
Summer Send-Offs
Join alumni and friends at these casual events around the country as we welcome the class of 2030 into the university community!
Alumni chapter events
Engage with fellow alumni in a city near you!
July 8 - Brewed Connections | Cleveland
We invite you to grab a cup of coffee at the Frank N. and Jocelyne K. Linsalata Alumni Center, connect with others and enjoy easy, meaningful conversation. It’s a simple way to stay engaged with the CWRU community—no agenda, just great people and good coffee.
July 13 - Film on the Rocks | Denver
Join the Denver Chapter for a fun and laid-back evening under the stars! We’ll be gathering at the iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre to watch Little Miss Sunshine—the perfect mix of laughter, heart and summer vibes.
July 25 - Spartans Serve | Tampa Bay, Florida
We invite you to spend a rewarding morning giving back with fellow alumni at Feeding Tampa Bay! Join us for a hands-on service experience as we help with warehouse sorting—organizing and preparing food that will go directly to families across the Tampa Bay region.
Aug. 1 - Sears think[box] tours with the Cleveland Chapter
Join the Cleveland Chapter for a behind-the-scenes experience of the iconic Sears think[box], one of the largest university makerspaces in the world and a hub for innovation, creativity and hands-on discovery.
Aug. 1 - Boston Alumni On Tap
Join the Boston Chapter for an evening of great conversation, local brews and CWRU connection at Jason Russell Beer Garden! We’re excited to gather in support of Tom Allen (CWR ’02; GRS ’04, mechanical engineering), owner of Arlington Brewing Company.
Aug. 8 - Spartans Unfiltered: A Funny Bus Cleveland Tour
Join the Cleveland Chapter and climb aboard The Funny Bus for a comedy tour that blends stand-up, improv and Cleveland sightseeing into one unforgettable ride.
Aug. 29 - Spartans Afloat: A Detroit Princess Cruise
Join the Detroit Chapter for a memorable afternoon aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat! Reconnect with fellow CWRU community members while enjoying scenic views of the Detroit River, great conversation and a unique perspective of the Motor City from the water.
Stay connected: Join a local alumni chapter today
We encourage all AAAA members to stay active through regional alumni chapters, which provide events and opportunities to connect with fellow alumni in your area. You can locate your chapter at case.edu/alumni/chapters, where you will also find links to chapter Facebook groups or ways to contact chapter leaders.
AAAA Virtual Yearbook
This online resource allows you to build a custom profile to engage with fellow graduates. Share your professional milestones, personal updates, fondest memories and photographs on a dedicated page that highlights your successes and preserves your story for future generations of CWRU alumni to learn from and be inspired by. Join us in building this lasting community legacy:
- Sign up with your preferred email address for access.
- Enter the case-sensitive access code: cwruaaaa.
- Follow the instructions in the email from BrightCrowd to verify your email address.
- Once you agree to the terms, you can begin creating your page!
Everyone has a story to tell!
“Alumni Stories: Our Enduring Past” is an oral history project celebrating the rich, diverse past of Case Western Reserve University through pictures, videos and interviews with alumni. We invite you to enjoy these stories and share your own!
Want to keep up with AAAA?
What would you like to see highlighted in future newsletters? Do you have news to share? Do you know someone who wants to receive African American Alumni Association communications? Contact us at aaaa@case.edu.
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