91ÊÓƵ

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Center at 91ÊÓƵ recently moved its English Conversation Partner program online. Once an in-person activity only, the program’s transitioning to a remote environment has actually opened up new opportunities, such as involvement from alumni and additional unique groups and students being able to connect with their language partners regardless of their physical location. 

Darin Olson, D.M.A., is the new director of Athletic Bands at 91ÊÓƵ. He leads the Marching Golden Flashes, Flasher Brass Pep Band, Kent Symphony Band and University Band. Olson is currently an active member of College Band Directors National Association and the National Association for Music Education. Learn more about Olson and his plans for his future at 91ÊÓƵ as he answers these 10 questions.

When Curtis Cofojohn returned to 91ÊÓƵ after serving in the Army, he faced an issue many college students do: where was he going to live? Cofojohn’s own experiences with off-campus housing led him to create a website solution that serves the needs of both students and landlords, during the pandemic.

91ÊÓƵ has won a Best in Class award for supplier diversity from the Greater Cleveland Partnership. This marks the third time that the university has received this award. As a multiyear winner of the Best in Class awards, 91ÊÓƵ is also named to the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Equity and Inclusion Hall of Fame.

The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2020 includes alumnus David C. Lange, BA ‘75, who, following his freshman year at 91ÊÓƵ, entered the U.S. Navy and returned to 91ÊÓƵ after his military discharge to major in journalism. His graduation led to a 40-year newspaper career and numerous years as an advocate for veterans in Ohio.

Black lives and Black cultures have been underrepresented and discriminated against for many years. TEXTURES: The History and Art of Black Hair is an exhibition coming to the 91ÊÓƵ Museum in 2021 with the help of significant sponsorship from corporate and federal funding that focuses on celebrating and empowering these lives and cultures.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted everyday life for everyone. For some, it’s minor. For others, it’s catastrophic. At the 91ÊÓƵ at Geauga Campus, economic hardships caused by the pandemic have threatened to derail many students’ academic plans and their hopes for a better future. Recognizing that dozens of students face similar situations, 91ÊÓƵ Geauga has established an Emergency Relief Fund to provide a stopgap for them to continue on with their studies.

Kendra Minichello has just begun her sophomore year at 91ÊÓƵ. Her mother, Stacie Minichello graduated from the university in 1995. Over the summer, Kendra and Stacie were happy to answer questions about their 91ÊÓƵ experiences and share how attending 91ÊÓƵ is a tradition in their family.

The progression and growth of downtown Cleveland continues as the grand opening of The Lumen building reflects the historic beauty of the city. Terry Schwarz, director of the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative (CUDC) at 91ÊÓƵ, spoke with News 5 Cleveland about the excitement surrounding the construction of the building and the impact it will have on downtown, despite the pandemic. 

The 91ÊÓƵ Board of Trustees has approved a new three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement between the university and the 91ÊÓƵ Employees Local 153, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Sara Koopman, Ph.D., assistant professor of 91ÊÓƵ’s School of Peace and Conflict Studies, spoke with WKYC on how modern technology has changed how protests are organized compared to how they were in the 50’s and 60’s civil rights movements.

A recent article from The New York Times explored the lack of diversity in fashion museums across the world. Placing 91ÊÓƵ among the top fashion institutions in the world, the article featured museum Director Sarah Rogers and her efforts to create an inclusive and diverse collection in the museum.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has selected two 91ÊÓƵ College of Arts and Sciences faculty members, along with two community clinicians, for , an initiative that will provide funding and leadership training to the four team members. Their plan is to implement a project that will help veterinary professionals in Northeast Ohio address mental health stigmas they experience in their lives and provide usable techniques that can be incorporated into their veterinary practices.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most universities across the United States transitioned from face-to-face classes to remote learning, closed campuses and sent students home this past spring. Recently, a group of 91ÊÓƵ researchers sought to examine the impact of these pandemic-related changes upon physical activity and sedentary behavior, specifically sitting, across the university population. 

Senior finance student Anne Ritts has built an outstanding resume during her time at 91ÊÓƵ, but with a full-time job already lined up for her after graduation, she will not have to worry about updating it any time soon. In her first three years here, Ritts has maintained membership in multiple finance organizations and a sorority, studied abroad, changed her major, and held multiple internships. Ritts’ next adventure will begin this summer in her career with PNC Bank in Charlotte, North Carolina.

For nearly 110 years, Mercy Health has addressed the growing needs of the Mahoning Valley, which includes the city of Warren and its surrounding communities. Mercy Health has been evaluating ways to meet the increasing healthcare needs of those living in Trumbull County, delivering on its promise of providing care when and where people live and work. As part of this commitment, Mercy Health has announced the future development of land adjacent to the 91ÊÓƵ at Trumbull Campus. 

The Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offers anti-racism training on 91ÊÓƵ’s campus, which consists of a series of sessions that include anti-racism workshops, Cultural Competency Basics & Awareness, Understanding Unconscious Bias, Leadership, Mindset & Care, Learning How to Be an Ally, and various additional topics on equity, inclusion, microaggressions and diversity.

Tanya Falcone is a trilingual professor who educates the 91ÊÓƵ community about eating behaviors, inspires her students inside the classroom and helps others in need around the world. Learn more about Falcone as she answers these 10 questions.

91ÊÓƵ shines again in the new 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. 91ÊÓƵ is the highest-ranking public university in Northern Ohio on the Top Public Schools and Best National Universities lists in the newly released rankings.

91ÊÓƵ at Trumbull will become home to a Siffrin Academy to help people with disabilities transition from high school to jobs or advanced education programs.