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5 Questions… with celebrated pediatric oncologist Peter de Blank
In June, Peter de Blank, assistant professor in pediatric oncology and hematology, added a new accolade to his collection—the inaugural Francis S. Collins Award to research neurofibromatosis (NF). He was one of the first two researchers to receive the prestigious honor sponsored by the Neurofibroma...
5 Questions… with new athletic director Amy Backus
After every basketball practice during her sophomore year at Central Michigan University, Amy Backus went home and logged each drill her team performed that day. That’s when it hit her: Her aspirations changed from becoming a high school teacher and coach to coaching at the collegiate level. “Arou...
5 questions with… engineering student, community outreach volunteer James Dolgin
The Center for Civic Engagement and Learning (CCEL) at Case Western Reserve University encourages students to “break out of the bubble” and experience all that Cleveland has to offer. This summer, James Dolgin, a sophomore studying engineering, is doing just that through his participation in the En...
5 questions with… new School of Dental Medicine dean, alumnus Kenneth Chance
For Kenneth B. Chance, his appointment as dean of the School of Dental Medicine completes a cycle. “I can now give back,” he said, “all of the training, all of the experiences that I’ve had over the years.” A Bronx native, Chance, DDS ’79, studied at Case Western Reserve University School of Denta...
5 questions with… Mandel School grad student, comics scholar Valentino Zullo
All superheroes have an origin story—a backstory that delves deeper into the character’s history. Valentino Zullo, a second-year graduate student in the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, has his own origin story—the story of how he came to study comics. Vera Camden, ...
5 questions with… retiring Faculty Conciliation and Mediation Program Counselor Wallace ”Wally” Gingerich
In 2010, Wallace “Wally” Gingerich retired as a professor of social work at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. Although “retired,” Gingerich didn’t stop serving Case Western Reserve University. He continued teaching as an adjunct professor, while also spearheading ...
5 questions with…organizational behavior guru, new HR administrator Bonnie Richley
Throughout all her years of education, research and teaching, Bonnie Richley has maintained the same goal: “I’ve always wanted to make a difference,” she said. Her new role will allow her to do just that—on a large scale. Richley is an assistant professor of organizational behavior at the Weatherh...
5 questions with…infection prevention, control expert Irena Kenneley
Before she was born, Irena Kenneley’s family immigrated to the United States from Lithuania after years of persecution under Russian communist rule post-World War II. Growing up on Cleveland’s East Side, Kenneley initially struggled in school, where subjects were taught in English, not her family's ...
5 questions with…star student-athlete, recent graduate Derek Reinbold
Throughout his career at Case Western Reserve University, Derek Reinbold was the prototypical student-athlete. He successfully juggled study sessions, practice, tests and matches as a triple major (art history, international studies and political science) and tri-captain of the tennis team. His bal...
5 questions with…ultramarathon runner, faculty member Jim Van Orman
Last weekend marked the 38th annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon—a grueling 26.2-mile race throughout the city. The traditional marathon is a daunting task for most, but most are not like ultramarathon runner Jim Van Orman. A North Florida native, Van Orman was primarily a recreational cyclist befor...