The Observer, September 8, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 2
Case named city savior
Although New York Times Op-Ed contributor Stephen Budiansky mocked Case severly earlier this year in reference to the SAGE program, Case remains a premier institution on the "Saviors of Our Cities" list compiled by Evan Dobelle.
Dobelle, president of the New England Board of Higher Education, named Case sixth in a list of 25 schools that have provided support and guidance to surrounding communities.
"Being a resident of the Cleveland area throughout my life, I have known many people who have benefited from Case as a major employer in the area. In a county which is often understood to be disadvantaged, Case provides meaningful employment to people who would otherwise have few opportunities," said student Stephen Miller.
The distinction came in the form of an article in The Boston Herald, which outlined Dobelle's criteria for his unique list. Because of Case's "values," as stated by Dobelle, the school has provided leverage to the community of Cleveland in a long-standing tradition.
Dobelle published his article on Aug. 26 in an attempt to highlight some of the schools missed by the larger college ranking systems namely that of U.S. News & World Report.
"Many two-year colleges, four-year liberal arts colleges, and research universities, all with different yet distinctly vital missions, share an opportunity to greatly enhance their neighborhoods and surrounding cities. I decided to put this broad range of institutions on an equal footing to recognize those most deserving of a top 25 list of distinction," wrote Dobelle.
Dobelle's list, which is unique compared to traditional college ranking systems, used criteria that focused on ways in which institutions have had positive effects on neighboring communities.
"I recognize urban colleges with a longstanding commitment to their immediate community. They have invested their own dollars, leveraged with government and philanthropy in their neighborhoods. They have renewed life on urban streets and restored historic buildings. Their payroll and purchasing power help sustain local private enterprise. They have an esprit about service to their community, working in local schools and social service programs, and enjoying a positive relationship with local officials," wrote Dobelle.
Coming in first in the ranking is University of Southern California – Los Angeles, with the University of Pennsylvania in second place. The third, fourth, and fifth positions are occupied by the University of Dayton, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and Rhode Island School of Design, respectively.
Student Martin Elias Hammond-Mujica echoed those sentiments saying, "One of the janitors in my dorm last year told me that his employment at Case helped get his daughter into the school and at a reduced cost. He also said that the school found him more work within the school to be able to pay for her enrollment."
Case's dedication to the city of Cleveland, especially University Circle, has been apparent in recent years with the continued presence of Case volunteers in the community at large. Case For Community Day is just one example of Case's increased involvement. The event, which is taking place next Wednesday, is a one-day, campus-wide effort to volunteer in all aspects of the community.
Even the nursing students participate on a regular basis in surrounding elementary schools to teach young children about aspects of health and cleanliness.
"Each year, Case nursing students are required to take a 'community engagement' nursing course," said second-year nursing student Katie Kirkpatrick.
"Our job is to design a project that will be helpful to children in area schools. Last year, my nursing partner and I did presentations on hand washing and helped the schools with vision screenings ... I had several experiences where I really felt like I helped the children out."
Despite The New York Times' ridicule of the SAGES program, Case has a great deal to offer, not only to students, but also to the community. Dobelle recognized the school's perseverance in the surrounding neighborhoods to give Case another reason to be proud of its efforts.
