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CWRU’s Siegal Lifelong Learning Celebrates Success of Inaugural Great Institutions of Cleveland Series

Community Engagement | November 04, 2025 | Story by: Editorial Staff

Case Western Reserve University’s Siegal Lifelong Learning is celebrating the resounding success of its inaugural Great Institutions of Cleveland program, a landmark series that brought together top leaders from the region’s most distinguished cultural organizations for four weeks of dynamic conversation moderated by historian Dr. John Grabowski.

The highly attended series drew enthusiastic audiences both in person and online, highlighting the vitality and collaborative spirit that define Cleveland’s civic and cultural life.

Speakers in the debut season included leaders from the Cleveland Museum of Art, The Great Lakes Science Center, and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to name a few. Ed Moydell, President and CEO of Holden Forests & Gardens, remarked, “I was honored to share the stage with Kelly (Kelly Falcone-Hall, President & CEO, Western Reserve Historical Society) and Maria (Maria Campanelli, Executive Director, The Children’s Museum of Cleveland), with expert facilitation by John (Grabowski). What’s more, we had a lot of fun! Congratulations on bringing this excellent idea into reality.”

The series attracted regional media attention, underscoring its significance in connecting the community with the people shaping its cultural future:

Ted Evans, Executive Director of Siegal Lifelong Learning, emphasized the value of this kind of initiative. “Programs like Great Institutions of Cleveland exemplify the mission of Case Western Reserve to foster dialogue and connect scholarship to the community. By bringing together the leaders who shape our region’s cultural landscape, we offer learning experiences that are both intellectually rich and deeply rooted in place.”

“Siegal Lifelong Learning created community magic with their four-part series on Great Institutions in Cleveland,” stated Peter Whitehouse, MD-PhD, Professor, College of Arts and Science, CWRU. “Masterfully moderated by John Grabowski, the leaders of all major museums in Cleveland shared their personal journeys, organizational challenges, and hopes for the future. The online and in person audiences were inspired by the legacy of these cultural wonders as they imagined a future transformed Cleveland. This series can be the foundation of more forward-thinking, collaborative events that position our university on the forefront of lifelong learning and community engagement.”

“I have watched online with rapt attention the last three Fridays and will be sorry to see the series end,” said participant Sheila Markowitz, reflecting the excitement and engagement shared by many attendees.

Building on this success, Siegal Lifelong Learning will announce details for the next Great Institutions of Cleveland program soon.

For updates and future program information, visit case.edu/lifelonglearning

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