College Club of Cincinnati

WELCOME TO CCC !

Fascinating Programs!

Scholarship

Philanthropy 2024 YWCA

Presentations

Friendships

Message from the President

The history of The College Club of Cincinnati begins with Susan Peabody, a graduate from Wellesley College in 1886. Susan and seven of her college-educated friends wanted to preserve the fraternal spirit and passion for learning they had experienced in college. They decided to keep those intellectual fires burning by reading and writing scholarly dissertations, as well as other intellectual pursuits.

And so, in 1892, The College Club of Cincinnati officially began with 50 members. The club had lectures, art exhibits, and children’s Christmas parties.

By 1894, they became involved with the city’s first Social Settlement House.

In 1934, the Cincinnati Woman’s Club agreed to let College Club meet in their Oak Street clubhouse--where the members made their own lunches!

When the CWC moved to Lafayette Avenue in Clifton, College Club followed. After more than 90 years, the two groups continue to have a close relationship.

Today CCC still promotes the arts, education, social improvement and philanthropic efforts.

We are pleased to provide scholarships to students from area universities and endowments to needy community groups.

College Club is proud to preserve our traditions and build on the future.

Carol Parsons

President The College Club of Cincinnati

2026-2027

RSS Upcoming Programs

The Movers & Makers magazine is celebrating 30 years as the unofficial public voice of more than 500 Greater Cincinnati non-profits. Thom will provide us with an inside look at who are the movers and makers of Cincinnati. He will tell us how and why they are selected, as well as their accomplishments! Thom will outline the evolution of the publication, from black-and-white newsprint tabloid to glossy magazine, with a dynamic website and active social media. You can pick it up free at Joseph Beth and many other locations. Visit moversmakers.org.

17 Oct 2026 GRAVESTONE SYMBOLISM 10/17/2026 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Gravestone Symbolism

October 17, 2026 12:00 PM

Presented by Jay Kathman, Docent, Cincinnati Heritage Programs, Cincinnati Museum Center

After this talk, you’ll never look at a gravestone the same way! Every gravestone has a story, so buckle up for a fascinating, and somewhat humorous, look at American gravestones, their history and symbolism. Our speaker will share the meanings hidden in plain sight, from pioneer style stones to the modern eclectic works of art.

Board Meeting 11:00 AM

Luncheon in the Lecture Room at noon.

Program Leadership

Chairperson of the Day: Carole Rauf

21 Nov 2026 STEPPING STONES: INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES 11/21/2026 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM

STEPPING STONES: INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

November 21,2026 12:00 PM

Presented by Chris Adams, Executive Director

Get up-to-date on one of our city’s treasured charity organizations founded in 1963, the first of its kind in Southwest Ohio. We’ll learn about its history and mission and how it continues to improve the lives of children, teens and adults with disabilities through life-changing programs. Our speaker will discuss the three core service segments through which the agency operates, explaining the unique role each plays in supporting families and individuals. Stepping Stones is always evolving to meet the needs, and volunteers from the community play a huge role in its success.

The 2026-2027 Scholarship Recipients will be our guests today.

Note: We will be collecting art supplies for Stepping Stones; a list of needed items will be provided.

Board Meeting at 11 am.

Luncheon in the Lecture Room at noon.

Program Leadership

Chairperson of the Day:

19 Dec 2026 A MUSICAL ODYSSEY FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON 12/19/2026 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM

A MUSICAL ODYSSEY FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

December 19, 2026

Presented by Thomas Dreeze, baritone and Matthew Umphreys, pianist

Thom and Matthew offer “melodious splendor!” The program will feature music of the season that will resonate with you, alongside witty dialogue. Don’t miss this joyful afternoon with two seasoned pros who are sure to make your holiday bright.

Board Meeting, 11 am

The Luncheon will take place in the Tea Room at noon, followed by the performance in the Auditorium.

RSS Past Programs

16 May 2026 WWII: OPERATION HOME FRONT 5/16/2026 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM

WWII: OPERATION HOME FRONT

Presented by Stephanie Felts and Angel Burnside, The Warbird Museum

12:00

Here’s an opportunity to learn some interesting specifics on how life dramatically changed for U.S. citizens on the home front during World War II. The presenters work at this extraordinary aviation museum, just east of Cincinnati, with its fully restored and operational aircraft collection. www.tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org.

Carole Rauf Chairperson of the Day

Diane Kasarda Hospitality

Board Meeting, 11 am

Luncheon in the Lecture Room at noon.

Menu: Brunch Buffett with spinach and cheese quiche,

ham and Gruyère cheese quiche,

garden salad,

fruit salad,

breakfast potatoes and

assorted mini muffins.

The Club’s past presidents will be honored at this program.

18 Apr 2026 THE MUSIC OF THE WOMEN OF THE CIVIL WAR 4/18/2026 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM

The Music of the Women of the Civil War

presented by Steve and Lisa Ball

12:00

Steve Ball is a musician from Columbus, OH who specializes in the music of the American Civil War as well as the life of Stephen Foster. His wife Lisa is also a musician who will lend her vocal talents as well as her upright bass to this performance. Don’t miss this unique occasion to hear the music influenced, composed or performed by the women of this era. www.steveballcivilwarmusic.com

Nancy Cavanaugh Chairperson of the Day

Irene Diesel Hospitality

This Spring Luncheon will be held in the Tea Room at noon followed by the performance in the Auditorium.

Menu:

Fried chicken strip salad with craisins, toasted pecans, sharp cheddar cheese, green onions, honey mustard dressing.

Blueberry pie

Our honorary and 50-year members will be recognized at this program.

21 Mar 2026 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) : A FRIENDLY, NON-TECHNICAL INTRODUCTION FOR CURIOUS MINDS 3/21/2026 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) : A FRIENDLY, NON-TECHNICAL

INTRODUCTION FOR CURIOUS MINDS

Presented by James P. Rauf

12:00

What can AI do for you? It’s definitely all around us – from voice assistants like SIRI and Alexa to Netflix recommendations and ChatGPT.

The presenter will describe, in simple terms, how AI works and how it affects our lives.

Carole Rauf Chairperson of the Day

Donna Perzigian Hospitality

Board Meeting, 11 am

Luncheon in the Lecture Room at noon.

Menu: Crepes filled with tavern ham, cheese, mushrooms

with a side sala

Interested in Joining?

Contact Sarah Kurth-Sheblessy at
sheblessys@gmail.com or
(513) 658-2201 to get started.

View more membership information here.

Already a Member?

Welcome back!

We are glad you are here. Log in for more.

Lifelong Learning

A wide range of carefully selected, thought-provoking programs stimulate the mind and inspire the soul of College Club members. A typical year includes programs focusing on local and national current events, history, culture, dance and musical performances – and a hilarious show featuring the club’s own thespians.

Luncheon Meetings

Delicious chef-prepared luncheons precede every College Club program, served on elegant table settings with linens and china plates. Table centerpieces creatively fashioned by College Club members – often with a seasonal theme – add a gracious touch.

Scholarships

Since the College Club’s creation more than 100 years ago, its members have cherished the role of higher education in their lives. Club members continue to give back to the next generation through college scholarships that support their education.

A Proud History

The College Club of Cincinnati was founded in 1892, when female college graduates were rare. The original members committed to organizing as a club for the purposes of fellowship; intellectual and cultural growth; philanthropy; and civic service, which in the early days included assisting settlement houses in the community. In current endeavors, the club remains true to the spirit of its proud tradition.