Stephanie Tubbs Jones

In recognition of the life, legacy and the inspiration of the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) named its new residence hall in her honor. Mayor Frank G. Jackson was joined by Barbara R. Snyder, CWRU President, and Linda Sharp-Taylor, African American Alumni Association President, for special remarks to commemorate this special occasion. In addition, Mervyn Jones, son of the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Makela Hayford, president of the African American Society, other family members and friends were also in attendance to share in this historical event.

The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Residence Hall (formerly The Apartments at 1576), opened in Fall 2015, and is located at 1576 E. 115th Street, just south of Wade Park in Cleveland. The hall will house 290 students in 106 apartments, ranging in size from one-bedroom to four-bedroom apartments. 

A Cleveland native, Tubbs Jones earned her undergraduate and law degrees from Case Western Reserve, where she was a founder of the Afro-American Society (now the African American Society) and an active member of the Black Students Law Association. While in law school, Tubbs Jones served in the role now known as resident assistant, providing guidance and support for undergraduates living in one of the university’s buildings on campus. She went on to become the first African-American woman to become a Common Pleas court judge in Ohio, and then the first African-American woman in the state to become a county prosecutor. In 1998, she became the first African-American woman elected to represent Ohio in Congress.

While in the House of Representatives, Tubbs Jones advocated to increase health care coverage for low- and middle-income individuals, to protect retirement plans, and to stem predatory lending practices. She also was a passionate advocate for education, protecting children and voting rights. She co-chaired her party’s platform committee in 2004, later co-chaired the Democratic National Committee and, in 2007, became co-chair of Hillary Clinton’s first campaign for U.S. President. Even with her increasing national activities, Tubbs Jones maintained close ties to the university. Her home was immediately north of the campus, and she regularly appeared at events including the annual Gospelfest during homecoming. Tubbs Jones also spoke at Barbara R. Snyder’s 2007 installation as president.

Tubbs Jones died in August 2008, after suffering a brain aneurysm. In the years since, the university has honored her legacy by naming events after her, including the university’s annual Gospelfest, Homecoming 5K race and basketball tournament. In 2010, the Division of Student Affairs created an award in her honor that provides scholarship support to underrepresented undergraduate students who have made significant contributions to campus life, scholarship and community service. Prior to her passing, the School of Law launched the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Summer Legal Academy for area high school students. 

Additionally, as a lifelong resident of the 11th District, former Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was a strong advocate for Cleveland and championed wealth building, economic development, access to health care, and quality education for all. The Congresswoman made a number of historic achievements in her distinguished career as a public servant and trailblazer, set many records and reached many milestones. She touched the lives of countless men, women and young people.

The Congresswoman made a number of historic achievements in her distinguished career as a public servant and trailblazer, set many records and reached many milestones. She touched the lives of countless men, women and young people.

From CWRU's the daily: Residence hall’s new name honors the late alumna Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones