Editor’s column

Growing engineers boosts careers, the economy and Case

In its 2018 ranking of the world’s topperforming CEOs, Harvard Business Review reported that, for the second year in a row, the top chief executive officers were more likely to have an engineering degree than an MBA. Business experts were not surprised. They say the rise in technology companies places more computer engineers in leadership positions. But it’s also true that boards of directors are increasingly attracted to the natural abilities of engineers, who are seen as problem solvers who can figure out complex systems, making the enterprise more competitive. Plus, there’s a reputation that comes with an engineering degree: People assume you’re smart.

Case has a 138-year history of training world-class scientists and engineers. While our graduates work around the world, many apply their skills in Northeast Ohio. Case talent is plainly evident at the region’s most successful companies, startups, manufacturers, hospitals and research labs.

When we make it easier for smart men and women to become engineers and scientists, we strengthen not only Case but the region’s economy. Alumni support is critical to this one-two punch.

In this issue of Case Alumnus, we explore programs that are helping to “grow the ranks” of scientists and engineers by making it easier for talented young people to earn Case degrees. Professor Dave Schiraldi’s Envoys crusade is one inspiring example. The program identifies promising teens who lack access to critical classes in their schools and brings them to campus for life-changing experiences.

The Junior-Senior Scholarship Program, which alumni fund and help run, helps assure that our best students can afford to finish their degree programs. Finally, the story on Paul Buchheit’s return to campus illustrates the power of alumni mentors. Computer science and engineering majors flocked to hear the creator of Gmail share his insight into successful innovations and careers.

Students love to hear from our alumni. You don’t have to be a tech star to offer guidance and advice. If you’re willing to share your time and insight, we’ll help connect you to the opportunities.

We can think of no better mission for the Case Alumni Association than to help grow the ranks of engineers—for the university and for our shared prosperity.

Robert Smith Editor Robert.smith@casealum.org

The Case Alumnus is published quarterly for members and friends of the Case Alumni Association, which serves the interests of more than 20,000 alumni of the Case School of Applied Science, Case Institute of Technology and the Case School of Engineering.

Established in 1885 by the first five graduates of the Case School of Applied Science, the Case Alumni Association is the oldest independent alumni association of engineering and applied science graduates in the nation.

The Case Alumnus is a publication of the Case Alumni Association, Inc., a 501(c)3 public charity under the IRS code.

CASE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. Tomlinson Hall, Room 109 10900 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106-1712 216-231-4567 casealum@casealum.org casealum.org

OFFICERS Marvin Schwartz ’68, PhD ’73, President Ronald Cass ’84, 1st Vice President Sunniva Collins, MS ‘91, PhD ‘95, 2nd Vice President Joe Fakult ’90, Secretary Nick Barendt ’95, MS ’98, Treasurer Brian Casselberry ‘95, Assistant Treasurer

STAFF Stephen Zinram, Executive Director Thomas Conlon, Chief Financial Officer Emily Speer, Director of Gift Planning and Grants Compliance Robert Smith, Director of Communications Kelly Hendricks, Director of Alumni Relations Ryan Strine, Director of Annual Fund Janna Greer, Manager of Donor Relations and Grants Pamela Burtonshaw, Database Administrator Melissa Slager, Manager, Executive Office

CASE ALUMNUS Robert L. Smith, Editor Steve Toth, Toth Creative Group, Layout and Design The Watkins Printing Co., Printing

PHOTO CREDITS Wetzler’s Photography Hilary Bovay Photography Roadell Hickman Photography Flaticon.com, Icons

To serve and advance the interests of the Case School of Engineering, the math and applied sciences of Case Western Reserve University and its alumni and students.

Cover Story

10 Envoys for Engineering

The Envoys program cultivates a new source of scientists and engineers by tapping hidden talent in urban schools.

Features

14 Crowning Scholars

Alumni meet the new generation, and recall their own college experience, as they help stellar students attain a Case degree.

18 A Tech Star Returns

Alumnus Paul Buchheit, the creator of Gmail, captivated students with his Google success story.

20 Case Robotics Rocks

Why a once-modest student group has rocketed to national prominence.

28 A Comedy of Engineers

Through improv, students learn skills that might make them better engineers.

DEPARTMENTS

1 Dean’s Message 2 Editor’s column 4 Letters, posts and emails 6 Around the Quad 8 Alumni newsmakers 23 Class Notes 30 In Memoriam 32 Long We’ll Remember (nostalgia)

On the cover:

Participants in the Envoys program of the Case School of Engineering include (back row, left to right) Mehmet Fesli, Akcire Jones, Deztany Clay, Kennedy Sheridan and Analisa Pellot. WINTER 2019 • vol. 32 • no. 1

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