Forward Thinking: Summer 2025
From the board chair
To our alumni and friends:
Case Western Reserve University’s nearly 200-year history is full of stories that demonstrate the power of partnership—and, often, unexpected collaborations.
As we celebrate our institution’s bicentennial, I am reminded of this critical aspect of our history that will undoubtedly shape our future. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity, I encourage you to visit case.edu/bicentennial to read about some of our most significant points in time, and the people, places and ideas that have molded us into the research and education powerhouse we are today.
This need for partnership has never been more evident than now—and the university’s commitment to it has never been more visible. You’ve all heard about Case Western Reserve’s forthcoming Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building, a 189,000-square-foot research hub—the largest-ever project on the Case Quad. A multi-company construction crew recently celebrated the “topping
out” of the building, marking placement of the final structural beam. You can learn more about the project’s progress, and some of the many donors who have made it possible, on p. 18.
Inside that building, though, is where the excitement will happen—where projects from across science, technology, engineering, medicine and the humanities will merge. Already, the university is leading in efforts to bring STEM and the humanities together and, thanks to support from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation and The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund, we’re furthering our progress. Turn to p. 10 to discover how our faculty and students work to unite distinctly different disciplines to advance their studies—and improve society.
Watching transformative projects like these come to fruition during my time as chair of the Board of Trustees has truly been an honor. As a double alumnus, it is exceptionally important to me to ensure the long-term success of my alma mater. So, as my term as chair ends, I’m honored that another double alum who is exceedingly committed to Case Western Reserve will take my place: Julie Gerberding (WRC ’77, MED ’81).
Julie, who is the chief executive officer of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, has been an incredible partner during her 14 years on the Board of Trustees. As the first woman to serve as director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she’s used to making history—and she’s an ideal person to lead the board as Case Western Reserve enters its next century.
Fred DiSanto
Chair, Board of Trustees
Case Western Reserve University
Features
The future is interdisciplinary (cover story)
Students and faculty are unlocking new possibilities at the crossroads of humanities and technology
Connecting students with opportunity
Alumnus fuels scholarships for next generation of engineers
From breaking ground to topping out
The latest progress on the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building
Empowering free speech
$5 million from Stanton Foundation to expand reach of First Amendment Clinic
Gorilla-sized impact
Legendary Weatherhead School professor inspires gift for entrepreneurship
Scholarship and Student Experience
Sowing seeds for future scholars
Double alumnus' estate commitment pays tribute to late wife and transformative education
From a single loan to lifelong impact
The Warburton family's dedication to education
Research
From vision to discovery
A generous commitment from longtime supporters accelerates research in materials innovation
Fueling breakthroughs
Transformative gift brings new hope
Giving Highlights
A lasting investment
Gary Von Lehmden's path to an MBA wasn't fast or easy, but it was transformative
Opening doors, expanding minds
A family's commitment bolsters faculty and fuels research
Professorships
Advancing medical innovation
New professorship provides possibilities
A rededication to growth
Transformative support for next chapter at Olin Hall
Centers
Living the mission
Students step up in the wake of disaster
Strategic Giving
Turning aspiration into access
One couple's commitment to the physicians of tomorrow
Alumni Profile
A promise fulfilled
New alumna reflects on support throughout her CWRU journey