02/14/26 - 04/05/26
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Case Western Reserve University Maltz Performing Arts Center

At Case Western Reserve University, we're a community of innovators, knowledge-seekers and groundbreakers. As a leading national research university located in the nation's #1 arts district and within walking distance of three major hospitals, we offer ample opportunities for you... more
About Fall Convocation: The Elaine G. Hadden Distinguished Author presented in partnership with Think Forum
Fall Convocation: The Elaine G. Hadden Distinguished Author presented in partnership with Think Forum, is the formal celebration that opens each new academic year at Case Western Reserve University. Traditionally, held in late August during the first week of the fall semester, Fall Convocation features keynote remarks from the Elaine G. Hadden Distinguished Visiting Author, along with recognition of faculty receiving the highest honor—the title of Distinguished University Professor.
University’s Common Reading
As part of the common reading program, the author of the common reading book appears as the Elaine G. Hadden Distinguished Visiting Author during Fall Convocation—the official opening event of the new academic year. The event is open to the entire campus community and also to the public. For more information, please see the Event Details page.
Our 2023 speaker will be award-winning author Ruha Benjamin. Her nonfiction book Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code, winner of the 2020 Oliver Cox Cromwell Book Prize and the 2020 Brooklyn Public Library Literary Award for Nonfiction was chosen as Case Western Reserve University's 2023 common reading book. Each year since 2002, the university’s common reading has served as a basis for programs and discussions for first-year students.
Read the complete announcement from The Daily: Common reading tackles technology's troubles with bias and how humans can help address them
Learn More about Ruha Benjamin -Click here to access the research guide
Fall Convocation 2023 will be held on Thursday, September 7 at 4:45 p.m. at Maltz Performing Arts Center.
Following the Fall Convocation ceremony, all guests are invited to attend a book signing in the PNC Lobby of the Maltz Performing Arts Center. Ruha Benjamin's books will be available for sale.
This event is free and open to both the campus and the local community; however, you must register in order to receive a ticket to the event.
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