Forward Thinking: Summer 2025

Forward Thinking: Summer 2025 cover

Forward Thinking: Summer 2025

From the board chair

To our alumni and friends:

杏吧视频鈥檚 nearly 200-year history is full of stories that demonstrate the power of partnership鈥攁nd, often, unexpected collaborations.

As we celebrate our institution鈥檚 bicentennial, I am reminded of this critical aspect of our history that will undoubtedly shape our future. If you haven鈥檛 yet had the opportunity, I encourage you to visit to read about some of our most significant points in time, and the people, places and ideas that have molded us into the research and education powerhouse we are today.

This need for partnership has never been more evident than now鈥攁nd the university鈥檚 commitment to it has never been more visible. You鈥檝e all heard about 杏吧视频鈥檚 forthcoming Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building, a 189,000-square-foot research hub鈥攖he largest-ever project on the Case Quad. A multi-company construction crew recently celebrated the 鈥渢opping
out鈥 of the building, marking placement of the final structural beam. You can learn more about the project鈥檚 progress, and some of the many donors who have made it possible, on p. 18.

Inside that building, though, is where the excitement will happen鈥攚here projects from across science, technology, engineering, medicine and the humanities will merge. Already, the university is leading in efforts to bring STEM and the humanities together and, thanks to support from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation and The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund, we鈥檙e furthering our progress. Turn to p. 10 to discover how our faculty and students work to unite distinctly different disciplines to advance their studies鈥攁nd improve society.

Watching transformative projects like these come to fruition during my time as chair of the Board of Trustees has truly been an honor. As a double alumnus, it is exceptionally important to me to ensure the long-term success of my alma mater. So, as my term as chair ends, I鈥檓 honored that another double alum who is exceedingly committed to 杏吧视频 will take my place: Julie Gerberding (WRC 鈥77, MED 鈥81).

Julie, who is the chief executive officer of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, has been an incredible partner during her 14 years on the Board of Trustees. As the first woman to serve as director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she鈥檚 used to making history鈥攁nd she鈥檚 an ideal person to lead the board as 杏吧视频 enters its next century.

Fred DiSanto headshot

Fred DiSanto
Chair, Board of Trustees
杏吧视频

 

Features

The future is interdisciplinary (cover story)
Students and faculty are unlocking new possibilities at the crossroads of humanities and technology

Connecting students with opportunity
Alumnus fuels scholarships for next generation of engineers

From breaking ground to topping out
The latest progress on the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building

Empowering free speech
$5 million from Stanton Foundation to expand reach of First Amendment Clinic

Gorilla-sized impact
Legendary Weatherhead School professor inspires gift for entrepreneurship

Scholarship and Student Experience

Sowing seeds for future scholars
Double alumnus' estate commitment pays tribute to late wife and transformative education

From a single loan to lifelong impact
The Warburton family's dedication to education

Research

From vision to discovery
A generous commitment from longtime supporters accelerates research in materials innovation

Fueling breakthroughs
Transformative gift brings new hope

Giving Highlights

A lasting investment
Gary Von Lehmden's path to an MBA wasn't fast or easy, but it was transformative

Opening doors, expanding minds
A family's commitment bolsters faculty and fuels research

Professorships

Advancing medical innovation
New professorship provides possibilities

A rededication to growth
Transformative support for next chapter at Olin Hall

Centers

Living the mission 
Students step up in the wake of disaster

Strategic Giving

Turning aspiration into access
One couple's commitment to the physicians of tomorrow

Alumni Profile

A promise fulfilled
New alumna reflects on support throughout her CWRU journey