One of CSU’s Own Chosen as Recipient of 2026 Champion of the River

Growing up in Michigan, Julie Wolin spent many summers camping with her family along Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and the state’s many inland lakes.

Little would she realize how much of an impact that would make later in life.

Wolin was recently selected for The Champion of the River AOC (Area of Concern) award, given annually to organizations and individuals whose actions improve and protect water quality in the Cuyahoga River through advocacy, policy and education.

A formal celebration is taking place March 12 during the AOC Symposium at the Slovenian National Home.

“I am extremely honored to receive this award,” said Wolin. 

Her passion for aquatic ecosystems began during her undergraduate studies at Eastern Michigan University, where she concentrated on the aquatic science program while earning her bachelor’s degree. 

That mission continues as she hopes more people will recognize the Cuyahoga River as an incredible resource right in their backyard.

“We have come a long way from the days of the Burning River, and I have been here long enough to see major improvements in the river throughout the City of Cleveland and in the watershed,” said Wolin. “It is, however, a work in progress and we need to continue our efforts in public education, policy, and advocacy in order to understand the effect of our actions and improve and protect the Cuyahoga River.”

Wolin credits Cleveland State University and the College of Arts and Sciences—particularly the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BGES)—for fully supporting the Environmental Science program.

“CSU gave me the academic freedom to develop multiple aquatic courses that did not exist prior to my arrival at CSU,” she said. “These courses provided a framework for many of our students to obtain aquatic resource and sustainability-related jobs. Additionally, the Undergraduate Summer Research Program (USRA) provided multiple grants that helped train undergraduates in water quality research. CSU alumni benefitting from these courses and the USRA program, continue working to improve and protect water quality in the Cuyahoga River and the Northeast Ohio region.”

As for the future, Wolin says that there are many things that people can do to preserve and protect the hidden gem known as the Cuyahoga River, including joining a local watershed group and volunteering for stream restoration projects to name a few. 

Information about these and other opportunities can be found from local county Soil and Water Conservation organizations such as Cuyahoga, Summit and Lorain, for example.