About Us

The Christopher Wren Association (CWA) was founded by two retired educators, Wayne Kernodle from The College of William and Mary and Ruth Kernodle from Christopher Newport University. The first classes were offered in January, 1991 following six months of preparation by a steering committee from The College of William and Mary and the community. The enrollment the first semester was 105 and has increased to over 1600. This growth has coincided with the increase of the retired population in the Williamsburg area.

CWA was founded as a volunteer organization and has remained so with the only exception being three members of the office staff. The executive director, the faculty, the board of directors and committees, class hosts, technical support and office support are volunteers. 

Since CWA’s inception, The College of William and Mary has been very supportive, offering classroom space, office space, equipment, parking and more.