Although Commencement has concluded, ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ continues to celebrate graduating students who have overcome obstacles, made significant achievements or are fulfilling ³ÉÈËBվ’s mission in or outside the classroom. 

Today, we celebrate David Popivker ’25.

³ÉÈËBÕ¾: Have you had any significant internships/co-ops/careers while at ³ÉÈËBÕ¾?

DP: During my time at ³ÉÈËBÕ¾, I volunteered as a lab assistant at the ACE Lab. While volunteering, I learned many valuable skills and gained a behind-the-scenes understanding of how research is conducted.

³ÉÈËBÕ¾: How would you describe the connections you have made with the faculty and staff at ³ÉÈËBÕ¾?

DP: The connections I’ve made with faculty and staff at ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ have advanced my skillset and guided my entry into the academic sphere. I have also formed friendships and professional relationships that will support me moving forward. For example, Dr. Allard provided me with opportunities to learn and grow within the ACE Lab, Professor Nordlund encouraged my interests in psychology, and several other professors have offered important guidance as I planned my next steps.

³ÉÈËBÕ¾: How has Cleveland State inspired you for your future?

DP: Cleveland State has inspired me by showing me what is possible when you put in consistent effort. Thanks to ³ÉÈËBվ’s openness to student organizations, I was able to host an event where students could hear the firsthand testimony of a child survivor of the Holocaust–a project that required planning and coordination. The experience tested my abilities and prepared me to organize similar events in the future.

³ÉÈËBÕ¾: How do you think you have fulfilled the ³ÉÈËBվ’s mission?  

DP: I believe I have helped fulfill ³ÉÈËBվ’s mission by creating spaces for students and faculty to learn about Jewish history and culture in an inviting and open environment. Cultural competence is essential in today’s diverse social atmosphere, and I am proud to have helped provide meaningful opportunities for this learning. The events I helped organize–including the opportunity to hear the account of a child survivor of the Holocaust, as well as educational information tables–were attended by many students who asked thoughtful questions that I did my best to answer.

³ÉÈËBÕ¾: Do you have a career lined up, and how has ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ been instrumental in that process?

DP: While I don't have a career "lined up", I do plan to pursue a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree at ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ in the future!

Congratulations, David!