This magazine arrives on the eve of a historic moment for Case Western Reserve University: our bicentennial.
For 200 years, Case Western Reserve has been a force in research and education that improves and enriches lives. Our students, faculty and alumni have invented solutions to important challenges and directed blockbuster movies, championed change for those less fortunate and made breakthroughs that save lives. They’ve won Nobel Prizes and national championships. They’ve started companies, provided continuing care, and put an end to societal harms through their creative thinking.
In short, they’ve made incredible contributions—in no small part because of the people who supported their efforts.
Thanks to donors and friends, this critical work continues into our next 100 years. This issue of Forward Thinking shows a few of the many ways your contributions drive our success across campus, from funding scholarships and fellowships that allow students to attend this incredible institution to supporting the innovative research that will take place inside our Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building when it opens next fall.
As a double alumna of Case Western Reserve University, I understand firsthand the outstanding opportunities one can gain here. That is why Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine was my dream school from the time I was in seventh grade. (On a side note: This fall, CWRU officially earned this title in journalist Jeff Selingo’s new book, Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You.)
It’s also why I’m eager to give back to this university as chair of the Board of Trustees, a term I began this summer. I hope to build from the incredible foundation my longtime colleague Fred DiSanto (WRC ’85, MGT ’86) set over the past few years and help guide Case Western Reserve into its next century.
I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on the generosity and impact of our community—and see where it can lead.
Julie Gerberding, MD
(WRC ’77, MED ’81)
Chair, Board of Trustees
Case Western Reserve University