George Voinovich Exhibit and Panel Slovenian Museum & Archives February 12, 2026
Together We Can Do It!: George Voinovich and the Work of Government celebrates the life, leadership, and legacy of George Voinovich (1936–2016), a proud Clevelander whose heritage shaped his strong commitment to public service and global cooperation. Through a variety of artifacts, photos, archival materials, and personal stories, the exhibit explores his approach to leadership, highlighting his numerous accomplishments both at home and abroad. Hosted at the Slovenian Museum & Archives in Cleveland Ohio.
Senator Voinovich's Slovenian and Serbian roots, not to mention his Catholic faith, spurred his passion for public service, belief in government, and outlook on the world. As Cleveland’s mayor—and then Ohio’s governor and US senator—he embraced the potential of collaboration, efficiency, expertise, and global community, and wasn’t afraid to make independent, sometimes difficult choices. These qualities, which were remarkable in his own political moment, offer a powerful example in ours.
This project is made possible through a partnership between the Slovenian Museum & Archives, Global Cleveland, and the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service and the George V. Voinovich Collection, both at Ohio University.
There was an Exhibition Preview on February 12 followed by a panel discussion at the Slovenian National Home next door.
A native Clevelander, George Voinovich (1936-2016) was proud of his working-class Slovenian and Serbian roots, which influenced his passion for public service, belief in government, and outlook on the world. He became Mayor of Cleveland, Governor of Ohio and US Senator. The introductory remarks before the panel discussion were from Alex Machaskee, Slovenia Consul General Suzana Cešarek, Cleveland Kurentovanje Executive Committee Member Nicole Kusold-Matheou and Greg Nosan, Slovenian Museum and Archives President and Curator. Watch a video of some of the introductory remarks.
Alex Machaskee
Consul General Suzana Cešarek
Nicole Kusold-Matheou
Greg Nosan
The panel discussion included a diverse group of leaders offering personal reflections and professional perspectives on Voinovich’s legacy of collaboration, integrity, and public service:
Rev. Dr. E. Theophilus Caviness, Pastor, Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church
Timothy Cosgrove, Partner, Cosgrove Jonhenry LLC
Michael D. Polensek, Councilman, Cleveland City Council
Elizabeth Sullivan, Opinion Director, Cleveland.com and Director of the Editorial Board, Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer
Faith Voinovich, Principal, Ohio Innovation Fund and granddaughter of Senator Voinovich
It was moderated by Joe Cimperman, Director of Global Cleveland.
Joe Cimperman
Rev. Dr. E. Theophilus Caviness
Timothy Cosgrove
Councilman Michael D. Polensek
Elizabeth Sullivan
Faith Voinovich
Here is a video of the panel who shared personal stories of George Voinovich and spoke of his actions and philosophy.
Here are some more images from the George Voinovich event.
Judge Jeff Johnson, Mayor Jane Campbell and County Executive Chris Ronayne
Judge Rocky Perk and Faith Voinovich
Faith Voinovich with Meredith Seikel and Dick Pogue
Chris Ronayne, Carol Machaskee, Elizabeth Sullivan and Alex Machaskee
Honorary Lithuanian Consul Ingrida Bublys, Mayor Jane Campbell and Consul General Suzana Cešarek
Elizabeth Sullivan and Joe Cimperman
Timothy Cosgrove, Faith Voinovich and Rev. Caviness
Personal Note. My sister Debbie and I were there for Mayor Voinovich's last public appearance at his appearance at the Republic of Slovenia 25th Independence Day celebration in Cleveland City Hall. As we wrote then, "We saw Sen. Voinovich at the Slovenian Independence Day event and he looked healthy and sharp. His ad lib speech when called to the podium was classic George Voinovich - humble, smart and caring."
Watch the video.
A flag dedication and centennial celebration in the British Cultural Garden took place the following morning and the sad news spread quickly. George Voinovich loved the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, especially the Slovenian and Serbian Gardens of his heritage. Several leaders wanted to pay tribute to Senator George Voinovich. Here is Chris Ronayne who was President of University Circle Inc. at the time.
You can also see reactions from Cultural Gardens leaders Sheila Murphy Crawford, Paul Burik, Alex Machaskee and Erika Puussaar as well as Senator Rob Portman. August Pust told about his last dinner a few weeks later. Mayor Voinovich was inducted into the inaugural class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame in 2010.
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