Alumni

2025

Tony DiGeronimo
Bachelor of Civil Engineering Technology 1979
President, Precision Environmental Company

Tony DiGeronimo received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2025 in recognition of his leadership in the construction industry and his commitment to expanding educational opportunities for future professionals. A graduate of Cleveland State University's Civil Engineering Technology program, DiGeronimo was the first of seven siblings in his family to attend college. Throughout his career, he has built and led several successful companies focused on environmental remediation and commercial construction. His organizations have been recognized among Northeast Ohio's leading contractors, reflecting decades of industry expertise and entrepreneurship. DiGeronimo played a key role in establishing Cleveland State University's Construction Management program, working alongside faculty and industry partners to develop a curriculum aligned with workforce needs. His advocacy and volunteer leadership helped create new pathways for students pursuing careers in construction and project delivery.

2024

Marianne Corrao
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering 1988
Executive Vice President and Co-Founder, Nexus Engineering Group, Inc.

Marianne Corrao received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024 in recognition of her professional achievements and commitment to advancing engineering education. A 1988 graduate of Cleveland State University, Corrao credits CSU's cooperative education program with helping launch her career and providing the practical experience that shaped her path as an engineer. After positions with Standard Oil, a local engineering firm, and Praxair, Corrao co-founded Nexus Engineering Group in 2005. Under her leadership, the firm grew into a nationally recognized engineering, design, project, and construction management company serving the oil, chemical, utility, and industrial sectors. Corrao has remained actively engaged with the Washkewicz College of Engineering, supporting students and helping strengthen industry partnerships, including efforts that contributed to the development of the Project Delivery Institute @ CSU.

2023

Donald E. Washkewicz
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering 1972
Executive Chairman Emeritus, Parker Hannifin Corporation

Donald E. Washkewicz received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2023 during the Fenn College Centennial celebration. A 1972 graduate of Cleveland State University, Washkewicz built an accomplished career at Parker Hannifin Corporation, ultimately serving as CEO and later Executive Chairman. Under his leadership, Parker Hannifin became one of the world's leading motion and control technology companies. Washkewicz and his wife, Pam, have been transformative supporters of Cleveland State University. Their $10 million gift, along with matching support from Parker Hannifin, helped to advance the College of Engineering's mission and growth. In recognition of his impact on both the University and the engineering profession, the college was renamed the Washkewicz College of Engineering in 2013.

2019

Joseph Masters
Bachelor of Civil Engineering 1979
Former Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of URS Corporation

Joseph Masters earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from Cleveland State University in 1979. He also holds a Juris Doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University. He says that being a member of student chapters of professional organizations was an important part of his education at CSU. Masters had a successful career as vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary of URS Corporation, from 1997 to 2015, among other notable positions. During that time, URS grew from $100 million to $11 billion in annual revenues to become one of the world's largest professional, technical, and construction services companies. His foundation as a graduate of CSU's College of Engineering proved a catalyst for his success in the legal field. Learn more about Joseph Masters' story here. 

2018

John Hubbard
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering 1970
Founding Partner and Chairman of Thermal Processing Holdings, Inc.

John Hubbard earned his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Cleveland State University in 1970 and an MBA in 1973. A first-generation college student, John Hubbard's discipline came from participating in CSU's engineering co-op program. He is the founding partner and chairman of the board of Thermal Processing Holdings, Inc. and retired CEO of Bodycote, plc. Hubbard recently had the "Learning the Trade" sculpture commissioned by Paul Todlock, which is located at the corner of East 24th Street and Euclid Avenue, not far from where his parents dropped him off on a Sunday afternoon in 1965 with a suitcase, slide rule, and portable typewriter. Learn more about John Hubbard's story here.

2017

Theodore A. Beltavski
Bachelor of Civil Engineering 1982
Master of Science in Civil Engineering 1986
President and Chairman of R.E. Warner & Associates, Inc.

Theodore A. Beltavski is a product of the Cleveland Public Schools. His dad was a steelworker. For his family, Cleveland State University was a natural progression, where he was introduced to an intense learning experience. He says, "it was a real stepping stone to start my career." He worked for First Energy, formerly CEI, right after graduation and stayed for 20 years. While working for First Energy, Beltavski enrolled in night classes and earned a master's in civil engineering. He then accepted a position as head of the structural engineering department with R.E. Warner. He worked his way up through the organization to the board of directors to his current position as president. Learn more about Theodore Beltavski's story here.