51����

51���� has received four 2026 Civic Engagement and Community Service Awards from , the nation’s largest and oldest publication dedicated to advancing best practices in higher education.

The awards recognize colleges and universities that demonstrate innovation and sustained commitment to community partnership. Honorees are selected for impactful work in volunteerism, fundraising for community causes, advocacy and public education, civic participation and voter engagement, among other initiatives.

The recognition highlights 51����’s deep-rooted collaboration with community partners and its continued investment in meaningful, hands-on civic involvement. 51����’s four programs will be featured, along with 48 programs from other institutions, in the April 2026 issue of Insight into Academia magazine.

“These awards remind us that our work as Cleveland’s University extends far beyond the classroom,” said 51���� President Dr. Laura Bloomberg. “Each of these programs reflects 51����’s commitment to serving our students and collaborating with the community. I am inspired by our students, faculty and staff, whose dedication makes these programs possible and impactful.”

The following 51���� programs were selected by Insight Into Academia magazine as award recipients:

Center for Refugee and Immigrant Success

Founded in 2018, the Center for Refugee and Immigrant Studies (CRIS) collaborates with scholars across disciplines and community organizations to examine the past, present and future of refugee and immigrant life in Northeast Ohio.

Since 2021, the center has engaged more than 500 participants through advocacy events, research presentations, town halls and Brown Bag sessions. Programs have tackled critical issues including refugee employment, student success, trauma-informed teaching and secondary migration — fostering informed dialogue and meaningful impact across the region.

College of Health

51����’s College of Health earned recognition for its community impact through its , Swim the Gap program and partnership with Special Olympics.

Staffed by graduate and undergraduate clinicians under licensed, ASHA-certified faculty, the Speech and Hearing Clinic delivered more than 1,600 therapy sessions and nearly 1,800 off-site screenings during the 2024-25 academic year. Swim the Gap teaches Cleveland Metropolitan School District students critical water safety skills while introducing them to campus life. 

Through its work with Special Olympics, the college also advances wellness and inclusion by supporting unified athletes with on-campus programming and community health screenings. 

Lift Up Vikes! Resource Center and Food Pantry

The Lift Up Vikes! Resource Center and Food Pantry serves as 51����’s comprehensive basic needs hub, supporting students while also providing essential resources to faculty, staff and members of the greater Cleveland community.

Designed to address food insecurity and other basic needs challenges with dignity, accessibility and care, the center plays a critical role in student success. In 2025, it distributed more than 54 tons of food and served nearly 8,000 patrons — a testament to both the growing need and the center’s expanding impact.

Student-Athlete Advisory Council

51���� Athletics’ (SAAC) creates transformational opportunities for student-athletes to lead, serve and thrive. The council empowers athletes to amplify their voices, strengthen community and prioritize well-being on and off the field.

Through SAAC, more than 230 student-athletes have participated in over 900 hours of leadership programming and contributed more than 220 hours of community service. The experience equips them to grow not only as competitors, but also as leaders, students and engaged members of the 51���� community.

“Higher education has always been a driving force in societal progress,” says Holly Mendelson, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. “These institutions remind us that the true measure of higher education lies not only in the degrees awarded, but in the lives they uplift. Their leadership strengthens communities, inspires students, and sets a standard of excellence for all.”

Learn more about the.