John D. Holm Study Abroad Opportunity Scholarship Supports Students Students in the College now have priority to seek support for international study from the John D. Holm Study Abroad Opportunity Scholarship fund. The Holm Scholarship has been available university-wide to CSU students since its creation in 1997 to celebrate the marriage of Dr. John D. Holm and Dr. Njeri Nuru-Holm. Dr. Holm is Professor Emeritus in the Political Science Department and retired from the University as Director for the Center of International Studies and Programs. Dr. Nuru-Holm retired from CSU in 2012 as Vice President of Institutional Diversity. At the request of Dr. Holm, beginning in July 2016, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences students have first priority in being considered for the scholarship. Now housed within the College, the Holm Study Abroad Opportunity Scholarship Fund assists students who are socially and economically disadvantaged and who show a strong interest in and concern for international issues, cultures, peoples, and ideas as demonstrated by their experiences, involvement in organizations, and activities. Recipients will be selected via an application process that is reviewed by a committee comprised of the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the Director of the Center for International Services and Programs and a CLASS faculty member. As part of the transition to the College, Dr. Holm has generously ensured the long-term future of the fund by including the scholarship in his estate planning. “Working with both Dr. Holm and Dr. Nuru-Holm to further refine and strengthen the scholarship for CSU students has been one of the most rewarding—not to mention fun—experiences I’ve had at CSU,” comments Paul Wolansky, Senior Director, University Advancement. “Throughout our discussions and meetings, I’ve come to appreciate the deep regard John and Njeri hold for Cleveland State and its mission—as well as the impact that a study abroad experience can provide to students who might not otherwise be able to experience this powerful learning opportunity.” CLASS students will have priority in selection for the scholarship; however, students from other colleges may be selected to receive the scholarship if there is not an eligible recipient in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. For more information on the John D. Holm Study Abroad Opportunity Scholarship, please visit csuohio.edu/class/students/scholarship.
Edward F. Rybka Memorial Fund for Polish and Jewish Understanding established The College is proud to announce that it is now the home for the Edward F. Rybka Memorial Fund for Polish and Jewish Understanding. This new fund will provide programming that will include a combination of academic and community-oriented presentations, lectures, events and activities that promote dialogue and intercultural understanding, with a focus on the diverse cultural, social, religious, and political dimensions of Polish/Jewish relations in historical and contemporary contexts. “Ed was a frequent guest at CSU Polish Studies events,” Paul Wolansky, Senior Director of University Advancement remarked. “He will be remembered for his jovial nature and gentle sense of humor, along with his commitment to building bridges between these two communities with an often complex history.” Edward (’62 BS Business), who passed away on April 24, 2015, was a wellknown northeastern Ohio realtor and community leader. As part of his July 9 memorial service, held on campus in Fenn Tower, the Rybka family asked that memorial gifts be made to support Polish Studies at CSU. “We are grateful to Mrs. Irene Rybka and the entire Rybka family, including Robert, Edward, and Michelle for celebrating Mr. Rybka’s life in such a meaningful way,” reflected Dr. Gregory Sadlek, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.