The Cauldron
Below are stories that I have written for CSU’s Student-led Publication, The Cauldron. You can also read more of my stories for CSU’s other student publication, and Cleveland Magazine.
BetterYou is helping CSU students develop healthy habits
Created by Sean Higgins, BetterYou helps students take back control of their time and well-being. Cleveland State students are already seeing benefits like better sleep, more connection, and even cash rewards. By Jaden Stambolia
Cleveland State College Democrats partner with Ohio Public Banking Coalition
Cleveland State University College Democrats are joining forces with the Ohio Public Banking Coalition to advocate for publicly owned banks across the state. The partnership aims to promote economic equity and invest in underserved communities. By Jaden Stambolia
Two distinguished scholars take the helm as Deans of Graduate Studies and Business Colleges
Cleveland State University has appointed Dr. Bill Kosteas and Dr. Melissa Gruys as deans of the College of Graduate Studies and the Monte Ahuja College of Business. Both bring years of academic leadership and a commitment to student success. By Jaden Stambolia
Cleveland State “intends to comply with” Senate Bill 117, to establish independent center in Levin College
Senate Bill 117, passed along party lines, requires Cleveland State to create a new civics center with state-appointed oversight. University leaders say they will comply, but questions remain about how the law was introduced and its broader implications. By Jaden Stambolia
Former Ohio Republican leaders unite: Kasich, Taft, Montgomery, and Petro rally against Issue 1
GOP leaders like John Kasich and Bob Taft have joined a bipartisan coalition opposing Issue 1, which would raise the threshold for constitutional amendments to 60%. They argue the change threatens Ohioans’ ability to participate equally in democracy. By Jaden Stambolia
Election denier tied to CSU to run for Ohio’s Senate seat
As Bernie Moreno campaigns again for U.S. Senate with backing from MAGA allies, questions resurface about his ties to Cleveland State. The university’s Center for Sales Excellence remains named after the candidate, who continues to question election integrity. By Jaden Stambolia
CSU Law Professor Matthew Ahn officially announces run for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor
Matthew Ahn, a visiting law professor at Cleveland State and North Royalton native, is running to unseat incumbent Prosecutor Michael O’Malley in 2024. Ahn is campaigning on criminal justice reform, public integrity, and a new vision for Cuyahoga County. By Jaden Stambolia
CSU SGA passes resolution seeking meal plan waivers and diverse food options for on-campus students
After CSU expanded its on-campus housing, SGA passed a resolution pushing back against mandatory meal plans. Students say the dining hall is too small, the costs are too high, and the options don’t meet everyone’s needs. By Jaden Stambolia
CSU SGA passes resolution condemning Higher Education Enhancement Act
Cleveland State’s Student Government Association became the first in Ohio to officially condemn S.B. 83, joining faculty and statewide advocates in opposing the controversial higher education bill. Student leaders hope their resolution sparks action at other universities before the bill advances further. By Jaden Stambolia
President Bloomberg looks to build a better relationship with student leaders
President Laura Bloomberg says she’s committed to improving relationships with student leaders and plans to meet more regularly with incoming SGA leadership. She believes student voices are key to solving campus issues and shaping policy. By Jaden Stambolia
CSU and Women’s Basketball Coach Chris Kielsmeier Agree to Contract Extension through 2028
Cleveland State women’s basketball coach Chris Kielsmeier signed a contract extension through April 2028, with increased salary and bonus opportunities. The deal also includes raises for his full-time staff. By Jaden Stambolia
President Laura Bloomberg met with Senator Jerry Cirino over Higher Education Enhancement Act
CSU President Laura Bloomberg met with Sen. Jerry Cirino to express concern over parts of Senate Bill 83, which she says she cannot support. She clarified that past conversations were misinterpreted as support for the legislation. By Jaden Stambolia
CSU’s TPUSA Field Rep supports AR-15s after Tennessee School Shooting
Jacky Eubanks, overseeing TPUSA chapters in Northern Ohio, publicly reaffirmed support for AR-15s following the Nashville school shooting. Cleveland State’s TPUSA chapter did not respond to requests for comment amid recent controversy. By Jaden Stambolia
CSU Alumni and judge who presided over the Alex Murdaugh trial to speak at CSU
Judge Clifton Newman, famed for presiding over the high-profile Alex Murdaugh trial, will speak at CSU Law’s Moot Court Room on March 28. Newman is a distinguished alumnus returning to share his legal insights with the community. By Jaden Stambolia
CSU paid Sport Tours International $27,000 to play in the WBI in 2021 and 2022
Cleveland State paid $27,000 over two seasons to compete in the Women’s Basketball Invitational amid pandemic challenges. Head Coach Chris Kielsmeier’s contract extension now includes bonuses tied to WBI participation and success. By Jaden Stambolia
Charge pay CSU a flat fee of $1,500 per game to use Wolstein Center; CSU responsible for some improvements
Under a contract running through 2023, the Cleveland Charge will pay Cleveland State University fees and expenses to host games at the Wolstein Center, including a flat fee and reimbursable costs. The agreement also covers complimentary tickets, parking benefits, and shared funding for facility upgrades. By Jaden Stambolia
CSU’s TPUSA is back, a mess, and creating a hateful environment on campus
Navigating life’s intricate fabric, choices unfold paths to the extraordinary, demanding creativity, curiosity, and courage for a truly fulfilling journey. By Jaden Stambolia
A Cauldron Spotlight – CSU SGA President Nina Faisal
Nina Faisal, a Palestinian refugee and CSU Student Government Association president, is dedicated to helping children with communication disorders and making CSU a more inclusive and safe campus. Fluent in three languages, she embraces her cultural roots while advocating for student voices and transparency. By Jaden Stambolia
CSU’s Dr. Tachelle Banks appointed to Cleveland Transformation Alliance’s Board
Dr. Tachelle Banks, Associate Provost and Professor at Cleveland State, was appointed to the Cleveland Transformation Alliance Board to help advance educational equity in Cleveland schools. With extensive research on culture and emotional competency, Banks looks forward to collaborating with community leaders to support the city’s youth. By Jaden Stambolia
Cleveland State teams up with Rust Belt Riders to divert food from landfills
Cleveland State University partners with Rust Belt Riders to divert food waste from landfills, successfully composting 10,600 pounds of scraps in 2022 alone. Rust Belt Riders, founded in 2014, collects food scraps from businesses and households, turning them into nutrient-rich compost while encouraging CSU students to help expand these sustainable efforts on campus. By Jaden Stambolia
CSU alumnus and Cleveland legend John Adams passes away
John Adams, CSU alumnus and beloved Cleveland baseball drummer, passed away at 71 after more than 50 seasons energizing fans at the Tribe’s games. Known as “the heartbeat of Cleveland baseball,” Adams also dedicated decades to teaching aquatics to students with disabilities at CSU, putting others first until the end. By Jaden Stambolia
Rhodes Tower and library flooded; Damage still being evaluated
Over winter break, Rhodes Tower and the Michael Schwartz Library flooded after pipes burst, damaging the first four floors. While some materials in the Special Collections were harmed, the most valuable items remain safe, and cleanup efforts are nearly complete. By Jaden Stambolia
Cleveland launches citywide reading challenge
Nearly 30 Cleveland community organizations, including the Cleveland Public Library and Mayor Justin Bibb’s office, launched the Cleveland Reads Citywide Reading Challenge to boost literacy by encouraging residents to collectively read a million books or minutes in 2023. By Jaden Stambolia
CSU Law Professor Matthew Ahn to weigh a run for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor
Matthew Ahn, a Visiting Law Professor at Cleveland State and former public defender, has launched an exploratory committee for a 2024 run for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, aiming to prioritize justice as security and opportunity rather than punishment. By Jaden Stambolia
Cleveland State hires Nigamanth Sridhar as next Provost
Cleveland State University plans to appoint Dr. Nigamanth Sridhar as its next Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, with the Board of Trustees expected to ratify the hire on Jan. 26. By Jaden Stambolia
Cleveland State Board of Trustees voted to remove the name of Cleveland-Marshall from the College of Law
Cleveland State University has officially removed “Marshall” from the name of its College of Law due to Chief Justice John Marshall’s ties to slavery. By Jaden Stambolia
Three members of athletics will cost CSU a total of $705,000 in salary per year
Cleveland State University will pay its top athletic leaders—Scott Garrett, Chris Kielsmeier, and Daniyal Robinson—a combined $705,000 annually in base salaries. By Jaden Stambolia
CSU to pay Cleveland Cavaliers six figures to use teams esports facility
Cleveland State University launched its first Division I esports program this fall, partnering with Cavs Legion GC to use the Cavs Legion Lair. CSU will pay $175,000 over two years for access to the cutting-edge facility. By Jaden Stambolia
President Bloomberg “affirmed the decision” to bring Chick-fil-A to Campus
Cleveland State President Laura Bloomberg affirmed the university’s decision to bring Chick-fil-A to campus, acknowledging the controversy over the company’s anti-LGBTQ ties. By Jaden Stambolia
Royal fluke: CSU Professor reflects on time spent as royal photographer
A day off in Belize turned into a royal surprise for former CSU student Phil Wanyerka, who became Queen Elizabeth’s unofficial photographer thanks to a determined nun. The encounter gave Wanyerka front-row access to the Queen’s Caribbean tour—and a memory that still stuns him decades later. By Jaden Stambolia
Bloomberg focused on student success and enrollment growth with CSU 2.0
President Laura Bloomberg is doubling down on CSU 2.0 but shifting focus to student success, enrollment growth, and expanding housing and online programs. By Jaden Stambolia
Cleveland State ties to MAGA Republican
Cleveland State University’s Center for Sales Excellence is named after Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno, a vocal supporter of Trump’s false election claims. By Jaden Stambolia
More details emerge on CSU false bomb threats
Cleveland State University has faced four false bomb threats in the past 10 months, prompting investigations from CSU Police, the FBI, and regional agencies. While no explosives have been found, the threats have disrupted campus life and remain under active investigation. By Jaden Stambolia
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