In her home, time seemed to stop. Students and colleagues would gather around Dr. Ann Ferguson’s table, sipping tea and diving into conversations that covered literature, current events, the arts, and personal stories. These were more than social gatherings—they were laboratories of human connection, where diverse perspectives were invited with curiosity rather than judgment.
Today, that same spirit of generous dialogue lives on through The Heathmere Center for Cultural Engagement, founded in 2018 with inspiration and funding from Dr. Ferguson herself. Her vision of interdisciplinary, pluralistic, and hospitable discourse serves as our mission: to strengthen communities through dialogue, education and the arts.
A Life Dedicated to Opening Minds & Hearts
Dr. Ann Ferguson began her journey at Gordon College in 1955, when she was hired to teach English Literature. Over the next five and a half decades, she didn’t just teach—she transformed both individuals and the institution. As Department Chair, Director Chair, and Faculty Senator, she shaped not only curriculum but culture. In 1956, she helped launch Gordon’s theater program and produced the college’s first three-act play, later directing several productions in the Drama Division.
But Ann’s influence extended far beyond the traditional boundaries of the English literature classroom. Her expansive cultural interests led her to teach Art History classes, regularly taking students to Symphony Hall and The American Repertory Theatre in Boston. She understood that learning happens not just in classrooms, but in the full richness of cultural experiences.
When Dr. Ferguson retired on May 15, 2010, after five and a half decades of teaching, Gordon College honored her with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree. She continued to mentor and inspire until her peaceful passing in March 2025.
The Power of Hospitable Spaces
What made Ann’s approach so transformative? According to Pilar Perez Serrano, Ann’s former student and colleague who now serves as Heathmere’s Board President, it was her ability to create truly courageous spaces for exploration:
“I have spent many afternoons and evenings at Ann’s home reading, discussing literature, sipping tea, cooking, gardening or listening to music. Her home was always a shelter where time stopped and people mattered, where conversations occurred safely and peacefully, where food was sampled, books were checked out, new plants and flowers were discovered, and the latest news was explored and talked about fearlessly.”
This wasn’t accidental. Ann’s classes and the informal dialogues in her home reflected her expansive cultural interests and consistently invited truly diverse perspectives. She demonstrated that honest inquiry and warm hospitality aren’t opposing forces—they’re complementary powers that create space for genuine learning.
From Legacy to Living Mission
As Pilar reflects: “It is with Ann’s gracious legacy of genuine intellectual curiosity, fearless inquiry, innovation, faithful search for truth, and selfless charity in mind that I and others began to brainstorm ways to turn her legacy into something concrete and lasting.”
The Heathmere Center represents that concrete expression of Ann’s vision. As the founding Executive Director, I am honored to continue her work through programming that brings people together in ways that deepen human connections and explore differences with love rather than fear.
Why This Matters Now
In our increasingly polarized world, Ann’s approach feels both timeless and urgent. Now more than ever, we need hospitable, humane environments that help us pause and see those we tend to “other” with curiosity and care. We need spaces where dialogue happens not as debate to be won, but as exploration to be shared.
The skills Ann modeled—deep listening, generous questioning, fearless inquiry paired with genuine hospitality—these aren’t just nice ideals. They’re practical tools for building the kind of communities we all want to live in.
An Invitation to Continue the Work
Dr. Ann Ferguson’s legacy isn’t just a story to remember—it’s a mission to continue. Through Heathmere’s programming, we’re teaching youth and community members the facilitation skills that build bridges rather than divisiveness. We’re creating more spaces where time stops and people matter.
Will you help us continue Ann’s generous and timely legacy?
Your investment in Heathmere’s work helps us expand these vital programs, reaching more people with the tools for meaningful dialogue and genuine community building.
Because in a world that often feels divided, we believe Ann was right: the antidote isn’t louder arguments, but deeper listening. Not stronger walls, but more welcoming tables.
Learn more about supporting The Heathmere Center’s mission by emailing Lauren@Heathmere.org or invest in our programs here.
