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Monday Morning Message 6.9.25 A Bittersweet Moment.....My Final Morning Message
“I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start….” ―J.B. Priestley
This morning is my final Monday Morning Message as Dean of Cleveland State University College of Law.
It’s a bittersweet moment because I’ll be stepping down as Dean in a few weeks on June 30 to become the 10th President of Baldwin Wallace University. While I’m very excited about this rare opportunity to lead such an iconic university, I will always cherish my time serving this iconic law school. Serving CSU Law the past 9 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
Ironic Twist of History
Monday Morning Message 6.2.25 You Graduate as Lawyer-Leaders
“I hope you all work with and are mentored by lawyer-leaders who embody the highest ideals of our profession….But you will also encounter others who have used the law to bend truth, exploit technicalities, and abandon core Constitutional principles like due process in pursuit of privilege, position, and power. Recognize them for what they are—and make sure you choose a different path – protect your reputation for that is what others will see as the outward manifestation of your character. You will never have to apologize for being the lawyer-leader whose presence strengthens the rule of law, whose counsel uplifts justice, and whose character inspires trust.
Monday Morning Message 5.19.25 New Co-Interim Deans!
"Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day." The Dalai Lama
I am very pleased to share that earlier this week CSU President Laura Bloomberg and Provost Nigamanth Sridhar announced that Associate Dean Carolyn Broering-Jacobs and Associate Dean Brian Ray have been appointed Co-Interim CSU Law Deans, effective July 1, 2025 (My last day as Dean is June 30.) Carolyn and Brian will serve as Co-Interim Deans for one year, and a national search for a new Dean will commence in fall 2025.
Monday Morning Message 5.12.25 Special Edition: Student Focus
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Special Edition of the Monday Morning Message is called CSU Law Student Focus. It is intended to highlight and celebrate the individual and group accomplishments of our very talented CSU Law students. The contents are based entirely on submissions by students.
Team Accomplishments
Mock Trial Team
Monday Morning Message 5.5.25 Pressure is a Privilege
“Pressure is a privilege - it only comes to those who earn it.” – Billie Jean King
My message this morning is to our students.
Today is the second day of final exams. Law Day was May 1.
If you’re looking for inspiration, you need look no further than what Law Day stands for. Ultimately, it’s what a legal education is all about.
On Law Day, we celebrate the rule of law, and rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of a more perfect Union. But the rule of law is not guaranteed. It’s fragile and demands our constant effort and vigilance.
So my advice to you as you prepare for final exams is to remember why you chose this path.
Monday Morning Message 4.28.25 Take Your Own Measurements
“CSU Law is the best choice for students who want to be seen and treated as human beings instead of numbers, and respected in the legal community for the hard work and dedication to the practice of law that is fostered through mentorship and leadership opportunities.” - 2024 Graduate
Monday Morning Message 4.21.25 Special Edition: Student Focus
“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.” – Gail Devers
This Special Edition of the Monday Morning Message is called CSU Law Student Focus. It is intended to highlight and celebrate the individual and group achievements of our very talented CSU Law students.
Individual Student Accomplishments
Monday Morning Message 4.14.25 Charting New Paths
“Returning to the Law School for its 10th Cybersecurity & Privacy Conference, I could only marvel at the depth and breadth of not only the conference program but also the academic programs you have developed and offer in this burgeoning interdisciplinary field. . . . Over and over while at the conference, general counsels, privacy attorneys and staff, chief information officers, chief information security officers, and current law students buttonholed me to applaud the program and what it has been giving to them…CSU Law has stressed public service and leadership as foundational values in its programs and as character/professional traits for its graduates.
Monday Morning Message 4.7.25 Career Ready. Future Ready.
“Dean Beznoska, I know that so much of what you do is on the backend and rarely seen by anyone in the school. I wanted to take a moment to write a quick note of thanks and recognition to all of Career Services, but especially to you as the leader of a fantastic team, for all you do and for all of the support you provide. I appreciate and realize that your job cannot be an easy one but you make it look easy. You always have a positive attitude and even on days when I’m at my lowest or grouchiest, I know that I can come to you for advice and support. Thank you for all you’ve done for me and for the law school community.” - 2L Student about Assistant Dean for Student and Career Services Sarah Beznoska
Monday Morning Message 3.31.25 A Law Degree That Fits Your Life and Jumpstarts Your Future.
“I wanted to make sure you heard from me saying thank you. It would be difficult for me to be going to law school in person, given my circumstances and where I live, so this opportunity has been and is very important to me…..I want to thank all the folks who have worked tirelessly to pull this program together so that people like me can have an opportunity to study the law.” – Student, CSU|Law J.D. online part-time (JDO) program