Feature: 'Spartans in Hollywood' An Affair to Remember

            It was truly an affair to remember, even without Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. The presence of Magic Johnson, James Caan, Bubba Smith, and other industry celebrities helped draw more than 250 area Spartans to the “Spartans In Hollywood “ gala celebration on July 30 at the Bel Age hotel near Sunset Boulevard. The event honored MSU’s most prominent and successful alumni in film, a group whose collective impact on the industry has been remarkable. They include not only stars like Caan, and directors like Walter Hill, but executives and producers who have shaped an industry whose final product, film, has become perhaps the American art form of the century. And plenty of MSU celebrities—including President Peter McPherson, trustee Dee Cook, dean Wendy Wilkins of Arts and Letters and dean James Spaniolo from Communication Arts & Sciences, development vice president Chuck Webb, and MSUAA executive director Keith Williams—were on hand to honor our “Spartans In Hollywood.”

            'I thought the Spartans In Hollywood event was fabulous,” says Frank Price, an independent producer who was once president of both Columbia Pictures and Universal Pictures. “It was very successful. We had a great time. I want to thank (the MSU Alumni Association) for putting on this event."

            The awards ceremony was emceed by Jim Dunbar, ’51, for years the anchor of the top radio station in San Francisco and a member of radio’s Hall of Fame. In accepting their awards, made of crystal with 3-D, laser etchings, the Spartans In Hollywood all stated their gratitude to Michigan State and recounted how their MSU education impacted on their success. Applause of theatrical proportions accompanied the speeches.

            After the awards ceremony, everyone gathered in the Bel Age’s rooftop pool area for refreshments and a little networking. The setting was California perfect—complete with perfect weather, live music, lots of Spartan pride, and a 360-degree view of Los Angeles.

            “I thought the event was both an opportunity to recognize some incredible achievers in film and entertainment, as well as an opportunity for younger alumni and asipiring filmmakers to network with the established giants,” says Williams. “The feedback we’ve received has been very heart-warming. I think eveyone had a wonderful time, and also sat in wonderment after discovering so many fellow Spartans doing so well in the film industry.” 

For more information and photos about the event, visit http://www.msualum.org/events/2000/hollywood/default2.html