In the leadup to our Fall 2021 Commencement ceremonies happening this Sunday, December 12 at the Wolstein Center, Cleveland State University is delighted to introduce you to two of our Valedictorians. These outstanding, well-rounded students embody an exceptional depth and breadth of knowledge, pride of personal character and a strong commitment and dedication to academics, while balancing a myriad of outside activities, challenges and obligations. Meet Arianna Killing and Justin Daher!

ARIANNA KILLING

Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs

Bachelor of Arts, Nonprofit Administration, Environmental Studies, Urban and Regional Studies

Summa Cum Laude

Arianna Killing says she “dreaded” deciding on a major but came to an epiphany that melded the desires for financial stability, happiness and making a difference in the world: Nonprofit Administration. Killing was immediately drawn to some early topics (contemporary urban- and environmental issues) and fortified her education with two additional majors as a result. She completed her studies in three years through college credits from her time at Champion High School in Warren, and is now continuing her education at CSU in the last year of the 4+1 Environmental Studies accelerated program. Powered by researching topics she was passionate about, Killing carried a 4.0 GPA throughout her CSU tenure and became an advocate for environmental justice, sustainability and equity in the process. She endeavored to include more demographics in citizen science initiatives; completed a GIS project using equity to determine potential landfill sites in Cuyahoga County, and served as a Diversity, Inclusion and Communications intern at Cleveland Water Alliance via the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program.

On campus, Killing was laser-focused on studies and honing leadership skills. She credits experiences in the first cohort of Levin Ambassadors, Levin Serves and campus jobs as Safety Ambassador Field Supervisor and Community Ambassador Supervisor with Health and Wellness Services as critical to developing her leadership style. Killing also served as Peer Mentor with the First Year Experience office, which bolstered that headship and really endeared her to Cleveland. To that end, she plans “to use my education for the benefit of the great community I have become a part of” by staying in the region.

“Whether that is through policy, community development, advocacy, or any other means, the Urban Affairs College has prepared me to do it all,” said Killing. “The message ‘Learn to Change the World at Levin’ has resonated with me deeply, and I plan to do just that.”

Cleveland State University: Can you tell us about the moment you decided to move forward with CSU – your “yes, this is the college for me” moment, if you will?

Arianna Killing: CSU was my main choice from the beginning of my college search because I wanted to major in Nonprofit Administration and CSU is one of the only colleges in Ohio that offers this major. Once I took my tour on Fall Visit Day in 2017, I just felt like I fit in at CSU and I especially loved the “city is our campus” aspect.

CSU: What made you go into your major(s)? Were there any defining moments or inspirations that led you on that path?

AK: I originally was going to go into business, but I liked the charitable aspects of businesses and looked more into how I could choose a major that would allow that charity to be a part of my career. I stumbled across the Nonprofit Administration major and immediately knew that’s what I wanted to do.

CSU: Once you started getting into your major classes, how did your perception of that course of study change?

AK: I learned that nonprofits solve urban issues that are gaps between what the market and the government can address. I did not realize how intertwined nonprofits are with contemporary urban issues. I also learned about environmental issues in my urban classes, which led me to declare environmental studies as a second major, and eventually urban and regional studies as a third.

CSU: What was the best class you’ve taken at CSU – or the class you enjoyed the most – and why?

AK: The class I enjoyed the most and that I believe everyone who goes to CSU should take is Intro to Urban Studies with Dr. Beth Nagy. The class gives a great overview of issues happening in the world around us. Dr. Nagy is also just an all-around great professor and always has her students’ education and success as her first priority.

CSU: How has CSU cultivated your character, values, and standards of excellence?

AK: CSU has greatly impacted my leadership and mentorship skills, through the many on-campus employment opportunities that I have experienced—like mentoring CSU freshmen. It has also made me value community because the college is a very tight-knit group.

CSU: How do you think you’ve changed or grown during your time at CSU?

AK: I have changed completely during my time at CSU. I have become a better student, employee, and overall person through all my experiences during my time here.

CSU: Aside from being Valedictorian, what stands out most to you about your CSU experience?

AK: The professors and faculty at CSU were overwhelmingly supportive and understanding throughout my education and I am so grateful for them. My experience would not have been remotely similar without them.

CSU: What is your favorite CSU memory?

AK: My favorite CSU memory was going to Camp Vike a few weeks before my freshmen year. I had a blast and met so many other freshmen that I am still friends with to this day. The experience made the transition to college way easier.

CSU: What’s next for you in life and how has your experience at CSU prepared you for it?

AK: I am continuing my education at CSU in a 4+1 master’s program for environmental studies. CSU has allowed me to be well-prepared for graduate school because of the great role models I’ve had as professors who encouraged me all throughout my undergraduate experience, and the awesome advisors that guided me through applying for the 4+1 program.

CSU: What advice would you give to the next class, or even a freshman entering your major?

AK: I would remind freshmen to take care of themselves. They should prioritize self-care and mental health through getting plenty of sleep, eating consistently, and making time to have fun with family and friends. Although schoolwork and class readings are important to your success throughout college, making sure you’re taking care of yourself and your needs is even more important, and will help you succeed in classes and life.

JUSTIN DAHER

Washkewicz College of Engineering

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering with minor in Mathematics

Summa Cum Laude

Justin Daher’s CSU experience was anything but ordinary. Having gained earned college credits at Mayfield High School, Daher entered as a sophomore only to be thrown a curve ball. During spring break of 2019, he had a heart attack-like episode and was diagnosed with myocarditis—inflammation of the heart. Hospitalized for weeks and quarantined for more thereafter, he completed his semester from home with straight A’s while undergoing many procedures. An interning doctor’s ultrasound of Daher’s heart later identified a life-threatening diagnosis requiring open heart surgery. He returned to CSU in the fall of 2021 and still managed to graduate in three years.

A benevolent family-first person, Daher cared for his younger sibling during his tenure, inspiring them to follow in his (and the family’s) footsteps by attending CSU as well. Powered by deep curiosity, Daher calls his invention-dedicated research endeavors “informal,” but he landed on a “geothermal dehumidifier” to harvest clean water from humid air. “The Daher Drywell” became his senior design project. Now in the patent process, Daher hopes those struggling to find fresh water worldwide will be able to put a low-cost version of the invention to good use. Daher was also behind the student-based petition initiative to get a “Pass/Fail” grading system implemented for CSU’s remote learning during the COVID-19 quarantine. He was inspired by a witnessing a friend’s deteriorating mental health during the pandemic. Proud member of the Math Club, Robotics Club and an honorary member of Baja SAE during his time at CSU, Daher is now employed at MAGNET as Operational Excellence Consultant.

“My journey was rough and intimidating, but I am very proud of what I was able to accomplish in such a short period of time, with such daunting circumstances,” said Daher. “I’d like to thank everyone for considering me for this honor. I was not aware that being a candidate was a possibility for me. I am greatly humbled.”

Cleveland State University: Can you tell us about the moment you decided to move forward with CSU – your “yes, this is the college for me” moment, if you will?

Justin Daher: CSU was the only college I intended on attending since early in my high school career. By going to CSU, I was able to stay financially successful as well as remain close to my family to uphold my responsibilities at home. My dad, older brothers and sister also went to CSU as well as my little sister who is still attending, at this point I think you can consider it a pseudo-tradition.

CSU: What made you go into your major(s)? Were there any defining moments or inspirations that led you on that path?

JD: I was always told I was smart and that I would pick a “smart career” since I was young. When I was in elementary school, I wanted to be a doctor, then I found out how much longer you must stay in school to do that, so I gracefully bailed on that idea. During middle school, I learned rudimentary craftsmanship skills, basic repairs and woodworking, which made people around me tell me I should be an engineer. I was good at math and science, had good special reasoning skills, and I also can’t spell, so I fit all the criteria. In high school, I was in an engineering program called CADD Engineering Technologies at Mayfield High School. That’s when I decided to be a mechanical engineer, rather than any other engineer because I would be able to get out of a year of school by doing so, and I’m all about efficiency.

CSU: Once you started getting into your major classes, how did your perception of that course of study change?

JD: It didn’t really change much. As far as the course content goes, I knew what I was getting into. I wasn’t taking any shots in the dark when I picked my major. The only thing that really threw me off is that my grades relied a lot less on homework than I thought it would, which was a very good thing. If I was confident in my understanding of the coursework, I was able to skip a lot of homework, which was something I did a lot.

CSU: What was the best class you’ve taken at CSU – or the class you enjoyed the most – and why?

JD: Electrical Engineering Concepts. It was not a well-presented class and I didn’t really enjoy the coursework because of that, and those feelings doubled when we went remote. However, the whole class felt this same way and through our mutual distaste for the class we grew close and spent a lot of time together. It was a good group of people, and I made some good memories in that class.

CSU: How has CSU cultivated your character, values, and standards of excellence?

JD: My character, values, and standards were already pretty set by the time I got to college. I wouldn’t say CSU changed me that much in those regards, but I will admit that for some reason, CSU has more people with good character than all the other colleges I’ve visited. Maybe I’m biased, but I feel like students at CSU have a higher appreciation for the opportunities they have, their education, and each other.

CSU: How do you think you’ve changed or grown during your time at CSU?

JD: My priorities and goals have stayed the same for the most part, but I now have a deeper appreciation for Cleveland, and a pride in my residency here. It’s a great city with good people, who have their priorities straight.

CSU: Aside from being Valedictorian, what stands out most to you about your CSU experience?

JD: It’s a personal campus. The classes aren’t huge. You don’t have to try too hard for your professors to build a relationship with you. Your classmates want to be friends with you. It feels like people care. When I had to miss a couple months for medical reasons, the professors and students in every class I was in chipped in to keep me up to date. Professors waved their “no recording” policies and reached out to make sure I was doing well. My classmates shared notes with me, walked me through my confusions, and visited me in the hospital.

CSU: What is your favorite CSU memory?

JD: Most of my favorite CSU memories took place at the engineering computer lab where I worked. My friends all worked there with me and working together only made us closer. One of my favorite memories there was when we first went into lockdown. Spring break was extended an extra week and we were told by administration to keep the lab open, even though students weren’t allowed on campus at the time. We had a long list of chores to keep us busy, but we burned through them as fast as we could. As a result of us replacing every computer in a lab with new ones, we had a large pile of boxes and Styrofoam, so we built a fort in the lab and made thrones out of the old giant desktop computers. Since we had no more work to do but were told to keep the lab open, we got to hang out and play board games and video games. It was cool until we were eventually kicked off campus for quarantine.

CSU: What’s next for you in life and how has your experience at CSU prepared you for it?

JD: I have a full-time position at MAGNET right across the street from the engineering building. I work there as an Operational Excellence Consultant for manufacturing companies across Northeast Ohio. My experience within my major gives me a step up in this career, because the exposure I received to manufacturing during school allows me to better understand the processes going on at these manufacturing plants. My education and experiences have allowed me to secure a position doing a job that requires a whole lot of experience (consulting) with no work experience within the industry.

CSU: What advice would you give to the next class, or even a freshman entering your major?

JD: If you are up late studying, to the point where its effecting how much sleep you’re going to get that night, just close the textbook and go to sleep. Sleep is important for your health, and you are in school to secure a healthy life. Don’t sacrifice your health for school. The same thing goes for food, don’t skip a meal to study, you are working hard so that you don’t have to be hungry.

Congratulations, Arianna and Justin!