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

Interested in Joining?

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

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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.