Cody Englander
Staff Writer
For Craig and Cathrine Greene, the student experience is paramount in Chautauqua’s mission of training the next generation of artists.
“This is for the students,” Cathrine Greene said. “This is for the arts. We’re really happy with it, and we hope the students love it.”
Thursday kicked off the official opening of Greene Family Commons just in time for the start of the season, with Schools of Performing and Visual Arts students beginning to move in Friday. This completes the second phase of renovations, the first phase having finished prior to the 2025 Season. Formerly Bellinger Hall, Greene Family Commons has hosted Chautauqua Institution’s Schools of Performing and Visual Arts students since the 1970s.
Craig and Cathrine Greene, center, cut a ceremonial ribbon alongside Director of Residence Halls Ben Kay, Vice President of Performing and Visual Arts Laura Savia, Board of Trustees Chair Laurie A. Branch, Manager of Student Services Sam Minardi-Lopez, Performing and Visual Arts Director Sarah Malinoski, and Interim Chief Executive Kyle Keogh during the opening ceremony for the recently renovated Greene Family Commons Thursday. SAM HUFFMAN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
“This project had been talked about and designed for many years,” said Sam Minardi-Lopez, manager of Student Services and Arts Education business coordinator. “Craig and Cathrine Greene stepped up alongside many other donors to get us through the finish line.”
In a press release issued by the Institution, the Greenes wrote, “Our hope is that Greene Family Commons will help attract outstanding students to Chautauqua’s schools and provide an experience they will carry with them for years to come. Seeing the students’ reaction to Phase 1 of the renovations was incredibly gratifying, and we hope Phase 2 will make their time here even more meaningful.”
The first phase of renovations consisted of fully renovated guest rooms for students and visiting patrons and HVAC upgrades, including central air conditioning and improved climate control. Among the second phase of interior changes are modernized dining and food service areas, updated convening spaces, event spaces and lounges, a health and wellness office and renovated practice rooms. GFC also now includes exterior additions for students to enjoy free time and gather together.
The upgrades also opened up the space to allow for more natural light and more areas of leisure, according to Leslie Tiedeman, assistant director of donor relations. This includes higher ceilings and larger windows.
“This building used to be very dark,” Tiedeman said. “It was very drab. Now, it’s spectacular. It will make their experience so much better.”
“I’m really excited for the students to see the changes,” Minardi-Lopez said. “It’s unrecognizable and much more welcoming.”
The first phase of the renovations came as part of a move to make Chautauqua’s student living on par with the learning opportunities the Institution provides. The second phase of the renovations began prior to this season.
“The quality of living space will finally match the quality of the programming and teachings they experience at Chautauqua Institution,” Kyle Keogh, interim chief executive of Chautauqua Institution, said.
Tiedeman also highlighted the sole reason this project was made possible — the donors.
“It’s not just donating to a cause, it’s donating to a community, the community’s future and supporting Chautauqua’s mission,” she said. “We are so incredibly lucky to have the donors we have.”
The donations for GFC came through Chautauqua Institution’s Boundless campaign, established in January of 2024 with a fundraising goal of $150 million to commit to “coming together as a community in the present, and committing ourselves to building a stronger future for Chautauqua,” according to the Institution’s website.
Thursday marked the opening ceremony, which celebrated the donors and the now-complete building with a selection of speeches from various special guests and contributors to GFC. Deborah Sunya Moore, senior vice president and chief program officer of the Institution, stressed the importance of upgraded living spaces for the students.
“I think all of [Chautauqua Institution] is moved by people like Fareed Zakaria, Misty Copeland, Anna Deavere Smith and Ken Burns. But some of your most memorable moments probably happen in your home,” she said. “Those are the memorable moments you can’t write down in your [blue sheet]. They won’t show up on your public calendar, but those are the moments that make Chautauqua so special.”
