This edition of the Religious Studies Alumni Spotlight focuses on Chloe Gerus, a 2021 CWRU alumna and Religious Studies major, who has navigated her post-graduate journey with exceptional accomplishments.
Chloe Gerus
Meet Chloe Gerus, a 2021 graduate of Case Western Reserve University, majoring in Religious Studies and Political Science with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. She recently took the Ohio Bar Exam, and at the time of her interview, is still awaiting results. She has been and will continue to take volunteer opportunities that need individuals with a legal background. Her ultimate goal is to work in criminal law, particularly in the public sector.
Fresh from the Ohio Bar Exam, Chloe was kind enough to answer some questions:
Where are you originally from and why did you choose CWRU?
I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio. (Go Cavs!) I chose CWRU because of the humanities programs. I had heard from then current students about how tight-knit and caring the humanities students and professors were. Even the smallest areas of study were overflowing with amazing people, faculty, and opportunities. It was important to me that I felt supported and no matter the class, study group, or area of study I always felt lifted up by my peers and professors. The humanities at CWRU not only gave me some of the most impactful mentors of my educational career, but also gave me a once in a lifetime study abroad opportunity in the Netherlands. I am forever grateful to the humanities departments at CWRU.
What have you done, either during your time at CWRU or since you have graduated, that you are the proudest of?
One of my proudest moments while at CWRU was being selected to be a Baker Nord Scholar. That program gave me so many opportunities to learn about the humanities at CWRU while working alongside the very best people. Friends I made during my time as a scholar have become lifelong friends—and some of the most impressive people I know! I also met one of the most impactful mentors of my entire educational career and he truly helped me through my four years. I am eternally grateful I was chosen for that opportunity and the amazing individuals I have in my life because of it.
Since the end of my time at CWRU, one of my proudest moments is graduating from William & Mary College of Law. I am so incredibly fortunate that my time at CWRU prepared me well for law school. I knew going into college that I wanted to be a lawyer so I was able to take courses that would prepare me in any way possible. There were courses in so many fields but I do believe some of the most helpful and impactful were in religious studies. Additionally, I was able to connect with many incredible faculty and staff on campus that gave me great advice and helped me carve my path to my future.
Why did you choose religious studies?
I grew up going to catholic school and the natural lawyer in me always wanted to question and debate. I received a great education from every school I had the opportunity to attend; however, the scope of my desire for knowledge in religion exceeded the curriculum. When I began my education at CWRU, I was thrilled to find so many classes that allowed me to explore the world’s religions and cultures. CWRU is an incredibly diverse campus and there were so many opportunities—in and out of the classroom—to learn more. CWRU was the perfect place to satisfy that desire for knowledge.
Many Students don’t know what Religious Studies is, how would you describe it to them and what kinds of things they can expect to study?
I would describe religious studies as a study of history, sociology, politics, philosophy, anthropology, and more. Religion can open one’s eyes to a community’s past, their society, their political landscape, the reason they may think or believe a certain way, as well as help one better understand different cultures and traditions. So much of the world’s richest history has been touched by religion in some way and many other courses of study can be greatly improved by an additional understanding in religious studies.
Depending on the coursework and classes a student enrolls in, one can choose numerous paths for their studies. This could include one specific religion or subset of religions, or a student could decide to cast the widest net possible and learn about a myriad of different cultures and traditions from around the globe. I was very fortunate while at CWRU to study many different cultures and traditions with incredible professors who carry a depth of knowledge one envies greatly. Cleveland’s rich diversity allowed my classmates and I to visit places of worship and participate in traditions with spiritual leaders and individuals of a multitude of different backgrounds. A student in religious studies is allowed to build their own path class by class and find what inspires them the most.
What was your favorite part about the program?
The professors were, and still are, the best part of any program at CWRU. However, the religious studies department in particular was truly magic at work. The diverse professors allowed for amazing courses in so many interesting subjects, I truly did not have the time in my schedule to take every course I wished to. Outside of being the most caring and compassionate on campus, the religious studies professors had the most clear love for their areas of expertise. They talked about their latest books or articles with a fiercely infectious enthusiasm that made me excited to learn. I truly believe CWRU attracts some of the very best people and the religious studies department is a testament to that.
What advice would you give to future students?
Whether you are majoring in engineering, dance, chemistry, or political science PLEASE take a religious studies course. It allows you to open your mind to worlds outside of your own, or create an even deeper understanding of a faith you may already follow. Learning about the cultures and traditions of others can make you more empathetic, understanding, and tolerant—something we always need more of in this world. I wish every lawyer, doctor, engineer, professor, or politician I met had taken at least one religious studies class during their education. While every subject is important and should be treated as such, the humanities get to the core of who we are as people. Understanding each other more could change the world.
Liz Hanna
Meet Liz Hanna, a remote program management and business development professional at Education For Employment (EFE), a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Washington, D.C. She graduated from CWRU in 2020 with a Religious Studies minor, completing majors in International Studies and Middle Eastern Studies, as well as another minor in Economics. Based in Cleveland, Liz supports EFE, a leading nonprofit in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, in the implementation of diverse skills training programs for unemployed youth. EFE specializes in soft skills, entrepreneurship, and technical training to connect participants with high-quality jobs. Additionally, she actively contributes to EFE’s Alumni and Mentorship initiatives, playing a crucial role in fostering community and support for program graduates.
As we delve into Liz’s journey, she was kind enough to answer some questions:
Where are you originally from and why did you choose CWRU?
I am from Cleveland originally. Truthfully, CWRU wasn’t my first choice just because I wanted to leave Cleveland at the time! But attending CWRU was an amazing decision, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Attending a smaller school that is less “known” for what I studied, proved to be an amazing path. I had the opportunities of such close faculty attention and guidance, grant/funding opportunities, and exciting connections that I don’t think I would have had at a different institution.
Do you have anything exciting on the horizon?
The most exciting thing for me is always travel! So, in 2024, EFE will have its annual Summit in Morocco, and I will play a role in planning that. This past October, our Summit was in Cairo, which was an unforgettable trip.
What have you done, either during your time at CWRU or since you have graduated, that you are the proudest of?
My final project for my Master’s degree (at the American University of Beirut) is one of my favorite accomplishments. I wrote my final project on Marian rituals in Lebanon (devotions/rituals related to the Virgin Mary). The title is Popular Marian Rituals in Lebanon: An Opportunity for Christian-Muslim Encounter and Lebanese National Identity. Although my Master’s was in Middle Eastern Studies and not necessarily related to Religious Studies, I always come back to my love for Religious Studies and that is evident through this research!
Why did you choose religious studies?
As I was presenting my International Studies capstone in my junior year, one of my judges was Professor Jonathan Tan in the Religious Studies Department. He had some challenging and thought-provoking questions for me at the end of my presentation, and it was a very exciting conversation. Further discussion with Professor Tan led me to realize my biggest research (and personal) interest – Middle Eastern Christianity (large topic) – is part of Religious Studies, and it was silly that I wasn’t already enrolled in a Religious Studies major or minor. I truly just never considered it before! With his help, I fit in a few religious studies courses my senior year and was able to complete the minor. One of those courses was an independent study with Professor Tan on Middle Eastern / West Asian Christianity, and given his expertise in Asian Christianity, it was one of my favorite courses ever.
How did religious studies impact you and your goals?
Studying Religious Studies played a key role in shaping the way I think and interact with people. I think one of my strengths is my ability to really listen to someone, find a way to understand or relate to their experience, and come away from the situation with an appreciation for them and their views.
Being totally honest, I was always most excited for my Religious Studies courses and never dreaded them or the work for them. I also participated in extra activities through the Religious Studies Department that provided me with incredible hands-on learning and really shaped me. I entered and won the Baker-Nord Undergraduate Humanities Prize for my Religious Studies minor capstone which was such an honor, and I was awarded the Reisacher Summer Fellowship, in which I used the funds for summer research on migrant Christian identity in the Arab Gulf. This led me to travel to the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain to interview people and learn about a totally new topic for me at the time. All of these experiences deeply impacted me by shaping my mind and my ability to relate to others.
What was your favorite part about the program?
A few things: first, the professors – every single one of them in the Religious Studies Department is incredible! I didn’t have all of them as professors, but I got to meet and learn from them in other ways. Second, the opportunities for funding – I was able to conduct research in 3 countries in the Arab Gulf because of the department’s funding opportunities, which was one of the most valuable experiences of my undergraduate career. And lastly, the exciting courses available!
What advice would you give to future students?
Spend time getting to know CWRU professors and other professionals in the areas/industries that you’re interested in. You’ll learn so much from them, as well as get pointers for amazing opportunities like grants, internships, jobs, travel experiences, connections to new friends and business partners, and so much more.