Enhancing community: Inaugural OneCWRU Day to take place April 18
Event aims to create shared spaces where collaboration, trust and long-term partnership can grow
Belonging doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built. With the inaugural OneCWRU: One Community/Campus Day on April 18, event organizers seek to transcend barriers between Case Western Reserve University and its surrounding communities, deepening existing partnerships and imagining new pathways forward.
“This event is rooted in the simple belief that we are stronger when we learn from one another, show up for one another, and build together,” said Kate Klonowski, co-chair of the day and director of strategic collaborations in the Office of Government and Community Relations.
Events are set to take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ranging from a Collaboration Fair in Veale Recreation Center (10 a.m. to noon) showcasing partnerships and initiatives to a celebratory cookout (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) with food trucks, games, line dancing and more.
Meanwhile, events such as Learning Circles (12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.) are designed to encourage the type of deep conversation organizers hope will accomplish key goals: identify divisions, discuss solutions and elevate voices.
“It can feel like a gut punch when someone looks at you as though you don’t belong,” explained Dré Cato, event co-chair and longtime Clevelander, reflecting on past experiences on campus. “To quote a Jay-Z song, this event lets both sides say ‘allow me to reintroduce myself.’ We should be showing that differences shouldn’t mean disdain. When we look out for each other, we can all see each other excel and succeed.”
Event sponsors include the CWRU Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC), CWRU Staff Advisory Council (SAC), Community Innovation Network (CIN), University Circle Inc., and Know Your Neighbors student group, as well as the Famicos Foundation, Larry Sears and Sally Zlotnick Sears think[box], Neighbor 2 Neighbor, the Office of Government and Community Relations, Division of Public Safety and Cleveland Ward 9 Councilman Kevin Conwell.
“This is a day of mutual learning and action,” said Associate Professor Mark Chupp, NAC member and CIN founding director. “[We aim to] forge more trusting relationships that will lead to erasing the invisible barrier between CWRU and the community.”
For many whose jobs involve regular community engagement, this desire rings true.
“As a CWRU police officer, this event provides me a chance to listen, connect, and be part of the community in a meaningful way,” said Lt. Geoff Zevnick of the Division of Public Safety. “I hope others can find time to come out, have conversations, and see that we’re all working toward the same goal: a stronger, safer community.”
Read on to discover some of the ways to participate in OneCWRU Day, then learn more and see a full schedule of events.
Lace up for the "Stronger Together" Fun Run/Walk – 10 a.m.
Starting and finishing at Veale Athletic Center, the "Stronger Together" Fun Run/Walk invites members of the campus and surrounding communities to join together for a common cause.
The race costs $10 and will cover the south side of campus. Proceeds will benefit The Hidden Opponent, a mental health group geared toward college student-athletes.
Early registration for this event includes a t-shirt. Sign up to participate.
Get your hands dirty with a community service project – various times
For those eager to take a more hands-on approach to community engagement, five different service projects will take place throughout the day. Options involve working with Garden @ Case, the Transplant House of Cleveland, the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, the Church of the Covenant, or the Doan Brook Stream Sweep.
All projects are coordinated in collaboration with the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning. Learn more and register to participate.
Explore hidden gems on a Community Tour – 2:15 p.m.
Departing from the wind turbine at 2:30 p.m. sharp, a shuttle featuring local historians will wind its way through the community to allow participants to learn something new about where they work, live or go to school.
This event is sponsored by the NAC and University Circle, Inc. Learn more and register for the tour.
