Vote for University Circle!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

  • Location
  • Call
  • Favorites
  • Cart

Celebrating Community Champions: Honoring Barbara Wilcher-Norton and Chris Ronayne

Posted on 10/09/23 by Madeline in The Nonprofit Behind the Neighborhood

Celebrating Community Champions: Honoring Barbara Wilcher-Norton and Chris Ronayne
Celebrating Community Champions: Honoring Barbara Wilcher-Norton and Chris Ronayne
Celebrating Community Champions: Honoring Barbara Wilcher-Norton and Chris Ronayne
Celebrating Community Champions: Honoring Barbara Wilcher-Norton and Chris Ronayne
Celebrating Community Champions: Honoring Barbara Wilcher-Norton and Chris Ronayne
Celebrating Community Champions: Honoring Barbara Wilcher-Norton and Chris Ronayne
Celebrating Community Champions: Honoring Barbara Wilcher-Norton and Chris Ronayne
Celebrating Community Champions: Honoring Barbara Wilcher-Norton and Chris Ronayne
Celebrating Community Champions: Honoring Barbara Wilcher-Norton and Chris Ronayne

On the evening of September 14th, University Circle Inc. (UCI) hosted the 2023 Leadership Awards, honoring Barbara Wilcher-Norton and Chris Ronayne for their exceptional commitment to the University Circle community.

Barbara Wilcher-Norton: A Beacon of Community Advocacy

Barbara, recipient of The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Neighborhood Leadership Award, is a tireless advocate for building stronger community relations in the University Circle community. As Chairperson for Glenville’s Neighbor to Neighbor community organization and an active participant in the CWRU Community Working Group, she works to understand and improve community relations between neighborhood residents, Circle institutions, real estate developers, and Cleveland leadership. Barbara's dedication goes beyond surface-level engagement; she continuously guides us toward a deeper sense of unity, embodying the essence of genuine leadership.

In her speech that evening, Barbara emphasized the transformative power of unity and cooperation. She compellingly underscored that inclusivity and collaboration are the keys to tackling our community's unique challenges. Her words reminded us that real progress comes from understanding and working together.

Chris Ronayne: A Visionary Leader Transforming Communities

Recipient of The Joseph D. Pigott Leadership Award, Chris Ronayne, played a pivotal role as the President of University Circle Inc. for 16 years. He achieved measurable results, transforming Ohio’s education, medical, and cultural district into a thriving complete community. He delivered new and renovated neighborhood homes, developed after-school and summer programs, helped bring a grocery store to a food desert and connected small businesses to Cleveland’s arts, education, and healthcare institutions. Now, as the Cuyahoga County Executive, Chris continues to be a champion for growth and collaboration in University Circle and throughout Northeast Ohio.

During his speech, Chris shared personal memories of raising his family in the neighborhood and the sense of community he felt while leading UCI. His experiences underscored the idea that community isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's about shared memories and a sense of belonging.

The University Circle Leadership Awards was more than just an awards ceremony. It was an inspiring reminder that community is at the heart of everything we do. Barbara Wilcher-Norton and Chris Ronayne showed us that when we come together, amazing things happen. As we look to the future, their leadership will continue to inspire us all to work hand in hand for the betterment of our community. After all, it's the people and their dedication that make University Circle the wonderful place it is.


This event was made possible thanks to our amazing sponsors.

  • Case Western Reserve University
  • The Finch Group
  • Glidden House
  • Art and Merlene Treuhaft
  • Audrey and Albert Ratner
  • Joe and Ellen Thomas
  • Danny Flynn and Margie Pigott Flynn
  • Sherwin Williams
  • PNC Bank
  • Cohen & Co.
  • WXZ
  • Circle 118
  • Hazel 8
  • F.Buddie Contracting
  • John and Karen Moss
Back to Blog

Signup Be the first to know about special events, openings, news and more!