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Former President Leaves Behind Legacy At Iconic Institution

Bob Hesse

Bob Hesse, former president of Chautauqua Institution, has passed away, but his legacy continues on.

Hesse led Chautauqua Institution for six years, from 1977 to 1983, bringing a variety of changes to the iconic education center and summer resort. He repaired infrastructure and helped enhance the arts and education program.

Hesse also balanced the non-profit’s budget. He went on to become the executive director of the Joffrey Ballet, which was located in New York City during the 1980s, and was the chief fundraiser for UNICEF.

Hesse also helped create the Indianapolis City Ballet.

Chautauqua Institution, in a statement, expressing sorrow over Hesse’s death.

“Robert Hesse is an impresario,” said current President Tom Becker. “The narrative of his life is written in a fierce engagement with creating the necessary conditions for art to flourish.”

“In doing so,” Becker continued, “he sustains the condition of creative problem-solving within communities and sets in place an atmosphere where beauty is understood and appreciated and citizenship has greater expression.”

Phil Zimmer, former communications director at Chautauqua, offered words of honor and remembrance for the late president.

“Bob was a dynamic, take-charge leader who played an instrumental role in turning Chautauqua around and setting the stage for the renewed and invigorated programming and activities we see today at the institution,” Zimmer said. “He could do the work of three people and he fully expected each of us to do the work of two. He taught me that we all have greater abilities and capabilities than we realize. Bob will be missed by all who truly knew him.”

In 2015, Hesse received the Presidents Award from Becker. Chautauqua Institution credits the late former president with “thoughtful leadership, rigorous planning and inspiring vision,” Becker said in presenting the award.

Hesse made an impact on various institutions and organizations throughout his life, many of them centering around education and the arts. Many of his efforts were located in Western New York.

Hesse also worked in the administration of the State University of New York education system as the executive assistant to the president. Later in his career, he became the president of Medaille College in Buffalo, tripling enrollment in three years, enhancing faculty credentials and upgrading facilities.

Hesse and Jane Fortune, his life partner for the past 26 years, owned the Bella Fortuna North in Lake Leelanau, a favorite Italian dining spot.

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