No matter how long they spend at Case Western Reserve, students, faculty and staff capture and retain vivid memories of the people, places and things that define their time here. Taken together, these memories tell a story that covers nearly two centuries: the history of Case Western Reserve University.
As the university prepares for the celebration of its bicentennial in 2026, we call on you—students, alumni, friends, neighbors, faculty and staff—to join us in telling that story.
The university’s bicentennial committee is soliciting recommendations for a memoir that tells the story of the past 200 years—highlighting the most influential people, places and things who made the most significant impact at our institution and set it on a course for the future.
Were there exceptional educators who made a transformative difference in your life? Was there a location on campus that was central to your time here? Are there groups of shared experiences or things—cultural, geographical, architectural—that when taken together, stand out on their own. Have there been individuals who left a mark on the university so profound that failing to call them out would render this story incomplete?
To share your memories and offer recommendations on how this story is told, please take a moment to fill out the Bicentennial Nomination Form.
If you have questions about the university’s bicentennial, please contact Lia Arbogast, director of legacy programs at lia.arbogast@case.edu.
Nearly two centuries ago, the State of Ohio granted the charter establishing Western Reserve College. To recognize Charter Day (Feb. 7, 1826)—and begin the countdown to Case Western Reserve University’s 200th birthday in 2026—students, faculty and staff are invited to participate at several bicentennial events throughout the day on Friday, Feb. 7.
The festivities begin with the Bicentennial Kickoff Celebration for the campus community from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Grand Ballroom on the upper level of Tinkham Veale University Center. Guests can enjoy music from a live DJ, collect bicentennial swag, sample delicious food, warm up at a custom hot chocolate station and participate in fun photo opportunities with Spartie. To help celebrate the occasion, Mitchell’s Ice Cream will be on hand to unveil its new CWRU Bicentennial flavor, and the first 200 event attendees will receive an exclusive bicentennial gift. Registration for the Bicentennial Kickoff Celebration is requested.
Later that afternoon, the excitement continues with a pep rally ahead of a “throwback” basketball doubleheader against the University of Rochester. The pep rally runs from 3-5 p.m. at the Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center—with the first 300 in attendance receiving a limited edition replica jersey shirt. Come enjoy local food vendors, participate in games to win prizes and listen to live entertainment.
At 5 p.m., the action shifts to Horsburgh Gym, where the men’s and women’s teams will take on the Yellowjackets. The games will include free concessions for all CWRU students and even more opportunities to win incredible prizes.
Event Details
Tinkham Veale University Center Ballroom
11038 Bellflower Road
Cleveland, OH 44106
Feb. 7, 2025
12:30-7 p.m.
Learn more and register