A 2024 Eventide presented by Penn State professor, Scott McDonald, gave us some 
beginning insights into the working of AI and how it might be used in institutions of 
higher learning.

Eventides

Eventides take place weekly on Wednesday evenings in the Ballroom of Alumni Hall.  Speakers offer knowledge, photographs, souvenirs, and stories from their experiences around the globe.  The evening begins with light refreshments, lemonade, and wine, followed by a few announcements, and then the introduction of the noted speaker for the evening.  Following the presentation will be a brief question and answer period. It's a leisurely, enlightening evening for all involved.

2025 Events

July 9 - 6:30
"The Art of Banners"

Judy Barie, Director of CVA Galleries, and Susan and John Turben will be on hand to discuss the artistic elements of our historic banner collection. Judy was with us during the 2023 season and the event proved to be so popular, we are bringing her back. Robin Musher, President of the Class of 2024, who was instrumental in leading the team of fabric artists in the construction of their class banner will be sharing their design, implementation, and construction process.

July 16 - 6:30
"Yellowstone: Landscape of Hope"

In January of 2025, Mark Wenzler participated in a trip sponsored by Chautauqua Institution.  CHQ Travels: Winter in Yellowstone gave Chautauquans an opportunity to see the frozen landscapes of this great national park, to visit geysers, and take a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh.  Come here Mark talk about his adventures out west.

July 23 - 6:30
"Patagonia: The Lands of Chile and Argentina"

Historian and author, Mary Lee Talbot, takes us through Patagonia, a land that stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic and soars to the heights of the Andes, all at the southern tip of South America.

July 30 - 6:30
"Historic Preservation and Chautauqua" 

Bob Jeffrey informs us about the art of the historic preservation of buildings, especially as it pertains to Chautauqua. 

August 13 - 6:30
"Mexico's Marvelous Monarchs"

Becky Nystrom and Jan Bowman will discuss their recent visit to Mexico and their observations of migratory monarchs.

Firmly believing in the importance of experiential learning in education, Jan Bowman has taken countless students in the field over the years including travel to Costa Rica. Field work is Jan’s passion which has culminated in her love of photography. A long career in education has allowed her to share her experiences through her photos, and now in retirement she wishes to share her experiences through images more broadly. Jan understands the connectivity that exists in nature and views our natural world with wonder, appreciation, and a sense of stewardship. 

As long-time professor of biology at JCC (1983-2020), Becky Nystrom has shared her passion, love, and concern for the natural world with thousands of students and community members through courses such as Biology, Botany, Tropical Biology, and Environmental Ethics, as well as numerous speaking engagements, natural history articles, and field trips.