Judy and Bob Rawson with sons Alex and Greg

Cleveland State University’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs has named Judy and Bob Rawson as recipients of the 2009 In Tribute to the Public Service Award. The award will be presented during an In Tribute program and award ceremony on Thursday, May 7 at the Hanna Theater, 2067 East 14th Street. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m.

Judy Rawson served the City of Shaker Heights for 21 years, culminating in two terms as mayor. As mayor, she was noted for her leadership on regional economic development and tax sharing. She also served on the Commission on the Reform of Cuyahoga County Government and as Assistant Director of Law for the City of Cleveland. She drafted the Title IX legislation as a Legislative Assistant for Senator Birch Bayh of Indiana.

Bob Rawson stepped down in 2007 after 15 years as partner-in-charge of the Cleveland office of Jones Day. He continues as a partner with the firm. Rawson served for 20 years on the Board of Princeton University. He was appointed to the CSU Board of Trustees in 2007 and currently serves as vice chairperson. He is currently serving as Interim Dean of the Law School at Case Western Reserve University. He is former Chair of the National Civic League and currently on the Board of the Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education.

“This year we are especially pleased to be honoring Judy and Bob as exemplary contributors to the community. Their leadership, career achievements, tireless efforts, and unselfish commitment to public service are truly unparalleled,” said Edward “Ned” Hill, Ph.D., Interim Dean of the Levin College of Urban Affairs. “This award honors their singular and combined vision, professionalism, dedication, and accomplishments in public service.”

In Tribute to the Public Service Award tickets range from $100 to $20,000. For further details and ticket information, call 216.687.5205 or visit http://urban.csuohio.edu/intribute/.

The In Tribute to the Public Service Award was established in 1985 by the College’s Visiting Committee to honor individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership in public life and contribute significantly to the betterment of the community. Over the past 23 years, the program has honored 27 individuals who have made significant contributions to public service in Greater Cleveland. Proceeds from In Tribute support scholarships for students attending the Levin College who aspire to careers in public service.

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The Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs is uniquely positioned to prepare the leaders of tomorrow to understand the economic development needs of the region and the cyclical nature of the regional economy. Ranked second in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for its city management and urban policy graduate specialty, the Levin College prepares students for a variety of positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. By blending a broad understanding of the urban environment with advanced problem-solving skills, Levin College graduates are qualified to address the challenges facing major urban centers.

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