No matter how long they spend at Case Western Reserve, students, faculty and staff capture and retain vivid memories of the people, places and things that define their time here. Taken together, these memories tell a story that covers nearly two centuries: the history of Case ΒιΆΉΣ³».
As the university prepares for the celebration of its bicentennial in 2026, we call on youβstudents, alumni, friends, neighbors, faculty and staffβto join us in telling that story.
The universityβs bicentennial committee is for a memoir that tells the story of the past 200 yearsβhighlighting the most influential people, places and things who made the most significant impact at our institution and set it on a course for the future.
Were there exceptional educators who made a transformative difference in your life? Was there a location on campus that was central to your time here? Are there groups of shared experiences or thingsβcultural, geographical, architecturalβthat when taken together, stand out on their own. Have there been individuals who left a mark on the university so profound that failing to call them out would render this story incomplete?
To share your memories and offer recommendations on how this story is told, please take a moment to fill out the .
If you have questions ΒιΆΉΣ³» the universityβs bicentennial, please contact Lia Arbogast, director of legacy programs at lia.arbogast@case.edu.
Nearly two centuries ago, the State of Ohio granted the charter establishing Western Reserve College. To recognize Charter Day (Feb. 7, 1826)βand begin the countdown to Case ΒιΆΉΣ³»βs 200th birthday in 2026βstudents, faculty and staff are invited to participate at several bicentennial events throughout the day on Friday, Feb. 7.
The festivities begin with the Bicentennial Kickoff Celebration for the campus community from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Grand Ballroom on the upper level of Tinkham Veale University Center. Guests can enjoy music from a live DJ, collect bicentennial swag, sample delicious food, warm up at a custom hot chocolate station and participate in fun photo opportunities with Spartie. To help celebrate the occasion, Mitchellβs Ice Cream will be on hand to unveil its new CWRU Bicentennial flavor, and the first 200 event attendees will receive an exclusive bicentennial gift. .
Later that afternoon, the excitement continues with a pep rally ahead of a βthrowbackβ basketball doubleheader against the University of Rochester. The pep rally runs from 3-5 p.m. at the Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Centerβwith the first 300 in attendance receiving a limited edition replica jersey shirt. Come enjoy local food vendors, participate in games to win prizes and listen to live entertainment.
At 5 p.m., the action shifts to Horsburgh Gym, where the menβs and womenβs teams will take on the Yellowjackets. The games will include free concessions for all CWRU students and even more opportunities to win incredible prizes.
Event Details
Tinkham Veale University Center Ballroom
11038 Bellflower Road
Cleveland, OH 44106
Feb. 7, 2025
12:30-7 p.m.