The Campus District Master Plan is a product of the Capstone Project undertaken in the spring
STUDENTS
Eugene Basile
In addition to pursuing his Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Design, and Development, Eugene Basile has also earned a B.A. in Urban Studies with a concentration in Urban Planning from Cleveland State University, graduating with Honors (Summa Cum Laude). Eugene currently works as a Graduate Assistant in the Levin College and has previously worked as an intern for the City of Euclid’s Community Services and Economic Development Department. He received the Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Award, which provided funding to work on research analyzing the foreclosure crisis throughout the City of Euclid. He enjoys attending Cleveland sporting events.
In addition to pursuing his Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Design, and Development, Eugene Basile has also earned a B.A. in Urban Studies with a concentration in Urban Planning from Cleveland State University, graduating with Honors (Summa Cum Laude). Eugene currently works as a Graduate Assistant in the Levin College and has previously worked as an intern for the City of Euclid’s Community Services and Economic Development Department. He received the Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Award, which provided funding to work on research analyzing the foreclosure crisis throughout the City of Euclid. He enjoys attending Cleveland sporting events.
Andrew Bryant
Andrew Bryant is a graduate student in his last semester at Cleveland State University at the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs. He is majoring in Urban Planning with an emphasis in Real Estate Development. He is currently an intern at Jones Lang LaSalle working in Commercial Real Estate Research.
Andrew Bryant is a graduate student in his last semester at Cleveland State University at the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs. He is majoring in Urban Planning with an emphasis in Real Estate Development. He is currently an intern at Jones Lang LaSalle working in Commercial Real Estate Research.
Mark Ebner
Mark Ebner is the Manager of Research and Engagement for CEOs for Cities, a civic innovation lab and network for city progress and success, connecting cross-border, cross-sector, cross-generational civic CEOs and change makers to each other and to smart ideas and practices. He is pursuing his master’s concentrations are in City Management and Economic Development. He holds a B.A. in Political Science with minors in Social Justice and History from the University of Portland. Mark is especially interested in traveling and the role of tourism in cities.
Mark Ebner is the Manager of Research and Engagement for CEOs for Cities, a civic innovation lab and network for city progress and success, connecting cross-border, cross-sector, cross-generational civic CEOs and change makers to each other and to smart ideas and practices. He is pursuing his master’s concentrations are in City Management and Economic Development. He holds a B.A. in Political Science with minors in Social Justice and History from the University of Portland. Mark is especially interested in traveling and the role of tourism in cities.
Kyle Julien
Prior to enrolling in the MUPDD program, Kyle Julien worked in community development and with a construction firm specializing in reuse of historic properties. He is interested in implementing community development strategies that work in the Rust Belt context. He lives in Akron.
Prior to enrolling in the MUPDD program, Kyle Julien worked in community development and with a construction firm specializing in reuse of historic properties. He is interested in implementing community development strategies that work in the Rust Belt context. He lives in Akron.
Steve Litt
Steven Litt is a native New Yorker proud to call Cleveland his home. He joined The Plain Dealer as its art and architecture critic in 1991 after working at several other newspapers including The News and Observer in Raleigh, N.C. He is a regular guest on public radio WPCN 90.3FM and a frequent contributor to magazines including ARTnews, Metropolis and Architectural Record.Steve earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Brown University and a master’s degree from the School of Journalism at Columbia University, and is completing a master’s degree in city planning at Cleveland State University. His awards include the Robert Bergman Prize of the Cleveland Arts Prize, given to community leaders dedicated to a democratic vision of the arts. In his free time, Steve studies Italian for pleasure.
Steven Litt is a native New Yorker proud to call Cleveland his home. He joined The Plain Dealer as its art and architecture critic in 1991 after working at several other newspapers including The News and Observer in Raleigh, N.C. He is a regular guest on public radio WPCN 90.3FM and a frequent contributor to magazines including ARTnews, Metropolis and Architectural Record.Steve earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Brown University and a master’s degree from the School of Journalism at Columbia University, and is completing a master’s degree in city planning at Cleveland State University. His awards include the Robert Bergman Prize of the Cleveland Arts Prize, given to community leaders dedicated to a democratic vision of the arts. In his free time, Steve studies Italian for pleasure.
Kelly McGowan
Kelly McGowan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies with a concentration in Urban Planning from Cleveland State University. After graduating from Cleveland State, she worked as a community organizer for almost two years, organizing against predatory lending issues in the greater Cleveland area. She left her job as a community organizer to pursue her Master’s in Urban Planning Design and Development and has an anticipated graduation date of May 2013.
Kelly McGowan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies with a concentration in Urban Planning from Cleveland State University. After graduating from Cleveland State, she worked as a community organizer for almost two years, organizing against predatory lending issues in the greater Cleveland area. She left her job as a community organizer to pursue her Master’s in Urban Planning Design and Development and has an anticipated graduation date of May 2013.
Ben McKeeman
Ben is currently in his final semester of the MUPDD program, and works as a Graduate Assistant for Dr. Stephanie Websters conducting GIS research on historic rehab projects around the country. Prior to attending Cleveland State, Ben obtained his undergraduate degree in Geography from Georgia Southern University. He also spent his final undergrad as an exchange student at Leibniz Universitaet Hannover, in Germany, to complete his minor program in German Language Studies. Ben has focused on project development and finance during his studies, and hopes to remain in the City of Cleveland following graduation.
Ben is currently in his final semester of the MUPDD program, and works as a Graduate Assistant for Dr. Stephanie Websters conducting GIS research on historic rehab projects around the country. Prior to attending Cleveland State, Ben obtained his undergraduate degree in Geography from Georgia Southern University. He also spent his final undergrad as an exchange student at Leibniz Universitaet Hannover, in Germany, to complete his minor program in German Language Studies. Ben has focused on project development and finance during his studies, and hopes to remain in the City of Cleveland following graduation.
Tom Michaels
Tom Michaels is a 2013 Master of Urban Planning, Design, and Development candidate with a Real Estate Finance certificate. He holds BA in economics from Denison University (2004), and he is a 2000 Western Reserve Academy graduate. Tom is currently employed with a regional commercial real estate company, where he conducts financial and market analysis for real estate development deals. Previously, Tom worked in AutoCAD drafting for an engineering consulting company specializing in 2-D and 3-D HVAC design for large commercial projects including Eaton’s new world headquarters and the Cleveland Medical Mart. Tom resides in downtown Cleveland and is a northeastern Ohio native. During his spare time, he enjoys restoring classic and antique powerboats.
Tom Michaels is a 2013 Master of Urban Planning, Design, and Development candidate with a Real Estate Finance certificate. He holds BA in economics from Denison University (2004), and he is a 2000 Western Reserve Academy graduate. Tom is currently employed with a regional commercial real estate company, where he conducts financial and market analysis for real estate development deals. Previously, Tom worked in AutoCAD drafting for an engineering consulting company specializing in 2-D and 3-D HVAC design for large commercial projects including Eaton’s new world headquarters and the Cleveland Medical Mart. Tom resides in downtown Cleveland and is a northeastern Ohio native. During his spare time, he enjoys restoring classic and antique powerboats.
Deborah Riemann
Deborah is currently working as a graduate assistant at Cleveland State University. The focus of her work has been on the challenges of urban planning in shrinking cities. She received her Bachelor Degree with honorable mentions in “Cultural Engineering” from Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg (Germany) and is currently working on her Master of Urban Planning, Design and Development. She has interned with the planning department of the City of Berlin (Germany) and she is actively involved as a bicycle advocate in Cleveland Heights. She also has experience with youth participation, climate action planning, creative re-uses, and regional transportation planning.
Deborah is currently working as a graduate assistant at Cleveland State University. The focus of her work has been on the challenges of urban planning in shrinking cities. She received her Bachelor Degree with honorable mentions in “Cultural Engineering” from Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg (Germany) and is currently working on her Master of Urban Planning, Design and Development. She has interned with the planning department of the City of Berlin (Germany) and she is actively involved as a bicycle advocate in Cleveland Heights. She also has experience with youth participation, climate action planning, creative re-uses, and regional transportation planning.
Doug Riebel
Doug Riebel is a graduating MUPDD student at Cleveland State University concentrating in GIS and Real Estate Development and a resident of Cleveland’s Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. He has worked as a graduate assistant for Dr. Dennis Keating, Dr. Mittie Davis Jones, and Dr. Ronnie Dunn, doing GIS work on traffic ticket patterns by racial group throughout Cuyahoga County. He currently is an intern for the Community Development Department at the City of Lorain, doing GIS work for multiple projects and departments, while also helping implement a code inspection program, assisting with demolitions, and helping with other maintenance and development projects.
Doug Riebel is a graduating MUPDD student at Cleveland State University concentrating in GIS and Real Estate Development and a resident of Cleveland’s Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. He has worked as a graduate assistant for Dr. Dennis Keating, Dr. Mittie Davis Jones, and Dr. Ronnie Dunn, doing GIS work on traffic ticket patterns by racial group throughout Cuyahoga County. He currently is an intern for the Community Development Department at the City of Lorain, doing GIS work for multiple projects and departments, while also helping implement a code inspection program, assisting with demolitions, and helping with other maintenance and development projects.
Arthur Schmidt
Arthur Schmidt IV is in his final semester of a double graduate program at Cleveland State University in the MUPDD program as well as Kent State’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative [CUDC] in the Master of Urban Design program. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture Studies from Kent State University. He has a large interest in Urban Design & Planning with a specific interest in transportation/street design and urban parks. In the spare time that remains he also works as a professional wedding DJ/MC for Jerry Bruno Productions.
Arthur Schmidt IV is in his final semester of a double graduate program at Cleveland State University in the MUPDD program as well as Kent State’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative [CUDC] in the Master of Urban Design program. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture Studies from Kent State University. He has a large interest in Urban Design & Planning with a specific interest in transportation/street design and urban parks. In the spare time that remains he also works as a professional wedding DJ/MC for Jerry Bruno Productions.
Mike Schumaker
Mike Schumaker is finishing his MUPDD degree and already completed the Graduate Certificate in Urban Real Estate Development & Finance. Mike earned a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from BGSU in 2000 and worked for Cleveland area contractors for five years before going to work on an urban renewal project in Chicago. After that, he moved to Detroit to work as project manager on a historic renovation of the Book Cadillac Westin hotel. These large scale urban projects sparked Mike’s interest in urban planning and the larger field of development. Mike currently works for CMHA as Senior Project Manager.
Mike Schumaker is finishing his MUPDD degree and already completed the Graduate Certificate in Urban Real Estate Development & Finance. Mike earned a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from BGSU in 2000 and worked for Cleveland area contractors for five years before going to work on an urban renewal project in Chicago. After that, he moved to Detroit to work as project manager on a historic renovation of the Book Cadillac Westin hotel. These large scale urban projects sparked Mike’s interest in urban planning and the larger field of development. Mike currently works for CMHA as Senior Project Manager.
Khrystalynn Shefton
Khrystalynn Shefton has a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from Xavier University and a MBA from Baldwin Wallace University with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Professionally, she has been working for Key Bank as a technology project and operations manager for the last 11 years. Her passion for the city of Cleveland and creating sustainable, urban neighborhoods drove her decision to attend Cleveland State University where she is currently pursuing the Masters of Urban Planning Design and Development degree. While pursuing her degree she’s worked with Neighborhood Progress, Inc. and participated in the Gerald D. Hines Urban Land Institute Design Competition.
Khrystalynn Shefton has a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from Xavier University and a MBA from Baldwin Wallace University with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Professionally, she has been working for Key Bank as a technology project and operations manager for the last 11 years. Her passion for the city of Cleveland and creating sustainable, urban neighborhoods drove her decision to attend Cleveland State University where she is currently pursuing the Masters of Urban Planning Design and Development degree. While pursuing her degree she’s worked with Neighborhood Progress, Inc. and participated in the Gerald D. Hines Urban Land Institute Design Competition.
Ryan Smalley
Ryan Smalley is a professional transportation engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Cleveland State University in 2005. Ryan has worked professionally with many public organizations including the Ohio Department of Transportation, Cuyahoga County, Cleveland Metroparks, City of Cleveland and many other local municipalities over the last 8 years. Ryan’s project involvement has ranged from large highway projects to local “road diet” and bike path projects. He will complete his Master’s in Urban Planning Design and Development in May 2013 and will be seeking more opportunities to expand his work into the world of transportation planning.
Ryan Smalley is a professional transportation engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Cleveland State University in 2005. Ryan has worked professionally with many public organizations including the Ohio Department of Transportation, Cuyahoga County, Cleveland Metroparks, City of Cleveland and many other local municipalities over the last 8 years. Ryan’s project involvement has ranged from large highway projects to local “road diet” and bike path projects. He will complete his Master’s in Urban Planning Design and Development in May 2013 and will be seeking more opportunities to expand his work into the world of transportation planning.
Hannibal Smith
A graduate of Collinwood High School, earned an Associate’s degree in finance. Performed undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University and Cleveland State University. Awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Affairs from Cleveland State University in 2009. Candidate for Masters of Urban Planning Design and Development. Licensed Public notary, licensed appraisal professional and Realtor with Progressive Urban Realty. Appointed to the Cuyahoga County Board of Revision in January 2011. Chairman of the H.B 294 Board that hears and adjudicates vacant and abandon foreclosures for Cuyahoga County.
A graduate of Collinwood High School, earned an Associate’s degree in finance. Performed undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University and Cleveland State University. Awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Affairs from Cleveland State University in 2009. Candidate for Masters of Urban Planning Design and Development. Licensed Public notary, licensed appraisal professional and Realtor with Progressive Urban Realty. Appointed to the Cuyahoga County Board of Revision in January 2011. Chairman of the H.B 294 Board that hears and adjudicates vacant and abandon foreclosures for Cuyahoga County.
Gregory SJ Soltis
Gregory SJ Soltis is a native Clevelander who returned home after working as an architectural designer in Washington, DC and Las Vegas, NV. He has undergraduate degrees in Architecture from University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Geography from Kent State University, and is now completing his graduate degree in Urban Planning, Design, and Development.
Gregory SJ Soltis is a native Clevelander who returned home after working as an architectural designer in Washington, DC and Las Vegas, NV. He has undergraduate degrees in Architecture from University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Geography from Kent State University, and is now completing his graduate degree in Urban Planning, Design, and Development.
Tara Sturm
Tara approached her time at Cleveland State University with an eclectic background in social science, branding, and design. She will graduate May 2013 with a Master of Urban Planning, Design, and Development—hoping to bring a strong foundational education into the workforce in whatever way drives change and works to make the world a better place. After graduation she hopes to ever keep learning and broadening the scope of urban planning’s impact in new and meaningful ways, whatever path lay ahead.
Tara approached her time at Cleveland State University with an eclectic background in social science, branding, and design. She will graduate May 2013 with a Master of Urban Planning, Design, and Development—hoping to bring a strong foundational education into the workforce in whatever way drives change and works to make the world a better place. After graduation she hopes to ever keep learning and broadening the scope of urban planning’s impact in new and meaningful ways, whatever path lay ahead.
Jillian Watson
Jillian M. Watson will complete the Master of Urban Planning, Design, and Development program this May. Jillian is from Bluffton, Indiana but hopes to stay in Cleveland upon graduation. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Baldwin-Wallace University. Jillian currently works as a Graduate Assistant for the Campus Activities Board at Cleveland State University. She also completed an internship with the Housing Research and Advocacy Center. Jillian aspires to work for a community development corporation that promotes equity planning as well as the revitalization and growth of Cleveland and the region.
Jillian M. Watson will complete the Master of Urban Planning, Design, and Development program this May. Jillian is from Bluffton, Indiana but hopes to stay in Cleveland upon graduation. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Baldwin-Wallace University. Jillian currently works as a Graduate Assistant for the Campus Activities Board at Cleveland State University. She also completed an internship with the Housing Research and Advocacy Center. Jillian aspires to work for a community development corporation that promotes equity planning as well as the revitalization and growth of Cleveland and the region.
Heather Ways
Heather Ways plans to complete the MUPDD by this fall. Her interest is in greening the city for those who live in Cleveland, so that both the peace and well being as well as the exercise benefits of beautiful neighborhoods can be enjoyed by all. She has worked as a family physician at Neighborhood Family Practice, a Federally qualified community health center, for over twenty four years.
Heather Ways plans to complete the MUPDD by this fall. Her interest is in greening the city for those who live in Cleveland, so that both the peace and well being as well as the exercise benefits of beautiful neighborhoods can be enjoyed by all. She has worked as a family physician at Neighborhood Family Practice, a Federally qualified community health center, for over twenty four years.
Matthew Wymer
Matthew Wymer is a Cleveland Native. He attended high school at Saint Ignatius and completed undergraduate studies at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. He is currently a dual degree student seeking a JD and a MUPDD. Matthew has worked with his family’s development and construction companies on past and ongoing projects in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood. After graduating in the spring of 2014, he hopes to join his family’s company and contribute to expanding development opportunities in Cleveland, the Carolinas and Florida.
Matthew Wymer is a Cleveland Native. He attended high school at Saint Ignatius and completed undergraduate studies at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. He is currently a dual degree student seeking a JD and a MUPDD. Matthew has worked with his family’s development and construction companies on past and ongoing projects in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood. After graduating in the spring of 2014, he hopes to join his family’s company and contribute to expanding development opportunities in Cleveland, the Carolinas and Florida.
Sungbum Yoon
Sungbum Yoon graduated Chung-Ang University in South Korea and also obtained a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning. After internship program in CTL Networks which promoting welfare tour program based upon subsidy of government, he started master’s degree in the same university. In 2012, he came to Cleveland State University as a dual-degree student and is studying in MUPDD program now.
Sungbum Yoon graduated Chung-Ang University in South Korea and also obtained a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning. After internship program in CTL Networks which promoting welfare tour program based upon subsidy of government, he started master’s degree in the same university. In 2012, he came to Cleveland State University as a dual-degree student and is studying in MUPDD program now.
Cheng-Han Yu
Cheng-Han is an international student from Taiwan, currently working as a project assistant at Economic Development Department of City of Cleveland. In addition to pursuing his Master degree in Urban Planning, Design and Development with specialization in Real Estate Development and Finance, Cheng-Han has earned a Bachelor degree in Financial Engineering and Actuarial Mathematics from Soochow University in Taiwan. Cleveland is the first place to him experiencing American life and learning something regard to urban sprawl, Brownfield redevelopment and public subsidy analysis. He is helping the neighborhood grow up again at this potential place.
Cheng-Han is an international student from Taiwan, currently working as a project assistant at Economic Development Department of City of Cleveland. In addition to pursuing his Master degree in Urban Planning, Design and Development with specialization in Real Estate Development and Finance, Cheng-Han has earned a Bachelor degree in Financial Engineering and Actuarial Mathematics from Soochow University in Taiwan. Cleveland is the first place to him experiencing American life and learning something regard to urban sprawl, Brownfield redevelopment and public subsidy analysis. He is helping the neighborhood grow up again at this potential place.