In this edition of the “Best of” The Cleveland Stater, Ava Fuduric introduces CSU’s new AI-powered virtual alumni-engagement officer. Ruby Darwish looks into the closure of three long-standing campus programs following SB1 and compliance reports. Nicole Wloszek reports on the unionization efforts at the Rising Star coffee shop. Kirsten Kimbler focuses on the soon-to-launch CSU-TV, a student-led broadcasting organization. And in our “People of CSU,” Kateryna Kopylchak highlights Kim Moore, a Viking Express team-leader who has watched CSU transform over her 26-years at the university. 

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In May, the CSU Foundation launched Ava, an AI-powered alumni engagement officer, as part of the university’s effort to expand outreach with limited staff resources. John Templeman, director of annual giving at CSU, describes the initial results and feedback from alumni regarding the AI system, which is designed to create fully autonomous fundraisers.

Read the full story: Meet Ava, CSU's AI-powered virtual engagement officer for alumni

REPORTER: Ava Fuduric

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Cleveland State joins a growing list of Ohio universities scaling back student diversity and advocacy programs in response to Senate Bill 1. In August, CSU quietly closed the Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement, the Mareyjoyce Green Office of Women Support Services and the LGBTQ+ Student Services office. A student shares their perspective, and exclusive insight into the elimination is given by a university representative.

Read the full story: CSU eliminates Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement, Women’s and LGBTQ+ centers due to SB1, compliance reports

REPORTER: Ruby Darwish

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 After a monthlong closure following barista unionization efforts prompted by a nearby gas leak, Lakewood coffee shop Rising Star reopened its doors in September. Two CSU students who worked as baristas at the shop share their experience, and insights into what led to the pause.

Read the full story: Rising Star Coffee reopens in Lakewood as unionization effort continues

REPORTER: Nicole Wloszek

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An idea which culminated from late-night dorm room brainstorming sessions led Brayden Geier, CSU-TV president, to create the first student-led broadcasting organization at CSU. With plans to be operational by the end of the fall semester, Geier explains how the first “action” was called for the club.

Read the full story: Focus on CSU-TV, a new student organization

REPORTER: Kirsten Kimbler

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In our “People of CSU,” Kim Moore reflects on her 26 years at the university. A team leader with Viking Express, Moore shares her affection for the school and its community, and how longtime staff can shape the student experience every day.

Read the full story: Viking Express team leader Kim Moore reflects on decades of campus growth

REPORTER: Kateryna Kopylchak

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Thank you,
Jane Matousek
Editor-in-Chief
The Cleveland Stater