In perfect tandem with Case Western Reserve University’s 200th birthday, the snow relented and the sun welcomed students, faculty and alumni as they gathered to celebrate the milestone.
Feb. 7 marked exactly 200 years since the founding of Western Reserve College—one of the two institutions that merged to form what CWRU is today. To commemorate the momentous day, CWRU arranged several festivities including a live performance by Swami 3–a pop-rock band from San Francisco–student group showcases, exhibitions and “past, present and future” activity stations for all to enjoy. The event was organized by the Office of Events and Programs, along with assistance from the University Program Board and the CWRU Alumni Association.
“A successful celebration must engage our University Circle campus community as well as our
alumni and friends around the world—we’re all a part of the CWRU story,” President Eric Kaler said. “It was wonderful to see faculty, staff, students and members of the public coming out to celebrate the university during the Bicentennial Birthday Celebration, and to see our students encourage and support their friends who performed throughout the day. Our sense of community is strong, and it shows.”
That same day, CWRU launched its bicentennial website featuring a timeline, photos and stories from the last two centuries to highlight CWRU’s history. The story details the foundation of Western Reserve College in Hudson, the signing of Case School of Applied Science’s charter in Cleveland and the federation between the two Ohio colleges.
“Our bicentennial gives us the opportunity to reflect on our past in a way that can inform our future,” Kaler said. “I’ve spoken to staff and alumni who were on campus during our federation in 1967. It’s been interesting to hear how uncertain things were at that time. The intention to move forward together was there, but there was also a lot of trial and error. It gives you an appreciation for the dedication that early leaders had to unifying two institutions and to growing them in a way that served our mission of education and research. Our history serves as an important reminder to keep our mission front and center in all we do.”
Although CWRU’s birthday was on Feb. 7, the university has been hosting festivities since December 2025 and plans to have more until June. On Dec. 11, 2025, the Alumni Association—under the leadership of Gary Broadbent—held their first function in New York City, then met again in India and South Florida on Jan. 10 and Feb. 4, respectively. In March, they will visit Atlanta for one more special reception before concluding bicentennial celebrations with a concert at Severance Music Center in June.
“I’ve recently been traveling around the country and around the world to visit with our alumni for various Bicentennial receptions,” Kaler said. “They have all been well attended and enthusiastically so. I think this speaks to the lasting bonds that our students form with one
another and to the university.”
When asked what this milestone means to Kaler, he shared his appreciation for the university community, alumni and friends who make the bicentennial so special and memorable.
“I feel privileged to lead CWRU at a time when we can honor our past, celebrate the innovation and impact of our present and look ahead to our promising future,” Kaler said. “This milestone is an event that connects all of us. For two centuries, Case Western Reserve University has been a force for change for the world. That’s a legacy we can all be proud of.”