Quartered in the leafy heart of Washington, D.C.’s prestigious Spring Valley district, the Collegium Laureatorum Artium, or Laurel College as it is less formally known, has built an indelible legacy of prestige and honor that has reverberated across the world stage for nearly seventy-five years.
Established in the early 1950s, the institution initially began as a leisurely pastime of Washington’s elite, a group comprising politicians, diplomats, socialites, and the city’s most affluent patrons of the arts. Among its founding members were Senator Charles Grafton, diplomat Henrietta Lansing, and the popular socialite Elizabeth Standish, all prominent figures in the Washington social scene of the time. This elite cadre shared a mutual love for the arts, and especially opera, leading to the formation of the original ‘Laurel Circle.’
The group met regularly to discuss, critique, and appreciate various artistic endeavors, creating a vibrant, intellectual, and passionate community in the city. However, as time progressed, the Laurel Circle began to envision a larger purpose for their gatherings. The founders realized the tremendous potential their collective influence could have on the arts, and began to conceive an idea to create an award that would recognize and promote the most exceptional contributors to the arts and humanities, much as the Nobel prizes had for contributions to the sciences.
Their vision took shape in 1953 when the first Laureate was awarded at a small, intimate ceremony at the Grafton residence. Honoring eminent author James Bellows for his outstanding contributions to American literature, the event marked the formal inauguration of Laurel College. Among the prestigious speakers at the event were Vice President Richard M. Nixon, a nearby neighbor of both Senator Grafton and Mrs. Lansing on Tilden Street N.W. in the District.
Over the next decade, Laurel College grew from an informal organization to an influential institution, with its scope widening from local to national, and soon, international. The esteemed Laureate Awards evolved to include not only men and women of letters but also actors, musicians, playwrights, directors, and visual artists. It was during this time the foundation decided to include sportspersons among its honorees, recognizing the blend of artistry and athleticism in sports.
Laurel College’s philosophy was that the beauty of human performance and creativity extended beyond conventional categorizations. Athletes such as dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, and figure skaters were among the first to be considered, with college and professional baseball, football, basketball, and other sports stars soon joining the Laureate roster.
The awards ceremony too evolved with time. What started as an intimate gathering in a private residence transformed into a grand gala hosted every March. The event, held at the renowned Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, became one of the most eagerly anticipated social events in the nation’s capitol.
By turns elegant and extravagant, the formal black-tie ceremony is a sparkling celebration of the arts and sports. The evening typically begins with a cocktail reception, allowing attendees to mingle with past and present Laureates. This is followed by a delectable multi-course meal, paired with select wines, during which the Laureate honors are presented. The ceremony concludes with an array of performances, including musical recitals, theatrical readings, and dance showcases.
In line with its founding ethos, Laurel College has used this annual event as an opportunity to raise substantial funds for the Laureate Charities. The charity, instituted in the late 1960s, offers financial support to aspiring young artists and athletes around the globe. The program funds scholarships, training, mentoring, and necessary resources to help these young talents realize their dreams.
Throughout its illustrious history, Laurel College has remained steadfast in its commitment to the arts, humanities, and sports. From its informal beginnings as a gathering of like-minded art enthusiasts, the institution has grown into a symbol of international prestige, a platform that honors the most exceptional talent across various disciplines.
Its evolution is a testament to its founders’ vision and the transformative power of human creativity. Despite numerous challenges, from financial uncertainty to shifting societal tastes, the college has persevered, fueled by the relentless pursuit of excellence.
As we move forward, the Collegium Laureatorum Artium continues to serve as a beacon of culture and sophistication. It remains an institution that not only honors the best but also nurtures the next generation of artists and athletes, making it a cornerstone of artistic and athletic excellence for generations to come.
The “Collegium Laureatorum Artium” artwork displayed with this article originally appeared in the 1957 Laureate Awards official program.
