Our Community: President’s Message

Dear Members and Prospective Members,

The ESU “Expands minds, Strengthens friendships, Unlocks opportunities – through the use of the English language.” Where our youth is concerned,                                                                                                                                                          

“The English-Speaking Union believes every child should be able to make their voice heard. We believe that the ability to progress and to thrive in life relies on oracy – speaking and listening – skills, which are not currently a prominent part of the school curriculum. Our debate, public speaking and cultural exchange programs help young people to engage with the world, to speak more confidently and to listen to and understand different points of view. These skills improve young people’s attainment, emotional intelligence, and social skills, helping them to live their lives to the fullest.”

The dues are $45.00/Teachers, $75/Single, and $125/Couple per year. The fees are a small price to pay to support local and National philanthropies which are aimed at leveraging the ESU mission, both here and around the world.

You can join or rejoin using the Membership Tab on the new website:

The English-Speaking Union

Charlottesville Branch

Charlottesville ESU Officers

President: Henry P. (Phil) Williams III

Vice President: Bonnie DeAtley

Treasurer: H. Michael O’Donnell

Secretary: Alison M. Wiley

Charlottesville ESU Board of Directors

2024-2025:

Gary Greene, Ginna Kelly, Cindy Ryan

2024-2026:

Geoffrey Close, Constance Paske, Pam Calary

2024-2027:

Fay Cunningham, Holly Britt, Melodie Hagspiel

 

Advisory to the Board

Committees

Smith TLAB Fellowship:

Fay Cunningham (Chair), Debbie Pruett, Richard Kelly

Event Registration:

Phil Williams

Invitations:

Phil Williams

Hospitality:

Constance Paske (Chair), Dr. Julia Churchill Van de Water

Membership Directory:

Charlotte E. Chumlea

Nominating:

Dr. Julia Churchill Van de Water

Program:

Phil Williams (Chair)

Recruiting:

Cindy Ryan (Chair), Holly Britt, Phil Williams

Shakespeare Competition:

Debbie Pruett (Chair), John Crawford, Dr. Julia Churchill Van de Water, Fay Cunningham, Melodie Hagspiel

Special Events:

Ginna Kelly

Web Site, Graphics, Photography:

Phil Williams (Chair), Pam Calary, Melodie Hagspiel, Charlotte Chumlea

Past Presidents

2014-2020

Dr. Julia Churchill Van de Water

2011-2014

Mrs. William G. Taylor III

2007-2011

Dr. Henry P. Williams III

2003-2007

Mrs. A. James Hardaway

2001-2003

Mr. Guy F. Miller

1999-2001

Mr. Norman A. Graebner

1998-1999

Mr. Norman J. Setter

1996-1998

Mr. Donald T. Ubben

1994-1996

Mr. Edmund W. Morris

1992-1994

Mr. Norman A. Graebner

1990-1992

Rear Admiral Thomas E. Bass III

1988-1990

Mr. J. Wilson Newman

1986-1988

Mr. Theodore Caplow

1983-1986

Mr. Arthur F. Stocker

1979-1983

Mr. Edward C. Eisenhart

1978-1979

Mr. Paul O. Hirschbiel

1976-1978

Mr. Marion K. Kellogg

1972-1976

Mr. Kenneth W. Hinks

1970-1972

Mr. C. Walter Barrett

1967-1970

Mr. Kenneth W. Hinks

1962-1967

Mr. Francis Brawley

1961-1962

Mr. Arthur F. MacConochie

1958-1961

Col. Francis Pickens Miller

1955-1958

Col. Clark J. Laurence

1954-1955

Mr. James Hart

1953-1954

Mr. Austin Kilham

1952-1953

Mr. Robert Gooch

 

 

 

 

Charlottesville Branch Region
The ESU Charlottesville serves members and their guests from central Virginia and beyond including numerous counties surrounding Charlottesville. Many of our members, past and present, have chosen to join the Charlottesville branch as well as the branch in their primary residence.