The evening delivered a spine-chilling exploration of the horror genre, as revealed by James Ferrera, a veteran Hollywood film publicist with a knack for bringing attention to nightmares to the big screen. Ferrera was in conversation with Brad Lemack, director of ����app�ٷ���վ�� Los Angeles.

Attendees — ranging from current students to LA-based alumni — gathered to indulge their passion for all things scary. The night was infused with nostalgia as attendees reminisced about the iconic horror films that have shaped the genre over the years.

James Ferrera’s presence at the event was a highlight. Ferrera, known for his work on major horror hits such as “The Conjuring” series, “Annabelle,” and Stephen King adaptations like “The Boogeyman” and “Salem’s Lot,” brought a wealth of knowledge and insider perspectives. His insights into the business of horror were both enlightening and entertaining, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to market a film that scares audiences silly.

Lemack’s discussion with Ferrera delved into the intricacies of publicizing horror films, revealing the strategies that turn terrifying tales into box office successes. His anecdotes about the challenges and triumphs of promoting such films were both engaging and illuminating. The audience was enthralled by the stories of how Ferrera scares off ghosts with set blessings, befriends cats on location, and does whatever it takes to get the word out about his next project.

The event wasn’t just about listening to horror stories; it was also about making them. The evening featured lively discussions, laughter and networking opportunities. It was clear that the love for horror brought everyone together, creating an environment where fans could bond over their shared passion.

Ferrera’s insights provided valuable context for understanding the genre’s evolution and its impact on audiences. The event served as a reminder of why horror continues to captivate and terrify us — it’s a genre that taps into our deepest fears and fascinates us with its imaginative storytelling.

For those who attended, this event was an opportunity to immerse themselves in the genre’s history and engage with an expert who has shaped its modern landscape. The event not only honored the legacy of horror films but also inspired a new generation of fans and professionals to appreciate and contribute to the genre. It was a night of thrills, insights and, most importantly, a celebration of the genre that keeps us on the edge of our seats.

Over multiple shifts, they helped prepare and deliver meals to local area non-profits and directly to community members in need. Their experience was nothing short of transformative, filled with music, laughter and the pure joy of making a difference.

����app�ٷ���վ�� students began their day at the Hollywood Food Coalition’s bustling kitchen. Armed with hairnets, aprons and an eagerness to serve, they dove right into the day’s tasks. Under the appreciative guidance of Bonnie Friedericy and Jill Kline, two inspiring women who help run the coalition, the students began chopping vegetables, cooking meals and assembling lunch bags.

One of the most impressive feats of the weekend was the distribution of 2,500 lunch bags on Sunday afternoon. This monumental task required coordination, teamwork, and a lot of elbow grease.

The students organized an efficient assembly line, with each person assigned a specific role. Some filled the bags with nutritious sandwiches, fruit and snacks, while other students packed them into boxes for delivery.

“It was fun seeing people come together and get stuff done for the community,” said Carter Craig ’26.

In addition to delivering meals, the students took the time to chat with recipients, offering a friendly face and a listening ear. These interactions were filled with warmth and humanity, and reminded all participants how important giving back truly is.

Bonnie and Jil’s leadership was an inspiration to everyone involved. Their passion for helping others was contagious, and they made sure that the students felt valued and appreciated for their contributions.

The impact of the students’ efforts extended beyond just the meals they prepared and delivered. By volunteering their time and energy, they helped to create a ripple effect of kindness throughout the community. Their actions not only provided immediate relief to those in need, but also inspired others to get involved and make a difference.

With such positive results, ����app�ٷ���վ�� in LA staff can’t wait to continue partnering with the Hollywood Food Coalition as the program aims to expand its reach within the greater LA community. ����app�ٷ���վ�� in LA is excited about the commitment to public service and staff can’t wait to see what service opportunity awaits students next.

For 16 years, ����app�ٷ���վ�� has offered academic programming and internship opportunities for students in domestic National Campus locations, starting with ����app�ٷ���վ�� in Los Angeles, under the umbrella of Study USA and the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center, in 2008.

The event is aimed to inspire and encourage students, providing them with advice that can help them pursue their passions in the professional world post-graduation. Participants included Altamira Fulton ’23, Alexis Mahshigian ’19, Taylor Martin ’12, Tom Mullen ’00, Diego Pineda ’19 and Jordan Young ’22. Each brought their unique experiences and insights, creating an evening filled with great advice, diverse perspectives and wisdom for the students.

Fulton emphasized the importance of building connections with your coworkers. She spoke about how she co-founded the all-trans vocal studio Vocal Team with a colleague she worked with.

Mahshigian, a production project management coordinator at Paramount Pictures, highlighted the importance of self-compassion and personal well-being. She encouraged the students to take a deep breath, reminding them not to be too hard on themselves.

Martin, a digital account executive at Fox, spoke about the importance of staying connected with fellow alumni after graduating. As the president of the Elon Los Angeles alumni network, Taylor emphasized the value of maintaining these relationships for personal and professional growth.

Pineda comforted students by sharing his experience of moving to LA with just a suitcase and a dream; he is now an accomplished deputy editor at The Independent Español. His story reassured students about the changes and challenges that come with relocating to LA.

Mullen, a music industry veteran, helped students understand the importance of their voices, encouraging them to express their ideas. He highlighted the significance of communication within the industry.

Young, both a writer and filmmaker, reminded students that the journey to finding the career that feels right is a path with ups and downs. She encouraged students to not give up and to stay resilient in the face of challenges.

Elon University Los Angeles’ community cherishes strong bonds with students, alumni and faculty and while this event was a platform for professional advice, it also had a goal to share stories and forge lasting relationships. Students departed from the event with a renewed sense of purpose and with a tremendous amount of valuable advice. This event represented the spirit of Elon University in Los Angeles, showcasing its collective drive to achieve greatness and foster a supportive community.

For 16 years, Elon University has offered academic programming and internship opportunities for students in domestic National Campus locations, starting with ����app�ٷ���վ�� in Los Angeles, under the umbrella of Study USA and the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center.

The wonderful gathering brought together this semester’s ����app�ٷ���վ�� in LA program students, Elon alumni based in Los Angeles and the bright minds of the campus-based Odyssey Program. The air was filled with anticipation and excitement as everyone gathered to soak up knowledge from alumni who shared invaluable insights into their professional journeys.

The event was graced by esteemed alumni Stephanie Gerding, Brian Stoddard-Jones, Cameron Wolfslayer, Kendra Chideya, Jordan A. Roman, Jeff Leu, and Azzurra Catucci. Each, in their unique way, served up an evening of great advice, perspective, and wisdom to the current students.

Stephanie Gerding, a stuntwoman and production assistant, emphasized the importance of staying adaptable in a rapidly changing industry. She astutely acknowledged that not everyone’s path is a latter, some people’s journey is more of a circle.

Brian Stoddard-Jones, a seasoned industry professional, shared the traits he looks for when hiring set PAs. He educated students on the importance of not just “what” you are doing, but “who” you are being, saying that he often hires people who are the best and nicest to work with, not necessarily the most skilled or experienced.

Cameron Wolfslayer, a creative powerhouse in the entertainment industry, captivated everyone with her insights into storytelling and talent management. She urged students to prioritize their personal well-being and highlighted the importance of a stable work-life balance.

Kendra Chideya, a trailblazer in the acting and social media space, shared her experiences navigating the media landscape and encouraged students to find their unique voice in a crowded market.

Jordan A. Roman, inspired the audience with his passion for filmmaking. He reminded students to continue to feed their passion projects even if their professional work veers in a different direction.

Jeff Leu, a freelance film professional, demonstrated that there are many ways to get started in the film industry and motivated students to start building their networks. Leu told students that sometimes you have to say yes to a job to find out what you don’t like.

Azzurra Catucci, a Netflix event planner, urged students to take advantage of the resources Elon provides to students and advised them to continue nurturing their relationship with ����app�ٷ���վ�� students, faculty, and staff.

The evening was not just about professional insights; it was also a celebration of community and the bonds that tie members of the Elon community together. Alumni, students, and faculty mingled and exchanged stories, creating connections that will last a lifetime. The energy was infectious, fueled by the passion and enthusiasm of everyone present.

As the night drew to a close, the students left with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with valuable advice and motivated to embark on their own professional journeys. Last week’s gathering was more than just an event; it was a testament to the spirit of Elon Los Angeles and the collective drive to achieve greatness. Here’s to many more evenings of inspiration, collaboration, and celebration at The Preserve.