Craig and Michele Bashein commit $1 million to advance population and community health studies at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University trustee Craig Bashein and his wife, Michele, have committed $1 million to establish the Craig and Michele Bashein Family Population and Community Health Endowment, providing long-term support for the university’s Institute for Population and Community Health.

The fund will support the institute’s work to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes across Cleveland through research, education and community partnerships. Through Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, in partnership with the university’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing; School of Law; Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences; Weatherhead School of Management and Schubert Center for Child Studies, the institute advances initiatives focused on preventive care, community-engaged solutions and improving health outcomes for all.

“Craig and Michele are devoted to Cleveland and advancing the health and wellbeing of its people,” said Eric W. Kaler, CWRU President and Morton L. Mandel Presidential Chair. “Their gift ensures the Institute for Population and Community Health will continue its important research that shines a light on disparities in health and healthcare. We deeply appreciate their support.”  

The Basheins said the gift reflects both their longstanding commitment to expanding opportunity and a belief in the university’s growing role as a force for community impact.

“Case Western Reserve is an incredible university,” Craig Bashein said. “What the university is doing around community engagement and population health is vitally important—not just for the university, but for Cleveland.”

Craig Bashein, managing partner of Cleveland-based law firm Bashein & Bashein, joined the Board of Trustees in 2020 and recently began his second term. Though neither Craig nor Michele are alumni, their son, Alec, graduated from CWRU School of Law in 2024 and their daughter, Lauren, earned a graduate degree in public health from the university this past spring.

The couple said Lauren’s passion for public health and preventive care helped inspire the gift.

“She has this incredible, selfless desire to make the world a better place,” Craig Bashein said. “And through my involvement with the university, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many students who are committed to tackling difficult challenges and improving people’s lives. You realize these students are starting journeys that will truly make a difference.”

The Basheins have supported several university initiatives over the past decade, including the President’s Strategic Initiatives Fund and the Scientific Enrichment Opportunity program, which provides research experiences and mentorship opportunities for high school students interested in biomedical science and healthcare careers.

Their latest gift reaffirms their commitment to expanding access and opportunity, particularly for underserved communities.

“Everybody deserves a fair shake,” Craig Bashein said. “And nothing is more important than basic health needs. Healthcare in our community is so vital, and we felt this was such a critical priority.”

The endowed structure of the fund was intentional—providing institute leaders and faculty the flexibility to respond to emerging needs and opportunities over time.

Bashein said he hopes the endowment not only supports the institute’s mission for generations to come, but also inspires expanded community investment in public health initiatives.

“I hope this gift continues to draw attention to how vital this mission is,” Craig Bashein said.  “If it helps generate more momentum and more support for improving health outcomes in our community, that would be incredibly meaningful.”