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Lake Geneva man honored for work with George Williams College

WILLIAMS BAY — Lake Geneva resident Harry Hartshorne Jr., a longtime friend of George Williams College and supporter of the Young Artist Program for the annual Music by the Lake opera who is active in several community organizations, received the Chapin Award on Oct. 22.

The award, established in 1984 in honor of Simeon B. Chapin, is presented to an individual who best exemplifies the character, interests and dedication of Hartshorne's grandfather, who served as a GWC trustee from 1901 to 1945.

"Harry's personal commitment and dedication to George Williams College and the greater community is a testament to Mr. Chapin's legacy," AU President Rebecca L. Sherrick, who presented the award on the GWC campus was quoted as saying in a news release. "Harry is a living example of a person committed to lifelong learning and the greater good.

"I cannot think of a more fitting celebration of his life's work than to present Harry with this special award named for his grandfather."

Hartshorne's grandparents, Simeon and Bessie, instilled in him an appreciation for the arts and taught him the importance of community involvement when he moved from New York to Wisconsin in the 1940s to run one of the family farms. They also fostered his love of music through the gift of a piano and frequent nights at the opera. As a child, Hartshorne attended summer worship services in Lewis Auditorium at GWC during visits to the Lake Geneva area.

In 1954, Hartshorne's interest in the arts led him to become part of the George Williams College Summer Music Association, the organization that supported Music by the Lake in the 1950s and 1960s. He served as vice president of the association for many years.

Music by the Lake, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in its revived format this year, originally ran for 17 years on the George Williams College campus starting in 1951. During its history, some of the world's finest artists, including violinist Isaac Stern, baritone Robert Merrill and the Chicago Symphony performed for Geneva Lake community audiences. The summer festival was discontinued in 1968 due to escalating costs and lagging support.

The series was revived in 2001 and has grown steadily over the past decade, drawing thousands of people to the GWC campus each summer to see performers such as Peter Frampton, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Michael Bolton. Once again, Hartshorne became a loyal supporter of Music by the Lake as a Young Artist Underwriter for the annual opera.

Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. Approximately 4,300 degree-seeking students are enrolled each year on the university's Illinois and Wisconsin campuses, and the university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master's and doctoral levels. The George Williams College campus offers 15 academic programs, unique conference facilities, 18-hole golf course, and is home to Music by the Lake and other education and enrichment programs.

For more information on George Williams College, visit www.aurora.edu/gwc or call 262-245-5531.