Written by Associate Director, Michael Grasso

Michael joined the Engage! Cleveland team in March 2025 after an extensive career in student services and higher education. After assisting students successfully navigate their college careers, he is looking forward to helping young professionals find connections and opportunities for engagement in the Greater Cleveland Area. Let’s learn more about Michael below!

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Where are you from?

I am originally from Erie, Pennsylvania (or PA as we like to say!) My dad’s side of the family is from Cleveland though so I spent a lot of my childhood in Mayfield and Lyndhurst!

Where did you go to school? 

I went to Baldwin-Wallace College (now Baldwin Wallace University) for my undergrad. I absolutely fell in love with the campus on my visit and knew it was where I was meant to be. After graduating with my Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, I earned my Master of Education in Higher Education Administration & Student Personnel from Kent State University.

What do you love about Cleveland? 

The food! With so many different neighborhoods, there is no shortage of restaurants. A person could eat their way through the city – and I am up for that challenge!

Why do you stay in Cleveland? 

Cleveland has always been a second home to me growing up and it’s exciting to see it with fresh eyes as an adult. I love it because it’s a city that feels extremely familiar but also brand new and exciting at the same time!

What is your go-to spot to take family and friends to in the Cleveland area? 

For me it probably has to be East 4th Street. There is so much to do on that strip that there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s a concert at the House of Blues or a comedy show at Hilarities or just a really delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants there, it’s definitely worth checking out. I was even bringing people there before I moved to Cleveland! 

What is one place, restaurant, or museum you look forward to visiting (for the first time)? 

Christmas is my favorite time of the year (despite not being a fan of winter!) and I’m still flabbergasted that I haven’t been to the Christmas Story house yet! We were literally the family that had the 24 hour marathon on every year so that’s definitely at the top of the list!

What is a fun fact about you? 

I consider myself the biggest fan. When I love something, I want to share it with everyone. I’ve driven over 10 hours on more than one occasion to a favorite author’s book signing. I’ve seen my favorite stand-up comic probably a dozen times. I’ve seen my favorite singer-songwriter ten times now. If I enjoy you and you’re a good human, I’m going to tell everyone about you!

Something you look forward to every summer in Cleveland? 

Discovering new places to walk. I won’t call myself a hiker because I’m not that fancy but finding a new trail, park, greenway, or cemetery to explore is always fun! Add in a nice cold beverage or an ice cream cone and you’ve got the perfect summer day!

Why EC? 

I love Engage! Cleveland because their mission truly resonates with me. I spent 20 years helping college students navigate their college careers, find community, and build their home away from home. Now I’m looking forward to the next step – helping young professionals find connections and opportunities for engagement in the Greater Cleveland Area. Cleveland is the perfect place to start your career and I believe that Engage! can help the next generation of young professionals make Cleveland home!