"Best Of" The Cleveland Stater spring 2026 #1
In this edition of the “Best of” The Cleveland Stater, Aria Ruiz shares the story of a beloved Cleveland entertainer whose journey through undocumented life, queer nightlife and self-identity demonstrates what it means to find belonging in America. Ava Fuduric gives her take on Cleveland’s sudden street-parking rate increase. Kirsten Kimbler spotlights the debut of “Journey West,” a student-written and student-directed play that took the stage at Convergence Continuum Playwright’s Festival. Kateryna Kopylchak examines whether LinkedIn truly matters for college students. In honor of Black History Month, Alexis Stradford highlights Zeta Phi Beta and Phi Beta Sigma, two organizations uplifting Black excellence at CSU. And, finally, Morgan Alten profiles CSU alum Alexis Figlar, who has built a career in Cleveland’s music industry through creativity and a self‑made portfolio.
Aria Ruiz shares the story of a beloved Cleveland entertainer whose journey through undocumented experiences, queer nightlife and self‑identity demonstrates what it means to find belonging in America. The piece highlights how community can become a support system, and how one performer found acceptance in the space that welcomed her.
Read the full story: Immigrant embraces the America that embraced her
REPORTER: Aria Ruiz
Through Ava Fuduric’s personal perspective, this story illustrates how the jump from $3.35 to nearly $11 per four-hour session affects student routines, budgets and the state of parking around campus.
Read the full story: Paying the price: When street parking stops making sense
REPORTER: Ava Fuduric
Kirsten Kimbler spotlights the debut of “Journey West,” an original play written and directed by CSU students Michael Anderson and Dana Sumpter. It premiered at the Convergence Continuum Playwright’s Festival on Feb. 6-7, marking the first time the work has stepped out of a classroom and onto a public stage.
Read the full story: Student play “Journey West” debuts at playwrights festival
REPORTER: Kirsten Kimbler
Through conversations with professors and peers, Kateryna Kopylchak explores how digital networking and profile building can shape a student’s path before graduation.
Read the full story: Does LinkedIn really matter for college students?
REPORTER: Kateryna Kopylchak
Published during Black History Month, this story highlights the legacy and impact of Zeta Phi Beta and at Cleveland State – two organizations with a commitment to uplifting the Black community on campus.
Read the full story: Greek letters signify black excellence at CSU
REPORTER: Alexis Stradford
Published during Black History Month, this story highlights the legacy and impact of Zeta Phi Beta and at Cleveland State – two organizations with a commitment to uplifting the Black community on campus.
Read the full story: Greek letters signify black excellence at CSU
REPORTER: Alexis Stradford
Morgan Alten profiles Alexis Figlar, a 2023 CSU graduate with a rising career in Cleveland’s music industry. Figlar visited campus during a PRSSA event, giving students insight on how she built the portfolio and personal brand that helped launch her career.
Read the full story: CSU grad builds a brand and career in music marketing
REPORTER: Morgan Alten
For the full stories and more, visit The Cleveland Stater online, and follow us @ClevelandStater on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Have any news tips, comments or suggestions? Contact us! Either on social media or directly via email: cleveland.stater@csuohio.edu.
Thank you,
Nicole Wloszek-Therens
Editor-in-Chief
The Cleveland Stater
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