Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú

Although Commencement has concluded, Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú continues to celebrate graduating students who have overcome obstacles, made significant achievements or are fulfilling Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú’s mission in or outside the classroom. 

Today, we celebrate David Popivker ’25.

Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú: Have you had any significant internships/co-ops/careers while at Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú?

DP: During my time at Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú, 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.

Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú: How would you describe the connections you have made with the faculty and staff at Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú?

DP: The connections I’ve made with faculty and staff at Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú 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.

Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú: 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 Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú’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.

Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú: How do you think you have fulfilled the Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú’s mission?  

DP: I believe I have helped fulfill Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú’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.

Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú: Do you have a career lined up, and how has Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú 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 Â鶹ÊÓƵÈë¿Ú in the future!

Congratulations, David!