Ann Strong Inducted into Chautauqua-Wawasee’s Emeritus Board
Chautauqua-Wawasee proudly announces the induction of long-time Lake Wawasee resident Ann Strong into the organization’s Emeritus Board. Ann’s leadership, vision, and years of service have been central to the development and growth of Chautauqua-Wawasee since its founding in 2011.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Board President Mark Knecht and Board Member Larry Lane recently presented Ann with a clock, symbolizing the time, dedication, and commitment she has given to Chautauqua-Wawasee. Her induction into the Emeritus Board is a fitting tribute to the lasting impact she has made on the organization and the Syracuse community.
Ann’s Vision for Chautauqua-Wawasee
After visiting the Chautauqua Institution in New York, which was founded in 1874 as a Methodist church camp and built on four foundational pillars (arts, education, religion, and recreation), Ann envisioned bringing a similar organization to Syracuse, based at Oakwood Park.
Oakwood Park’s History and Transition
With the philanthropic commitment of Howard Brembeck, in 1993 the Oakwood Foundation received Oakwood Park’s hotel and other properties, continuing Oakwood Park’s tradition as a recreational, cultural, and spiritual retreat center. However, after the Foundation fell upon difficult financial times and entered receivership, a new chapter began.
The Founding of Chautauqua-Wawasee
It was during this period that the Oakwood Park tradition found new life with the creation of Chautauqua-Wawasee. In 2008, Ann set in motion three years of dedicated planning with the support of the receiver. Her vision became a reality in 2011, when Chautauqua-Wawasee officially launched its first programs for the community.
Ann’s Continuing Impact
Ann served as the founder and chairman of Chautauqua-Wawasee beginning in 2011. Following the organization’s merger with the Oakwood Foundation in 2014, she continued to serve as a member of the Board of Directors, contributing her leadership and guidance to the organization’s development.
In 2014, following the organization’s merger with the Oakwood Foundation, Chautauqua-Wawasee expanded its programming and outreach with the support of Ian Rolland and the Rex Parent family. Their contributions helped strengthen Chautauqua-Wawasee’s mission to make Syracuse and the surrounding region a wonderful place to visit, live, work, and raise a family.
Today, the organization remains committed to the four pillars that shaped Ann’s original vision, offering programs throughout the year that promote the arts, encourage education, strengthen faith, and support recreation in the community.
Chautauqua-Wawasee has an exciting lineup of programs planned for 2025, continuing our tradition of celebrating arts, education, faith, and recreation. We invite you to explore all of this year’s events HERE, and why not consider joining us as a volunteer to help bring these experiences to life? Sign up to volunteer, HERE.