To our Case Western Reserve University community:
As we begin the 2026-27 academic year, I extend a warm welcome to those individuals who have just joined us, including new faculty and staff, graduate and professional students, postdocs, transfers and the roughly 1,600 first-year Spartans who begin their undergraduate journeys here today.
Each of you is a member of an institution that TIME magazine placed among the top 25 universities in the United States, that Forbes recognized as one of the country’s 20 “New Ivies,” and that is now the #1 fastest-growing research university in the Association of American Universities. These accolades and achievements are certainly noteworthy. But what makes us most proud—for two centuries and counting—is that we are fueled by what is best for our students, for our life-changing research, and for the city and people of Cleveland. We are unwavering in this mission.
Buoyed by a supportive body of learners, teachers, innovators, alumni and friends, Case Western Reserve continues to be a force. The Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building will open in October, advancing our research enterprise and completing our three-part research ecosystem, which also includes design and prototyping at Sears think[box] and commercialization at the 11000 Cedar Startup Incubator. NEO-SMART, a CWRU-led coalition of more than 70 regional partners, will begin its work to develop Northeast Ohio as a national center for advanced manufacturing, technology and jobs, thanks to a National Science Foundation Engines award that will provide up to $160 million in funding over 10 years. A major renovation and addition at Adelbert Gym will give rise to DiSanto Arena, a modern competitive basketball facility. DiSanto Arena will be a new home for our varsity basketball teams, and available for use by our entire campus community as well as our popular National Youth Sports Program, which brings nearly 350 local youth to campus each summer. And the historic $125 million gift from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation will elevate the humanities at Case Western Reserve, illuminating new pathways of leadership and human-centered discovery.
Working together, the momentum we’ve generated—through innovation, collaboration and dedication to the sustainability and longevity of Case Western Reserve—enables us to persevere. And despite the current environment of questioning that surrounds higher education more broadly, I remain a staunch champion of the American college and university experience, particularly at research institutions like ours, and its undeniable power to transform minds, lives, societies and our world.
We are tremendously grateful for every contribution of time, talent and treasure that has propelled the success of this university. I wish you a successful semester ahead, and I look forward to all we will achieve together.
Eric W. Kaler, President
Morton L. Mandel Presidential Chair