The Roberta Steinbacher Atrium was abuzz with excitement as the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education proudly unveiled its new signage on Sept. 12. The event brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff and community leaders for a celebration of the college's evolving identity and ongoing dedication to public service and urban education. 

“Our new signage symbolizes the growth and transformation of Levin College, but what truly sets us apart are the people—our students, alumni, faculty, staff and community partners. It’s their passion and dedication that make Levin College so special,” said Dean Jill Gordon, Ph.D. Dean Gordon also highlighted the college’s commitment to public impact, cultivating leaders who will continue to make Cleveland and Northeast Ohio vibrant places to live and learn. 

Cleveland State University President Laura Bloomberg. Ph.D. followed with remarks that underscored the Levin family’s long-standing support of the university, lauding their transformative contributions and proudly noting the Levin College’s impressive rankings by the U.S. News & World Report—fourth in urban policy and 12th in local government affairs.

The Levin family was also well-represented at the event. Mort Levin took the opportunity to reflect on his family’s deep-rooted connection to Cleveland State, which began with his uncle Albert Levin’s vision of an institution dedicated to educating public administrators, laying the foundation for what would become Levin College. He also paid tribute to his aunt Maxine Goodman Levin, whose dedication and generous philanthropy established the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Public Affairs.

The Levin family’s unwavering commitment to CSU continues today, as seen in their 2022 gift from Mort, Judy and their children—Jared, Laura and Alyssa—further strengthening the family’s philanthropic legacy and partnership with the university.

Ohio Senate Minority Leader and CSU alumna Nickie Antonio delivered inspiring remarks about the role of education and public service in shaping communities.  

"As a two-time alumna of the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, it's incredibly meaningful to witness this milestone. The new signage symbolizes the college's evolution and its unwavering dedication to fostering leadership in public service and education. The legacy of the Levin family, along with the outstanding contributions of our students and faculty, continues to inspire and drive impactful change in Cleveland and beyond," she said.

As the first in her family to graduate from college, Leader Antonio holds both a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in Public Affairs. Her exceptional contributions to public service were recognized in 2013 when she was honored as a CSU Distinguished Alumna. 

Elected to the Ohio Senate in 2018, where she currently serves as Minority Leader for District 23, Antonio's career reflects the values that Levin College instills in its graduates. Her extensive public service includes eight years in the Ohio House of Representatives, alongside prior roles as a Lakewood City Council member, executive director of an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program for women and a teacher for children with special needs. Leader Antonio’s career embodies the lasting impact that Levin College alumni have in shaping the future of their communities. 

As the sun set on the newly branded building, the excitement in the air reflected not just the refreshed identity, but also the bright and promising future of Levin College and its vital role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.