Club's most recent presidents feted at Long Gray Line luncheon
A tradition begun decades ago by 1956 National Press Club President Frank Holeman was revived last week when past presidents gathered in what is called “The Long Gray Line” to welcome the newest “has beens” to their ranks. In recent years, 1978 Club President Frank Aukofer, had organized more recent luncheons, but the tradition was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Club returned to normal operations, Aukofer restored the past presidents' luncheon.
To make up for lost time, five past presidents were honored, including 2020 President Mike Freedman, who passed away last year. Lisa Matthews (2021) and Eileen O’Reilly (2023) were able to attend, while Jen Judson (2022) and Alison Kodjak (2019) had news stories to attend to.
These gatherings provide an opportunity for those who led the Club to swap stories about the odd and significant – or the significantly odd – events that happened during their years, and to honor all of those past presidents since 1908 who have volunteered their time and energy,
In this photo are, left to right: Aukofer, Jeffrey Ballou (2017), O’Reilly, Matthews, Donna Leinwand Leger (2009), Tammy Lytle (2003), Andrea Edney (2018), Mary Kay Quinlan (1986), Gil Klein (1994), Lee Roderick (1988), and Clayton Boyce (1993). Jonathan Salant (2006) dropped by but couldn’t stay. Photo: Baisama Kamara
