Case Western Reserve University is home to faculty and staff who play critical roles in helping students grow and prepare for careers of their own.
But before they arrived at CWRU, those faculty and staff had years of education of early learning that shaped who they are and how they landed in their current roles. To illustrate the educational journeys our faculty and staff have taken, we asked them to share photos of themselves from their younger years. We’re sharing them—paired side-by-side with more recent images—today in honor of National School Photo Day.
Learn about their educational memories and read the advice they have for today’s CWRU students.
Brock Schroeder, PhD
Director of graduate recruitment at Case School of Engineering
High school class of 1987
What is your fondest memory from your school days?
My fondest memory comes from kindergarten. I loved school. I have made my entire career in education. I loved the school work and homework. My kindergarten teacher was so encouraging and lovely. She instilled confidence in me and a passion for formal education.
What subject or topic did you most enjoy studying?
Astronomy.
What piece of advice do you have for CWRU students?
Stay committed to yourself and your education. Connect with people and get involved in activities and experiences outside the classroom. Find the best in people and experiences. Your success depends on showing up and how you respond to situations and circumstances.
Jordan Audia
IT project analyst with University Technology
High school class of 2017
What is your fondest memory from your school days?
Halloween events and competing in speech and debate in high school.
What subject or topic did you most enjoy studying? Does it relate to your current work?
English and language arts—it does not relate to my role directly but you can argue the written communication skills carry over
What piece of advice do you have for CWRU students?
Talk to your research and engagement librarians and really take the time to enjoy yourself in undergrad—you are in the coolest part of young adult life.
Lenore Kola, PhD
Associate professor emerita at Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences (teaching from 1975 to 2020)
High school class of 1957
What is your fondest memory from your school days?
This picture is of the majorettes at CWRU (before the university’s federation) in 1957—it was in the student newspaper. I was a part time student for one semester before going to college at Ohio University. I had a great time with the band.
I particularly enjoyed high school more than any other period.
What subject or topic did you most enjoy studying?
I actually liked languages and English classes.
What piece of advice do you have for CWRU students?
Always do your best and enjoy your life—every moment of it.
Andrew R. Mancuso
Head of preservation services at Kelvin Smith Library
High school class of 2005
What is your fondest memory from your school days?
Scholastic book fairs.
What subject or topic did you most enjoy studying? Does it relate to your current work?
Science, computer and art classes. Yes, they are all interrelated to my current work in the field of library and archive conservation.
What piece of advice do you have for CWRU students?
Figure out what you want to do as early as possible, you’ll spend more time doing what you love that way.
Phaedra Norrell, PhD
Research associate I at the School of Medicine
High school class of 2015
What is your fondest memory from your school days?
Performing in my high school show choir, which had the opportunity to perform alongside Kenny Rogers during his annual "Christmas and Hits" tour in 2013 at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.
What subject or topic did you most enjoy studying? Does it relate to your current work?
I've always loved biology, and now hold a doctorate in neuroscience, so that passion became my career!
What piece of advice do you have for CWRU students?
Take time to explore your interests, and don't be afraid to let your curiosity guide you! I'm a great example of this—if I hadn't taken an intro to neuroscience course in undergrad, and hadn't continued to explore that curiosity, I wouldn't be where I am today. Be brave, and chase what you love!
