Alumni and friends celebrate innovation and history at Destination Weekend: Cleveland
Cleveland—"The Land"—set the stage as more than 150 alumni and friends gathered together for the fourth annual Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) Destination Weekend, a milestone bicentennial celebration highlighting CWRU’s enduring impact on the city. Led by President Eric W. Kaler and Mrs. Karen F. Kaler, participants experienced a dynamic blend of celebration, innovation and community—connecting with each other and deepening their ties to both the university and Cleveland.
The three-day weekend kicked off with a reception at the Great Lakes Science Center, where guests enjoyed views of the Cleveland skyline and Lake Erie. Alumni and friends watched a simulcast in the Science Center’s Dome Theater, hearing the momentous announcement of a $125 million gift from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation—the largest in CWRU history. This transformative gift will establish the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Humanities Building, securing a bright future for the humanities even as CWRU continues to lead in global technology. Michael Oakes, PhD, executive vice president for research and economic development, shared university updates following the announcement.
Day two: arts, advocacy and community
Day two featured the celebration of arts, advocacy and community partnerships, showcasing the heart of CWRU’s relationship with Cleveland. Guests gathered for a breakfast conversation with Brent Ballard (LAW ’85), chair of the Playhouse Square Board of Trustees, and Craig Hassall, president and CEO of Playhouse Square, who offered views on the city’s flourishing live theater offerings under the Playhouse Square umbrella. Later, guests joined students from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District at the KeyBank State Theatre for a spirited Pack Drumline performance—an example of Playhouse Square’s commitment to the Cleveland community.
The focus then turned to civic leadership, as Connie Hill-Johnson (WRC ’80), Cleveland Foundation board member, and Lillian Kuri, the foundation’s president and CEO, offered stories of transformative work across the region. Guests also toured the MidTown Collaboration Center, learning about the innovation and local growth taking shape in this dynamic hub.
That afternoon, guests headed to the Linsalata Alumni Center to hear a panel discussion led by Provost Joy Ward. The discussion focused on the university’s partnerships with world-class institutions in the Cleveland area, such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland History Center, Cleveland Zoo and the Holden Arboretum. Panelists included Betsy Bolman, Elsie B. Smith Professor in the Liberal Arts and professor and chair of art history; John Grabowski, Krieger-Mueller Joint Professor in History and Mike Benard, professor and department chair of biology.
Day three: spirit of innovation
An ethos of innovation was on full display on day three at the Sheila and Eric Samson Pavilion, where the program "From Classroom to Clinic: Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) Impact in Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing" highlighted CWRU’s leadership in interdisciplinary collaboration. A faculty panel, led by the university’s health science deans—School of Medicine Dean Stan Gerson, MD, School of Dental Medicine Interim Dean Dale Baur, DDS (DEN ’80) and Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing Dean Ronald Hickman, PhD (CWR ’00; NUR ’06, ’13; GRS ’08, nursing)—presented insights into how artificial intelligence is transforming the future of healthcare education and practice.
"AI in Action" tours gave participants a firsthand look at the advanced learning tools shaping tomorrow’s healthcare leaders. Exploring the Dental Clinic and Simulation Clinic, they observed specialized training in the Dorothy Ebersbach Academic Center for Flight Nursing and the Callahan Family Critical Care Transport Simulator, and tested immersive 360-degree learning technologies in the Virtual Reality Suites.
Later in the afternoon, guests tailored their experience with curated activities across Cleveland, exploring the city’s rich culture via guided tours of landmarks such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland History Center, Lake View Cemetery and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Others opted for excursions to the Holden Arboretum, the University Farm or immersed themselves in a virtual reality art tour capped by a campus sculpture walk.
Cleveland rocks and peering ahead
The weekend culminated at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where guests donned rock-inspired attire, socialized among iconic artifacts and toasted to new friendships. They also heard from CWRU Professor of Popular Music Studies, Daniel Goldmark, and Rock Hall Vice President of Education and Visitor Experience Jason Hanley, who discussed the university’s close-knit relationship with the venue. Guests also heard from Dennis Barrie, a friend of the university. Barrie, the museum's first executive director, shared stories from those early years.
With memories of this immersive and interactive weekend still fresh, the Alumni Association is already looking ahead as Destination Weekend 2027 heads to New Orleans.
Save the date: Join us in New Orleans, March 4–7, 2027, for another alumni adventure.