Case Western Reserve University - African American Alumni Association

Angela Smiley-Carpenter, Assistant Director of Reunion Programs, and Kayla Reaves were among the alumni who sorted books at the Spartan Day of Service at the Cleveland Kids Book Bank this morning. With the help of such volunteers, the Book Bank, now in its 10th year, sorts and packs 50,000 books a month for distribution to community partners, who give them directly to the families they serve. Eighty-four per cent of the children who receive the books are children of color.

"Books are at the heart of language acquisition for children and language acquisition is a major factor in determining long-term school success." Felton Thomas, Jr., Executive Director/CEO, Cleveland Public Library. Having as few as 20 books in a home makes a significant impact.

To volunteer, donate, or request books, visit kidsbookbank.org.

Alumna Alexis Crosby pays it forward!

Alexis Crosby: From First-Generation Student to Statewide Civic Leader - College Now Greater Cleveland | Higher Education Services Alexis Crosby’s story shows what’s possible when academic talent meets access, trusted guidance and sustained opportunity.  A lifelong Clevelander, Alexis grew up in a family rooted in the city through the Great Migration. Her parents offered unwavering love and encouragement, but they had ne...

More photos from the Black Graduation Celebration! Congratulations to our newest alums!

Need a reason to smile?

The 11th annual Black Graduation Celebration, hosted by the Black Student Union (BSU), took place last night at Tinkham Veale University Center. A feeling of pride permeated the packed room as outgoing BSU President James Kline, Dr. Heather Burton, incumbent BSU President Samara Kirkpatrick, AAAA Vice President Brian Webster, graduate speakers Sharese Lucas and Sydney Lloyd, and keynote speaker Professor John Paul Stephens commended the graduates on their courage, resilience, and excellence. In a highlight of the evening, OMA's Stephen Furlow presented the graduates with kente stoles.

A fitting honor for our trailblazing alumnus! Congratulations, Mr. Madison!

The Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence at Case Western Reserve University will award Frank Mugisha, global LGBTI advocate and Ugandan human rights leader, with the 2026 Inamori Ethics Prize.

Click the link to read the full story!

2026 Event Details|Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence Honoring global ethical leadership, honoring Frank Mugisha Honoring Frank MugishaSeptember 17-18, 2026The Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence at Case Western Reserve University will award Frank Mugisha, global LGBTI advocate and Ugandan human rights leader, with the 2026 Inamori E...

The forward-thinking Black Student Nurses association-laying the groundwork for the future!

Cleveland Rocks! And, if you were among the 200 registered for Destination Weekend, April 30-May 2, 2026, you know that CWRU does, too. Partnering with some of the same great institutions it uses to help provide a world-class education to students, the university called upon the Great Lakes Science Center, Playhouse Square, Cleveland Foundation, Midtown Collaboration Center, Cleveland Clinic, the History Museum, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and others to help treat its alums to a world-class weekend as well.

Couldn't be there? Plan to join us for Destination New Orleans, March 4-7, 2027.

A historic and transformative gift!

Case Western Reserve University receives largest commitment to higher ed in Ohio history: $125M from Mandel Foundation | CWRU Newsroom | Case Western Reserve University As Case Western Reserve University celebrates its bicentennial, the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel S...