Charlotte Adair Honored as Gold Rose Award Recipient

The Junior League of Topeka is proud to announce that on Wednesday, September 17, Charlotte Adair was honored as the Junior League of Topeka’s 2025 Gold Rose Award recipient.

The Gold Rose Award honors a Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Topeka for their ongoing positive impact in our community. Starting in 1971, it is the most prestigious award given by The Junior League of Topeka, to recognize a member who has used their League training and experience to contribute to the betterment of the Topeka community.

Charlotte joined the Junior League of Topeka in 1976, and during her time in League, she served as President for Junior League of Topeka in 1988. Her commitment to civic leadership extends far beyond the Junior League. She has also served as President for the following organizations: League of Women Voters of Topeka/Shawnee County, Topeka Rotary Foundation, NONOSO Honorary Women’s Society at Washburn University, Woman’s Kansas Day Club, and the Music Study Club of Topeka.

Through her years in Topeka, she has served as a member and/or on the boards of the Rotary Club of Topeka, Washburn University Alumni Association, Downtown Topeka, Inc., Topeka High Historical Society, Topeka Community Foundation, Nautilus Club of Topeka, the Brown Foundation, and as an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church. 

Charlotte currently volunteers as secretary for the Topeka Festival Singers Board of Directors, serves on the Topeka Symphony Endowment Board, and is a Deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

After graduating from Washburn University with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1970, she taught at Washington High School, in Kansas City, Kansas, before moving back to Topeka to marry Bruce Adair in 1974. They have 2 children, 3 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.

She retired in 2011 after 16 years as a fundraiser for Washburn University Foundation and currently enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, bridge club, golf, watercolor group, lunch groups, and Topeka High School class gatherings. In the last year or so she has been to Kenya, Spain, and Portugal.

“Charlotte exemplifies the spirit of the Gold Rose Award,” said Ashley Charest, President of the Junior League of Topeka. “Her lifelong dedication to community service and leadership continues to inspire League members and the greater Topeka community.”