obituary

For nearly four decades, Eli Reshotko, PhD, helped guide the evolution of engineering research and education—thoughtfully and with a deep commitment to both students and faculty. A respected scholar and leader, he played a central role in building internationally recognized research programs while…

At Case Western Reserve University, the pursuit of knowledge motivates faculty, staff and students alike. This couldn’t have been truer for Ge Jin, PhD (GRS ’00, cell biology), who was inspired by his desire to learn something new every day, and passed that aspiration on to the students and…

Case Western Reserve University is mourning the loss of Adel “Tony” Saada, PhD, professor emeritus of civil engineering, whose six decades of teaching, research, mentorship and philanthropy left an indelible mark on the Case School of Engineering. Saada passed away peacefully at home on Sunday,…

As Emil LaSida stood behind the blocks at the 2025 NCAA National Championships, he locked in on the race ahead: a head-to-head swim-off in the 50 free, one of his specialties, to clinch a spot in finals. LaSida not only secured the win by five one-hundredths of a second—he also surpassed his own…

Bruce Latimer was a scholar who left a lasting legacy that furthered our understanding of the evolution of upright walking in humans. He was also a beloved colleague, friend and mentor who, according to his colleagues, wasn’t afraid to give someone the shoes off his feet or liven the evening in a…

Mira Browning arrived at Case Western Reserve University with a quiet determination to become the kind of teacher who could make her students feel seen, heard and valued. Through her studies in English and education, and her hands-on work in classrooms, she was already doing just that—combining…

The university community mourns the loss of David Schiraldi, the Peter A. Asseff PhD Professor Emeritus of Organic Chemistry and professor emeritus of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, who passed away July 13. A former chair of the Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, he…

Jane Kessler (GRS ’51, psychology), a longtime Case Western Reserve University faculty member who retired in the 1990s, passed away July 21 at the age of 104. Kessler, a leader in child psychology, was on the faculty for more than 40 years before retiring as the Lucy Adams Leffingwell…

A few years ago, a printed picture of a heart-shaped locket quietly appeared on a student-run bulletin board. Pictured inside the locket: a headshot of longtime Case School of Engineering faculty member Jim McGuffin-Cawley (GRS ’84, metallurgy and materials science). Students’ and colleagues’…

Members of the Case Western Reserve University community are mourning the loss of Larry Howard, a campus security officer known for his kindness, professionalism and deep respect for others. He passed away Feb. 18 at the age of 72. Howard, who began working at the university in 2023 after…