The endowment was established through a $1 million gift in support of the university’s Institute for Population and Community Health and will advance work to reduce health disparities in the community.
The Craig and Michele Bashein Family Population and Community Health Endowment has been established at Case Western Reserve University thanks to a $1 million gift from the couple. The endowment will support the university’s Institute for Population and Community Health and will advance work to reduce health disparities in the community.
According to an article on Case Western Reserve University’s website, Eric W. Kaler, who serves as the CWRU President and Morton L. Mandel Presidential Chair, was quoted as saying of the endowment, “Craig and Michele are devoted to Cleveland and advancing the health and wellbeing of its people. Their gift ensures the Institute for Population and Community Health will continue its important research that shines a light on disparities in health and healthcare. We deeply appreciate their support.”
Craig Bashein is a university trustee and the couple’s son, Alec, graduated from CWRU School of Law in 2024 and their daughter, Lauren, earned a graduate degree in public health from the university in 2026. The couple notes that their daughter is the inspiration behind the endowment.
Speaking of Lauren, Craig said, “She has this incredible, selfless desire to make the world a better place. And through my involvement with the university, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many students who are committed to tackling difficult challenges and improving people’s lives. You realize these students are starting journeys that will truly make a difference.”
He added of the university in general, “Case Western Reserve is an incredible university. What the university is doing around community engagement and population health is vitally important—not just for the university, but for Cleveland.”
The Craig and Michele Bashein Family Population and Community Health Endowment will provide long-term support for the university’s Institute for Population and Community Health, which partners with the university’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing; School of Law; Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences; Weatherhead School of Management and Schubert Center for Child Studies. The institute aims to improve health outcomes, reduce health disparities, and provide community-engaged solutions to health issues.
Craig said of the institute’s initiatives to support underserved communities, “Everybody deserves a fair shake. And nothing is more important than basic health needs. Healthcare in our community is so vital, and we felt this was such a critical priority. I hope this gift continues to draw attention to how vital this mission is. If it helps generate more momentum and more support for improving health outcomes in our community, that would be incredibly meaningful.”
For more information about Case Western Reserve University, visit the school’s website.