Maureen O’Connor Rovegno, M. Div.

Director of Religion

Religion — Programming

About Maureen

Maureen Rovegno now serves as director of the Department of Religion at the Chautauqua Institution, having served the department since 2005 on staff, and before that as a volunteer since 1993. She is an Interfaith-Interdenominational Chaplain, having served in Hospice, hospital, and prison settings. She was trained in Clinical Pastoral Ministry (CPE) after receiving a master’s degree in Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, with a concentration in comparative religious ethics and a ministerial focus in restorative justice. While at Harvard she studied Arabic to better understand Islam. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

Having taught world religions for many years, Maureen has also worked with the Global Peace Initiative for Women to empower women worldwide to raise their voices for peace and to help other women to do the same. She took part in the crafting of Karen Armstrong’s Charter for Compassion, has worked for many years as a member of the Board of the local Habitat for Humanity, and serves as a trustee of Chautauqua’s Hurlbut United Methodist Church.

On behalf of the Institution’s broadening multifaith outreach, Maureen has worked actively on behalf of the Institution’s 22-year Abrahamic Program. She founded and directs the Abrahamic Program for Young Adults (APYA), a signature Chautauqua program she designed in 2006 for young adults ages 16-22. In multiple ways she seeks to foster understanding and connection among all people – faith practitioners as well as persons of no particular faith – all seekers of knowledge.

Why did you choose to work at Chautauqua? What do you like about working at Chautauqua?

The first time I ever entered the Chautauqua Grounds, my heart sang, and I knew I was on higher ground.

Current and Former Volunteer or Board Roles

Maureen has served in many capacities for the department of religion and for the Institution: Chautauqua Institution Trustee from 1996-2004, Chair of the Chautauqua Annual Fund from 1996-2002 through the Renewal Campaign, and former Chair of the Department of Religion Advisory Committee.

Personal Interests

Maureen is a year-round resident of the Institution. From Chautauqua, she works for world peace.