The Cosmos Club Foundation finished its year on a financially positive note. Due to the generosity of many Cosmos Club members, our finances are sound. Unfortunately, one of our most valued and long- time member, Joan Challinor, died last fall. She was generous with both her financial support and with her time having been instrumental in the work of our Cosmos Club Foundation Scholars Program.
To a full house, the McGovern Award for the Arts and Humanities was presented to renowned opera mezzo soprano, Denyce Graves, who gave a delightful program relating her life and subsequent rise to fame accompanied by vocal renditions of some of her most famous roles and other familiar works. It was a memorable evening for all those fortunate enough to be in attendance.
This year’s Cosmos Club Award, funded by the Foundation, was presented to Bryan Stevenson, public interest lawyer and founder and Executive Director of Equal Justice Initiative. Because of the number of attendees, the dinner was held in the Warner Lounge and Old Members Dining Room followed by his presentation in the Powell Room. Inspiring, thought provoking, moving, humble are just some of the words used to describe his speech which was very well received.
The Cosmos Foundation Scholars program continues to attract bright scholars working on their Masters or PhD diplomas. We had a total of 193 applicants from universities in the Washington, DC area. 24 grants from 6 institutions were awarded for a total of $73, 681. The top number of awards were given to Georgetown and UMCP students. The subjects were split between the sciences and arts and humanities. Pete Toulmin and Ellen Miles were in the forefront of the hard work necessary to organize the selection of the candidates. The Trustee and Advisors continue with sorting and judging the applications. The hard work and effort of all are intense but worth it. The funded research is fascinating and wide ranging.
There were two Scholars Receptions. The first was for the 2018- 19 incoming Scholars. The idea for this reception was initiated and organized by Nancy Work. It gave the Trustees and Advisors an opportunity to meet our new Scholars and their Advisors plus it gave them all an opportunity to visit the Cosmos Club, most for the first time. And as an added plus, it gave the Scholars an opportunity to meet each other. It was considered an outstanding success by all and will be repeated next year.
The second Reception was for the Scholars of 2017-18. This reception is open to all Cosmos Club members and guests. Following 79 the same format as in the past two years, the Scholars each presented his or her research at individual tables allowing a more personal and direct interaction. All who attend, faculty, mentors, Club members and guests, find this format to be very rewarding and successful. And the scholars, themselves, prefer this arrangement.
The finances of the Foundation remain strong. This can be assessed on IRS form 990 for 2018. Total expenses were $106,432. Contributions from 168 donors totaled $105,702. We have kept within budget while maintaining a strong balance.