By Katherine Buckingham On Wednesday September 9, Co-Director of Greater Ohio Lavea Brachman and I traveled to Springfield, Ohio for Wittenberg University’s Opening Convocation Ceremony. A year after introducing its groundbreaking Center for Civic and Urban Engagement, Wittenberg welcomed urban policy expert and author David Rusk as the featured speaker for the Witt Series-sponsored Opening Convocation of the university's 165th academic year. We listened to David Rusk’s opening convocation speech in Wittenberg's historic Weaver Chapel. He discussed Springfield Ohio, the role of Anchor Institutions, and other urban policy issues.
Rusk’s speech kicked off two days of innovative educational opportunities centered on urban issues. This is where Greater Ohio came in. Lavea Brachman was asked to make a presentation for the afternoon breakout session on Universities and Hospitals as Anchor Institutions. Other panelists in this session included Mark Erickson, President of Wittenberg University and Mark Weiner, CEO of Community Mercy Health Partners. The session was moderated by Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland. It was a very interesting and informative day. Check out pictures from the day on Greater Ohio Policy Center’s Facebook Page.