Best of Case

The next time you drop your phone and the glass doesn’t shatter, thank Arun K. Varshneya, MS ’68, PhD ’70. The scientist and ceramics expert helped develop chemically strengthened glass, an essential material in everything from smartphones to bullet-proof windows to the lifesaving EpiPen. 

This fall, Varshneya will be honored by the Case Alumni Association for his professional achievements and his support of today’s students. He will receive the Gold Medal, the association’s highest annual honor, at Homecoming and Reunion Weekend Oct. 9-10. 

The 2020 awards ceremony will honor six other distinguished alumni and a good friend of the Case School of Engineering: 

Ken Barker ’70, will receive the Samuel Givelber ’23 Award, granted to an alumnus who fosters fellowship in the Case tradition. Barker, a retired financial analyst endowed with a snowy white beard, spends much of the winter bringing joy to people as Santa Claus. 

Arkady Polinkovsky ’08, MS ’10, will receive the Young Alumni Leadership Award. He is chairman of the Scholarship Committee of the CAA and has been a volunteer since his student days. 

In addition, five men will receive the Meritorious Service Award, which recognizes outstanding service to the alumni association and to Case. 

They are: 

Jim McGuffin-Cawley, PhD ’84, a professor of materials science and the Senior Associate Dean of the Case School of Engineering. 

Ed McHenry ’67, MBA ’71, a 13-year member of the CAA Board of Directors and the former president of the association. 

Jim Kilmer ’00, MSE ’00, a 13-year member of the CAA Board of Directors and one of the association’s most active volunteers. 

Steve Hasbrouck ’62, a member of the CAA Board of Directors and a three-year member of the investment committee. 

Daniel Ducoff, the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Global Principal Gifts at Case Western Reserve University. 

Information on Homecoming events, including the 135th All Classes Celebration and Innovation ShowCASE Oct. 9, will be shared in the months ahead.