Celebrating Progress at the 2024 State of the Circle

Posted on 10/21/24 by Madeline in The Nonprofit Behind the Neighborhood

On the evening of October 17th, University Circle Inc. (UCI) hosted the 2024 State of the Circle, bringing the community together to celebrate the exciting progress happening within The Circle and preview the transformative initiatives outlined in our 2024-2027 Action Plan. The night was made even more special as we honored our Leadership Award winners, Sonia Winner and Gary Hanson, for their outstanding contributions and lasting impact on University Circle.

Highlights from the State of the Circle

UCI President Kate Borders emphasized three key pillars from our newly released 2024-2027 Action Plan: Stewarding the Place, Connecting the People, and Telling the Story. Each pillar showcases our accomplishments thus far and outlines our future goals.

• Stewarding the Place: Notable achievements include the completion of the Jesse Owens Olympic Oak Plaza, securing funding for a districtwide tree planting and maintenance project (resulting in the planting of 128 trees), and advocating for roadway improvements on Wade Oval and Jeptha Drives.

• Connecting the People: This year marked a significant transition for UCI, shifting focus from education programs to community engagement. Our Engagement Tent provided arts and cultural activities at local events, while our Job Tent connected community members to employment opportunities. The WOW! event series experienced an impressive 18.2% increase in attendance, aided by collaborations with The Cleveland Orchestra. Additionally, UCI initiated several community policing programs that emphasize safety and connection over enforcement.

• Telling the Story: UCI celebrated generating 71 positive news stories about UCPD and received recognition for excellence in law enforcement. We were also awarded a Gold-level Commuter Choice Award for promoting sustainable transportation options among employees.

As we move forward, UCI is excited to launch Community Space Programming in 2025, focusing on family engagement, social activities, arts and culture clubs/workshops, and health and wellness initiatives. To foster community involvement, we will collaborate with local artists to host art exhibitions and create community art projects displayed in the new community space. Additionally, we will kick off a year-long districtwide master planning process to define the future vision of The Circle.

Our new Transportation Roadshow will showcase multi-modal commuter options in partnership with the Sustainable Transportation Advisory Committee. The beloved YAY Saturdays will evolve into Yay Fall Fun, and plans are underway to expand holiday lights throughout the Circle. Lastly, we will focus on rebranding and implementing a data-driven marketing strategy to enhance visibility and engagement within the community.

Together, these pillars reflect UCI’s commitment to enhancing the University Circle community through thoughtful development, relationship building, and positive storytelling.

Sonia Winner: Championing Accessibility in University Circle

Sonia received the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Neighborhood Leadership Award for her outstanding leadership at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, where her efforts have significantly improved the accessibility of University Circle. Her initiatives, such as free and affordable admission programs, the creation of a more welcoming museum visitor hall, and her commitment to STEM education and environmental sustainability, have made the museum a vital resource for the community.

Gary Hanson: Exemplary Leadership and Collaborative Impact in University Circle

Gary Hanson received the Joseph D. Pigott Leadership Award for his outstanding leadership and collaboration within University Circle, demonstrated through his tenure at The Cleveland Orchestra and his interim leadership at the Cleveland Institute of Music and University Circle Inc. Throughout these positions, Gary expanded access to University Circle’s resources on an international scale, fostered collaborative programming, and skillfully guided these key institutions through periods of transition, ensuring their long-term sustainability and success.

The 2024 State of the Circle was a night of celebration and inspiration, setting the stage for the future of The Circle. As we continue connecting the people, stewarding the place, and sharing the story of University Circle, the leadership and vision of Sonia Winner and Gary Hanson will inspire us all. It’s the dedication of individuals like them that makes University Circle a thriving community, and UCI remains committed to supporting both the people and the place that define The Circle.

This event was made possible thanks to the generosity of Next Generation Construction.

Additional support was provided by:

• Audrey and Albert Ratner
• Bartlett Tree Experts
• Case Western Reserve University
• Cleveland Museum of Natural History
• Mansour Gavin LPA
• Meredith M. Seikel