Tinkham Veale University Center

Tinkham Veale University Center is a prominent building located on the campus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, designed by renowned architect Rafael Viñoly and completed in 2014. The center is named after Tinkham Veale II and his wife, Paula Veale, in recognition of their generous donation to the university, which also supports institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Orchestra. The Tinkham Veale University Center serves as a hub for student activities, hosting events and conferences that bring together students, faculty, and staff from various departments, including the Case School of Engineering, Weatherhead School of Management, and the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. The center's construction was made possible through the support of various donors, including Case Western Reserve University alumni, such as Charles R. Booth, and organizations like the Cleveland Foundation.

● History

The history of the Tinkham Veale University Center dates back to the early 2000s, when Case Western Reserve University began planning for a new student center to replace the existing Thwing Center, which was built in the 1950s and had become outdated. The university launched a capital campaign to raise funds for the new center, with major donations coming from Tinkham Veale II and other prominent alumni, including James A. Norton and Richard F. Celeste. The project was also supported by the State of Ohio, which provided funding for the construction of the center through the Ohio Department of Higher Education. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Tinkham Veale University Center took place in 2011, with attendees including Case Western Reserve University President Barbara R. Snyder, Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson, and other local dignitaries, such as U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur.

● Architecture

The Tinkham Veale University Center was designed by Rafael Viñoly, a renowned architect known for his work on projects such as the Tokyo International Forum and the Curve Theatre in Leicester, England. The building's design features a unique, curved shape that provides natural light and stunning views of the surrounding campus, including the Allen Memorial Medical Library and the Severance Hall. The center's architecture is also inspired by the work of other notable architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright and I.M. Pei, who have designed buildings on the Case Western Reserve University campus, including the Weisman Museum and the Peter B. Lewis Building. The building's materials and design elements, such as the use of glass and steel, were chosen for their sustainability and energy efficiency, reflecting the university's commitment to environmental responsibility, as outlined in the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment.

● Facilities

The Tinkham Veale University Center offers a range of facilities and amenities, including a grand atrium, a food court, and a variety of meeting and event spaces, such as the Kelvin Smith Library and the Inamori Center. The center is also home to several student organizations and departments, including the Case Western Reserve University Student Union, the Office of Student Affairs, and the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning. The building's facilities are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for a wide range of activities and events, from concerts and performances to conferences and lectures, featuring speakers such as Nobel laureate Peter Agre and Pulitzer Prize winner Nicholas Kristof. The center's amenities also include a game room, a lounge, and a fitness center, providing students with a comfortable and convenient space to relax and socialize, similar to those found at other universities, such as Harvard University and Stanford University.

● Events

The Tinkham Veale University Center hosts a wide range of events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, performances, and cultural events, such as the Cleveland International Film Festival and the Cleveland Jazz Festival. The center is also a popular venue for conferences and lectures, featuring speakers from institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, and University of Chicago. The center's events are often sponsored by student organizations, such as the Case Western Reserve University Student Programming Council and the University Media Board, which work to bring a diverse range of programming to the campus, including events featuring Grammy Award winners like Kenny G and Tony Bennett. The Tinkham Veale University Center is also a popular venue for university events, such as the Case Western Reserve University Commencement ceremony and the Homecoming celebration, which attract attendees from institutions like Yale University and Duke University.

● Management

The Tinkham Veale University Center is managed by the Case Western Reserve University Division of Student Affairs, which is responsible for overseeing the center's operations, programming, and facilities. The division works closely with student organizations and departments to plan and execute events and activities, ensuring that the center remains a vibrant and engaging space for the university community, similar to the University of Michigan Union and the University of California, Berkeley Student Union. The center's management team also includes staff from the Case Western Reserve University Facilities Management department, which is responsible for maintaining the building's facilities and ensuring that they are safe and accessible for all users, in accordance with guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Tinkham Veale University Center is also supported by the Case Western Reserve University University Police department, which provides security and emergency services for the center and the surrounding campus, including the Cleveland Clinic and the University Hospitals of Cleveland.