Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum of conscience, an education center, a convenor of dialogue, and a beacon of light for inclusive freedom throughout the globe. It reveals stories of freedom’s heroes – and “she-roes” – from the past to contemporary times. This program focuses on Cincinnati women who played an important part in our local history.

Ms. Rosalyn Fuller......

Chairman of the Day

Ms. Nancy Bolam-Jenkins...

Flower Chairman

Dr. Rajni Harsh...

Hospitality Chairman

Mary Schmidt has been an active member of The College Club of Cincinnati since 1992.

She shares a few thoughts about her membership in College Club, her career, and her life experiences.

As the Tri-State area’s largest provider of emergency food for people in crisis, the Freestore Foodbank is well regarded for helping to stave off hunger in our community. But did you know that the Freestore also provides free culinary training for unemployed and underemployed local residents – putting them on a path to self-sufficiency? This presentation shares the story of Cincinnati COOKS!, a 10-week commercial cooking school program that prepares graduates with the skills and self-confidence to succeed in culinary jobs in Greater Cincinnati. Since the program began, graduates have landed employment in more than 200 local culinary institutions, uplifting and transforming their lives.

Ms. Janet Walsh....

Chairman of the Day

Mrs. Diane Kasarda...

Flower Chairman

Jazz at Dusk Combo 

Don’t miss this talented group of youthful musicians and their swinging version of holiday and other favorites, with vocal and instrumental performances sure to entertain all! The high school students are part of the Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame’s “Jazz at Dusk” program, which is designed to give advanced students the experience of performing in a club/restaurant atmosphere. The Jazz Hall of Fame offers this opportunity without charge to the student.

Mrs. Carolyn Laemmle....

It’s been estimated that about half of families living in poverty in Cincinnati don’t have access to sufficient food, especially during periods when children are not in school and don’t receive free or reduced-price meals. Yet, the problem largely remains silent behind closed doors, because parents don’t want to admit they lack adequate resources for such basic needs. Childhood Food Solutions was created to help fill the gap through programs designed to provide food to children in areas of poverty, high-crime and food insecurity in our community. The presenters will describe the results of these efforts and how others can assist.

Mrs. Nancy Lu Walters .....Chairman of the Day
Ms. Paula Steiner .......Flower Chairman
Mrs. Carolyn Ludwig ....Hospitality Chairman

Returning to the glory days of old-time radio mystery shows, this sequel to the “Golden Days of Radio,” last year’s CWC presentation, will follow the intrepid detective Dicky Dweeb as he solves yet another case. Through the talents of the CWC Players and the creativity of Carol Parsons, CWC Players’ director and long-time College Club member, we follow the always hilarious players as they put their twist on classic radio programs that thrived from the 1920s through the 1950s.

Ms. Jane Hlad.....

Flower Chairman

Mrs. Karen Vedder....

Hospitality Chairman

 In the 19th Century, Cincinnati was a dynamic boom town, one of the top ten most populous cities in the United States. Part of that history lives on in buildings that exist today. This program presents a virtual tour of significant structures in the basin and outskirts of Cincinnati, highlighting their architectural styles. The presentation will describe the effects of commerce, European immigration, and cultural influences on the design and utility of structures that created the foundation of our city.

Mrs. Mary Russell....

Chairman of the Day

Mrs. Cheryl Sieve....

Flower Chairman

Gloria Giannestras is an Honorary Member of The College Club of Cincinnati.

She shares a few thoughts about her membership in College Club, her career, and her life experiences.

An organized, clean space provides a great sense of internal pride and a sense of control that is gratifying. Most of us have that space or room we just aren’t happy with, and we can’t wrap our minds around how to approach it… so we just keep the door shut. If you are finally fed up and want to fix it, where do you start?  Just in time for spring cleaning, this presentation will include ideas for downsizing and minimizing your estate while helping you to determine which of the many philosophies and systems available is right for you.

Mrs. Carolyn Laemmle………………….Chairman of the Day

Small yet mighty, the Greene Machine features the fifth- and sixth-graders who make up the show choir at E.H. Greene Intermediate School in Sycamore Community Schools. These dynamos will sing and dance their way into your hearts as they help set the stage for spring with an upbeat collection of tunes.

Betty has an interesting story to tell.

Rocket through space and sail among billions of stars and galaxies. Utilizing some amazing simulation software, astronomer and co-host of PBS’ Star Gazers, Dean Regas, will guide you through the mind-boggling scale of the universe. Along the way you’ll stop at the Moon and individual planets. Then you’ll make the jump to light speed and head to interstellar space and see all the galaxies in the universe. Don’t worry, he’ll have you back home in time for dinner.  After the talk Dean will sign and sell his books “Facts From Space” and “100 Things to See in the Night Sky.”

Ms. Cindy Browne ………………………Chairman of the Day

This interactive presentation focuses on the life events and experiences that Harriet Beecher Stowe faced during the 18 years she lived in Cincinnati and how these experiences enabled her to write an impactful anti-slavery novel.  Stowe House Executive Director Christine Hartlieb also will discuss the history of the house after the Beechers left and its ties to African American experiences in the 20^th century.

Mrs. Nancy Cavanaugh…………………………………………Chairman of the Day

Hear the compelling story of an 11-year-old child who was unjustly incarcerated for 23 years and rebounded to become a contributing member of society during this College Club program featuring the subject of the story herself: Tyra Patterson.  Having earned her GED and studied to become a paralegal, Tyra was exonerated in January, 2017, and reoriented herself into our community.  Upon meeting Tyra, you will be amazed at the resiliency of the human spirit as displayed by this delightful and energetic young woman.

Dr. Janet McDaniel…………………………………………………Chairman of the Day

For more than 50 years, the Cincinnati Boychoir has delighted audiences with their exquisite voices, musicality and professionalism. Comprised of young men from more than 90 schools in the region, the boychoir is dedicated not only to showcasing the extraordinary skills of these young singers, but also to heightening their musical, intellectual and emotional development. Learn about the Cincinnati Boychoir story and enjoy a special performance by this diverse and exceptionally gifted group of youngsters.

The Tuskegee Airmen were an all-black squadron who served as the first military aviators in the US army Air Corps (AAC), a precursor of the US Air Force. Trained at the Tuskegee Army Field in Alabama, they flew more than 15,000 individual sorties in Europe and North Africa during WWII.  Their impressive performance earned them more than 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses and helped encourage the eventual integration of the US Armed Forces.

Mrs. Carol Kortecamp…………………………………………………Chairman of the Day

From the ground level, Rothenberg Preparatory Academy in Over-the-Rhine seems surrounded by a dense forest of brick and concrete surfaces. Yet, a bird’s eye view reveals that ornamental flowers, fruits and vegetables flourish on the roof of this historic elementary school building, serving as a source of beauty and learning for students. The program will discuss the inspiration, design, and creation of the garden and its curricular connections, with participants discovering how the garden both enriches academic programming and enhances the unique urban community of Over-The-Rhine.

Ms. Mary Ronan……………………………..……………Chairman of the Day

Benchmark Jazz is a group of young energetic high school musicians, who have developed a strong passion for jazz music.  The West Chester jazz sextet consists of some of the best young jazz musicians in the area, and primarily feature trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar, and drums.  Their smooth and mellow jazz will include such selections as C'est Si Bon, Satin Doll, Night Train, and Sack Full of Soul, as well as other traditional standards with some jazz improvisation.  So, come prepared to get in the mood to swing, thanks to some talented youthful performers!

Glenna Baumbaugh Chairman of the Day