Alumni, parents and friends of Case 鶹ӳ gathered in Los Angeles earlier this month for the third annual Destination Weekend—an immersive experience highlighting the impact of their community on the entertainment landscape. Joined by President Eric W. Kaler and Mrs. Karen F. Kaler, guests toured landmark locales across the city of angels, and heard industry insight from accomplished CWRU graduates.
“Destination Weekend in Los Angeles represented a constellation of Hollywood alumni talent rooted in a CWRU education,” said attendee David A.G. Johnson Jr. (WRC). “Alumni were riveted by the panelists who exuded pride and shared varied professional odysseys to successful careers.”
A welcome reception at the W Hotel kicked off the experience, with President Kaler hosting a conversation 鶹ӳ alumni helping alumni with Barry Meyer (LAW, HON), founder and chair of the entertainment-focused strategic consultancy firm North Ten Mile Associates, and Rebecca Weisberg (LAW), senior vice president of business affairs for Warner Bros. Television Group. Meyer, who had spent 42 years at Warner Bros. in various roles, and eventually as CEO, spoke at Weisberg’s graduation. After months of working to schedule a meeting with the commencement speaker, Meyer helped her get her foot in the door at Warner Bros. Her initial role was so new there that her first office was a former DVD closet.
At breakfast the next morning, President Kaler hosted a conversation with Jim Jiang (CWR, LAW), senior director of legal and business
affairs of Klutch Sports Group, and David Shall (WRC, LAW), chief operating officer and general counsel of Tornate Television. Later, the group headed to the Warner Bros. lot to explore the iconic fountain from Friends, the set of Abbot Elementary and more.
At lunch, violinist Morgan Paros (CWR) spoke with Karen Kaler 鶹ӳ her journey to Los Angeles after graduating from Case Western Reserve; the musician bought a one-way ticket and turned her dreams into a world-touring gig with singer Shawn Mendes and collaborations with Gracie Abrams, Madison Beer and many others.
Wrapping up the day, actors Paul Bugallo (GRS, theater), Alan Rosenberg (ADL) and Abdul Seidu (GRS, theater) comprised a panel that shared stories of life on and off screen.
On Saturday, a breakfast conversation with Norman Aladjem (WRC), founder and CEO of Mainstay Entertainment, and Karen Kaler
provided morning inspiration. Aladjem attributed much of his success to his experience as a Case Western Reserve student—earning a standing ovation from guests.
The group then split up to choose their own LA adventures—savoring West Hollywood cuisine, exploring the Getty Museum with fifth-year PhD candidate and Mellon Fellow in the Department of Art History and Art at Case Western Reserve, Reed O’Mara (GRS, art history), touring the Academy museum with preservationist Milt Shefter, husband of Joy Shefter (FSM), or hiking to see the Hollywood sign.
For the weekend's finale, Karen Kaler played late-night emcee, interviewing five alumni, Julia Bianco (CWR), Tom Burke (CWR), Sujata Day (CWR), Thayer Juergens (CWR) and Beth Magid (CWR)—Tonight Show-style—to the amusement of attendees.
“Two things that stood out to me 鶹ӳ Destination Weekend Los Angeles were how unassumingly talented [and fun] the CWRU community is,” said Linda Berry Wheatt (FSM; GRS, education) “From the immediate bonding of people who were strangers when they arrived, to the Tonight Show knock-off, complete with commercial breaks by the staff, it was a weekend of learning and camaraderie.”
For the final scene of the weekend, President Kaler revealed next year’s Destination Weekend location: Cleveland! The event will coincide with the university’s .