CLEVELAND - Sophia Poppenberg will get her Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering this weekend, joining her grandfather as a Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) graduate.
The grandfather, Oliver Poppenberg Sr. graduated from the Case Institute of Technology in 1959. He was highly optimistic that his new credentials would give him a leg up on the competition. Ultimately, his granddaughter’s achievement will be something for him to be proud of after his long journey.
Having a solid relationship with his alma mater, Poppenberg Sr. also wanted his family to get the same life-changing experiences he had at Case.
“Growing up [in Pittsburgh], I always heard my grandpa talk about Case,” as mentioned by Sophia, recalling his grandfather’s frequent stories. Yet, Sophia never stepped foot at CWRU. However, she ended up joining a formal campus tour without telling her grandfather about it, in case she didn’t want to apply.
Surprisingly, she finally knew she had discovered home after attending a meet and greet with the faculty in the chemical engineering department. The one-on-one mentoring they received from faculty and the lifetime friendships they formed are two of both Poppenbergs’ favorite recollections from their time at CWRU.
Sophia will work as a research development engineer at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati after graduation. She envisions herself, like her grandfather, remaining involved as an alumna, attending homecoming, and possibly offering professional advice to future students.
Poppenberg Sr. provided the following advice for his granddaughter upon graduation: “Sophie, continue to be a strong, optimistic, creative woman and independent thinker who knows what she wants and goes for it. Continue to help others as you always have. And never lose your fabulous sense of humor.”