Events at the President’s Home

Factuality Rating: Mostly True

Claim:

Today I was informed via a phone call from the Advancement staff at the College that they had been told by Chautauqua that my wife and I are not welcome at the President’s Cottage. In other words, we were uninvited to a Wooster event by the Institution. (Rick Swegan in The Gadfly, 8/15/24)

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Summary:

It is true that President Hill asked for Mr. Swegan to be disinvited to an event at President Hill’s home. It is not true that this was an outside group hosting an event at The President’s Cottage. Any event held at the President’s Cottage is hosted by the President and, often, his spouse. This is where they live. President Hill does not wish to host Mr. Swegan in his home. President Hill believes Mr. Swegan has, for some 15 years (indeed, preceding President Hill’s tenure) engaged in campaigns to embarrass, demean and malign Chautauqua presidents, staff and volunteer community members in ways that often cross personal as well as professional lines of basic decency. President Hill stated, “It is regrettable that such an action was necessary. People who publicly disagree with me and decisions I’ve made are regularly invited to the President’s Cottage, and I welcome them with open arms. The persistent and personal nature of the campaigns lodged by Mr. Swegan make him unwelcome in my home. He will continue to be invited to Institution events held in other venues. My home is where I make an exception.”

References and Sources

Staff reports

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