The Founders' Fund for The Lyceum of Monterey County was established with the Community Foundation for Monterey County in memory of two of its most dedicated founding members - Vera M. Hering and Claire M. Kennedy- who passed away in 1997.

In 1960, Mrs. Vera Hering, a member of the Monterey Peninsula Volunteer Services, began the Lyceum as a mentor program, matching one motivated high school student with a chemistry professor from the Naval Postgraduate School. As founder and first President of the Board, Mrs. Hering was instrumental in establishing the Lyceum's long-standing relationship with NPS, forging strong links with Peninsula School districts, and developing the Lyceum music camp from which Youth Music Monterey developed. As a life Director, she remained keenly involved with Lyceum programs. In 1991, she involved the Commodore Sloat Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Monterey County History Day and an annual award is now given in her memory.

Claire M. Kennedy was also a founding member and a major force in establishing the diverse program in the Arts, Sciences and Humanities for which the Lyceum is known. Ms. Kennedy helped procure and refurbish the Lyceum's permanent home on Sixth Street in Monterey. In 1985 she received a commendation for "exemplary service to youth through support of the Lyceum" from California superintendent of Public Instruction, Bill Honig. Concerned that under served children should have access to Lyceum classes, in 1989, she established the Lyceum's scholarship program which bares her name.

In honor of their commitment, visionary guidance, countless volunteer hours and generous financial support, the Lyceum established this fund on our thirty-seventh anniversary. The Community Foundation for Monterey County is a Community Trust established to administer charitable funds for the benefit of the people of Monterey County. For information about the Community Foundation or to contribute to the Lyceum Founders' Fund, please call the Community Foundation at 375-9712.