Jeffrey Verespej earns Alumni Association's Newton D. Baker Distinguished Service Award
After earning his second degree from CWRU, Cleveland native Jeffrey Verespej was surprised to find no local alumni chapter existed. Motivated by a passion for the city and a dedication to service, he helped launch the Cleveland Alumni Chapter in 2011.
“There’s an essential link between the university and its surrounding city,” Verespej said. “I was adamant that the Cleveland alumni community become a model for localized outreach and university-city partnerships.”
Verespej’s involvement grew quickly. He joined the Alumni Association of ӰƵ board and served as president from 2015 to 2018. During his term, he guided the association through organizational growth, transforming it into a mission-driven entity prepared to serve future generations.
For his continuous dedication, Verespej earned the ӰƵ Alumni Association's Newton D. Baker Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes significant service to the university by any alumnus or alumna, staff member, faculty or friend of the university who has given their time, expertise or leadership generously.
“I encourage our alumni to recognize CWRU’s lasting global impact and to invest in its future by mentoring, hiring interns, building networks and participating in meaningful activities,” Verespej said. “Volunteers tend to receive more than they give—there’s real joy, gratitude and human connection found in service.”
His passion for the community extends beyond the campus into his professional career. From his current role at PNC Bank as community development market manager for north and central Ohio, to his previous tenure as chief operating officer of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, Verespej is committed to leveraging resources and expertise for economic equity and community growth.
“As a former scholarship recipient at CWRU, I have a deep gratitude for the university’s investment in my potential,” he said. “I see my alumni service as a way to give back and to help foster opportunities for future students.”
