When most people hear the word "seminar," they picture a lecturer in front of an audience. And the Summer Seminar certainly offers a week full of challenging and inspiring lectures, from some of the finest speakers available anywhere. "It's the way a college education ought to have been," comments James Campbell, a past participant. "Every lecture is a pleasure - stimulating and rewarding for its content."

But the Summer Seminar is much more than lectures. Over the years, it has evolved into an intense experience of what it means to be an Objectivist - and of what it means to live in a thriving Objectivist community. There's plenty of time for socializing, and abundant opportunities for entertainment and recreation, both on campus and throughout the surrounding area.

The seminar's relaxed, benevolent social atmosphere has allowed friendships, business partnerships, even romances and marriages to blossom! "On the first day of the conference, I realized that I had never felt so welcome among a group of people I had never met," recalls Marc McClure. "I felt like part of a large, extended family, eager to open up and celebrate the value they found in each other."

This unique social experience begins on the first afternoon you arrive, with a special welcoming reception for newcomers. You'll meet and chat with the Center's staff, and learn what the week has in store for you. Immediately afterwards, you'll join hundreds of attendees from all over the world at our opening day picnic, held outdoors on the beautiful grounds of the campus. It's a wonderful opportunity to mingle, meet people, and - if you're a veteran of past conferences - to greet old friends over a hearty meal of traditional picnic fare.

That evening - and each night of the week-you can sit and relax with your fellow participants in the informal atmosphere of the Common Room. Over refreshments, you can get to know each other, talk to TOC staff members and seminar faculty, debate the issues raised at the day's presentations. Or in a more secluded spot nearby, you can strum a guitar, organize a group sing-along, or simply stroll outside under the stars with someone special.

Or do you want to share with everyone a special skill or talent - an original theory - a challenging argument? Each afternoon, we set aside time and classroom space for Participant-Sponsored Sessions, giving you a free platform for your own presentations.

This is a life-changing event for many participants. Everyone enjoys learning and sharing ideas in a benevolent and supportive community. - Don Parrish

This year, the entertainment, educational, and recreational opportunities will be more abundant and diverse than ever. Each afternoon you may attend "how-to" workshops on self-development, jazz, literature, finance, ballet, writing, and more - or take some free time for yourself. You may also make use of the campus athletic and recreational facilities, including a fully-equipped gymnasium, pool, and tennis courts.

Wednesday is left open, so you'll have time to tour the local area. You can go hiking, or if you prefer to ride instead of walk, you can choose from mountain bikes, horses, old railways. You can visit Pittsburgh's museums, shops, and art galleries…take in a symphony, musical, or play…go dining and dancing, or golfing…or tour some of Frank Lloyd Wright's more inspiring homes.

On campus, your evening options include a poetry reading, and an analysis of art. On Thursday night, TOC's top contributors will gather at a very special location for the elegant Sponsors Dinner, our annual celebration of the Center's continuing growth and success. The week comes to a rousing conclusion on Friday night at our gala Closing Banquet and Dance. It's a time to dress up, feast on a sumptuous dinner, and then dance the night away.

For virtually all who attend, the Summer Seminar experience is an emotional tonic, a high point in their lives. "Having the opportunity to live in an Objectivist community for a whole week gives me the spiritual fuel that I never realized I needed," writes Donna Sensor. Adds Lorenzo Thomson: "It rekindled my fire."

So join us on June 30 in Johnstown for a week of ideas and inspiration, fun and friendship.

The Program

For all its social and emotional rewards, the foundation of the Summer Seminar is intellectual stimulation.

This year TOC will offer several limited-enrollment programs. These include afternoon workshops on psychology and other topics. They also include a special Advanced Seminar. Held during the two days prior to the Summer Seminar, scholars and faculty will explore technical issues relevant to Objectivism. During the same period, internationally-renowned painter Michael Newberry also will conduct a workshop for artists. Information on applications for these programs follows in this brochure.

Each day of the Seminar provides you a choice of sessions designed to meet your own interests and level of knowledge.

On the following pages you will find detailed descriptions for all of the sessions offered during the week and a color-coded schedule for each day.