2025 Spring Newsletter

The Alumni Association of the CLSC

A Word from Our President

We had an amazing surprise during our recent Class Presidents' Reading Circle while discussing the brilliant 2025 CLSC book, "King: A Life" by Jonathan Eig. Responding to an invitation from our discussion leader, Robin Musher, President of the 2024 class, Jonathan zoomed into our meeting and answered our questions about MLK for about a half hour! We can't wait to hear him Week One!

New Board Members

At the end of 2024, we bid farewell to Samantha Busch, Evadne Giannini, Griff McDonald, and Hal Simmons. The AACLSC wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the hours of volunteer service each of these alumni devoted to the work of the Executive Board and the AACLSC. Their talents and skills will be immeasurably missed. We wish them well as they journey on to the next chapters of their lives.

As sad as we were to see these friends leave us, we are very happy to have some new faces on our Executive Board.

Robert "Bob" Matson Finance Chair

Bob Matson has agreed to lead our Finance Committee. His knowledge of investment strategies and his enthusiasm for the Alumni Association are evident. He is an avid reader, having achieved the Vincent level in 2022 and completed both the Chautauqua's Heart Challenge and the Kate Kimball Challenge within the last year.

Evelyn Waldron, VP

Evelyn Waldron has assumed the duties of Vice-President. Evelyn has a wealth of ideas and enthusiasm for our organization. She is also the new class president for the Class of 2005 and spent much of her spare time last summer reaching out to her classmates and building relationships with them.

Janet Pry, Treasurer

Janet Pry is our new Treasurer. Janet is a life-long Chautauquan. She has worked with us as an interim treasurer in the past and she has considerable knowledge of non-profit guidelines and finances. Janet lives in Ohio, but while on the grounds, she can often be seen walking her pups.

Brad Fisher, Marketing

Brad Fisher is a life-long Chautauquan, as well, and will be taking on the position of Marketing Chair. He has extensive experience in web development and management, public relations and advertising. We are looking forward to working with Brad, who is also an enthusiastic outdoorsman.

Robin Musher, Events Coordinator

And finally, the board recently created a new position of Events Coordinator. Robin, president of the Class of 2024, has agreed to take on this responsibility. She will be heading up both the Great American Picnic and the Gala this year. She is extremely efficient, well-organized, and a talented quilter. Robin also led her class banner committee, a team of wonderfully gifted fabric artists.

2025 - 2026 CLSC SELECTIONS

Seven titles have been chosen for the 2025-2026 CLSC season with at least three more to come. You can find them, read about them, and buy them here.

The Kate Kimball Challenge

The CLSC will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2028. The Alumni Association is honoring this significant milestone with a one-of-a-kind challenge.

The Kate Kimball Challenge is in full swing. If you’d like to participate, we encourage you join in. There is no registration required. Upon completion of the challenge, you will be rewarded with this special patch for your stole.

Information on this challenge, as well as a FAQ document and a form to submit your completed reading list, are available on our website at clscalumni.com

The Guild of Seven Seals

Beginning in the year 2026, all alumni seeking admission to the Guild of Seven Seals will be required to read Chautauqua’s Heart: A History of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle by Mary Lee Talbot. This book was required by the AACLSC for the 2024 Chautauqua’s Heart Challenge and the ongoing Kate Kimball Challenge. The feedback we received regarding this book was both frequent and unanimous: “This book should be read by everyone affiliated with the CLSC and the Alumni Association.” Furthermore, as Mary Lee is our esteemed AACLSC Historian and a valued member of our board, we are thrilled to support and recognize this important work.

The number of required books for entry into the Guild of Seven Seals will remain at 14; however, one of these fourteen books must now be Chautauqua’s Heart. Those who have already submitted applications for admission to the Guild in 2025 will be grandfathered into the Guild. Any applicants for 2026 and beyond must fulfill this new requirement.

Chautauqua's Heart: A History of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle is available for purchase at the Chautaqua Bookstore or on the Alumni Association's website. Circulating copies are also available at The Smith Library.

New Events for 2025

Open Houses will be held weekly at Alumni Hall on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00. This will give arriving alumni an opportunity to gather, see what’s happening with the CLSC and the Alumni Association for the upcoming week, meet AACLSC and CLSC staff, and tour our buildings.

The Legacy Social will be held on Tuesday evening, July 29 at Alumni Hall. This event is to recognize classes who are celebrating a milestone year and offer them an opportunity to congregate.

SUBJECT: 2025 Spring Newsletter