President'sLetter

To the Case Western Reserve University Community:

As Case Western Reserve's president-elect for much of the past year, I kept a close eye on how the campus responded to COVID-19's constantly shifting challenges. Again and again, I saw a community that cared.

From the three-pronged commitment that students, faculty, and staff made to one another in the fall, to the thousands of vaccines administered to area residents, Case Western Reserve demonstrated continuous compassion.

But this spirit extended well beyond the pandemic: Members of the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences played a pivotal role in securing a $35 million grant to revitalize a nearby neighborhood. The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center is leading an innovative effort to reduce prostate cancer deaths among local African American men. And our University Technology division is part of a public-private collaboration to bring high-speed internet to East Cleveland residents.

If Case Western Reserve could engage the community this fully while also fighting COVID-19, I remember thinking, just imagine all that's possible when the pandemic is behind us.

Since starting July 1, I have seen this empathy and ingenuity firsthand. When federal officials approved vaccinations for children 5 to 11 in the fall, our team quickly welcomed CWRU families for an on-campus vaccine clinic. Soon after, students, staff and faculty were doing the same for Cleveland students.

These examples, and so many more, make me honored to lead Case Western Reserve. I cannot wait to see what we share with you next year.

Eric W. Kaler
President