News Bytes

The Hessler Street Fair June 1-2 again drew thousands to the historic brick street near the heart of campus with music, poetry and a ’60’s vibe — but maybe for the last time. After 50 years, organizers of the fest funded by lemonade sales say they are taking a break — and that they are not sure when (or if) the street fair will return.

Professor Philip Taylor added another accolade to his lengthy honor roll at the 2019 commencement exercises. The renowned physicist accepted the Hovorka Prize, which the university bestowed in recognition of exceptional teaching, research and service to humanity.

Chris Carr ’19 hosted the last episode of his science radio show “Enter Galactic” on WRUW-FM 91.1 in May and went out with a (big) bang. His special guest was renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Carr, an astronomy and physics major who helped discover a galaxy while at Case, met Tyson during a visit to Columbia University, where he’s now pursuing a graduate degree.

The Tacologist opened in April on the prominent corner of Ford Drive and Euclid Avenue in Uptown, and it’s likely the region’s first Mexican restaurant with a sciencey theme. The cocktails come in glass beakers at a bar with a periodic table of tequilas. Molecular diagrams on the wall remind diners to study for their chem exams. Wonder who they could be targeting?

Ibtesam Ghazy, a second year biology/biochemistry major, won the 2019 Student Diversity Excellence Award at Case Western Reserve. She’s co-president of the Muslim Student Association and a staff writer for the student newspaper, The Observer. Her name in Arabic means “smiling warrior.“

Professor David Zeng, PhD, is leaving the Department of Civil Engineering after 19 years to become Vice Provost of Academic Innovation at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, but his impact will be felt for years. As department chair the past 10 years, Zeng helped raise millions to renovate labs and more than doubled student enrollment. Meanwhile, he oversaw the hiring of more than two-thirds of the current faculty.

Junior David Hall was named an Academic All-American for excelling at cross country for the Spartans while earning a perfect 4.0 as a mathematics major. Helping to put the wind at his back was a Junior Senior Scholarship from the Case Alumni Association.

A new landscape master plan for the Cleveland Museum of Art — unveiled in May — calls for some eye-catching additions to the museum property, including more outdoor art and an outdoor dining terrace. But one idea would resurrect a sound not heard in decades — the scrape of a blade on a frozen pond. The plan calls for a skating oval on Wade Lagoon.