The Alumni Association of Case Western Reserve University, in partnership with our signature lecture series, Think Forum, invites you to the sixth installment of our virtual book club, CWRU Page Turners on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m.
In this installment, CWRU Page Turners will discuss The Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges are Failing Disadvantaged Students written by Anthony Jack, featured speaker for CWRU's Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation. This conversation will be facilitated by Karen F. Kaler with guest panelists Robert Solomon, vice president, Campus Enrichment and Engagement and Kianna Verdugo, a current biomedical engineering senior with a minor in polymer science engineering,
More on our panelists
Robert L. Solomon is a graduate of Lipscomb University and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. He began his career as an assistant attorney general for Ohio and later served as a Franklin County municipal court magistrate. At Moritz College of Law, he held multiple leadership roles, including assistant to the dean, director of Moot Court and Lawyering Skills, assistant dean for Admission and Financial Aid, advisor to student organizations, and adjunct professor in advocacy and evidence. After serving as an assistant U.S. attorney, he returned to Ohio State to lead admissions, financial aid, and diversity efforts, eventually becoming assistant vice provost for the university’s Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement. He currently serves as the vice president for the office of Campus Enrichment and Engagement at Case Western Reserve University, where he continues to advance institutional inclusion and community impact. Throughout his career, Solomon has also served on numerous professional and community boards and has been recognized with multiple honors for his leadership and public service.
Kianna Verdugo is a current biomedical engineering senior with a minor in polymer science engineering. They were the previous president of First CWRU and oSTEM, organizations that emphasize a safe space and supportive environment for incoming students to find career and research opportunities. They are currently active in the Women’s Coalition, Sigma Lambda Gamma and La Alianza.
Coming in 2026, we will also read texts by renowned authors including Colm Tóibín and Claudia de Rham. To learn more about Think Forum, please visit the university events website at https://case.edu/events/thinkforum
Aug. 12, 2025: CWRU Page Turners discusses Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement written by Ashley Shew
May 19, 2025: CWRU Page Turners discusses Stay True by Hua Hsu
March 11, 2025: CWRU Page Turners Takes on AI: Discussing Futureproof: 9 Rules for Surviving in the Age of AI by Kevin Roose