Demystifying the Harvard Club
Jonathan Philips
Issue date: 11/8/06 Section: Features
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Even for those who attend Harvard, the words "Harvard Club" typically conjure up scenes of dimly lit corridors where the world's power brokers strategize over aged cognac. The Harvard Club is simply a mystery.
First, the name is misleading. The Harvard Club is not a singular club, but a loose network of organizations that, according to the Harvard Alumni Association website, exist "to bring together alumni residing in the same geographical region and provide opportunities for them to remain connected to Harvard and to each other."
Second, Harvard Clubs are not just for alumni. They are designed to serve both alumni and students. "Members are generally extremely interested in interacting with current students," says Rachel Lamson, HAA's Associate Director of Clubs and Interest Groups. "The idea of the Clubs is for alumni to stay connected to Harvard. One great way of doing that is by getting involved with students."
Third, many of the 'Clubs' are transient. Except for the Boston and New York chapters, there are no clubhouses where crimson cardigan-clad members can stop in for high fives and cigars. Instead, members typically get together a few times a year for planned events in rented spaces.
Boston and New York boast full-service clubs where the elite can play, offering members everything from fitness and squash facilities, to banquet spaces, ballroom dancing classes, and hotel rooms. The Boston Club advertises itself as "a gentle oasis for you and your family to enjoy."
But if you think you get the royal treatment just because you went to Harvard, you're wrong. Membership dues are based on time since graduation and local residency status. Boston and New York City residents who graduated from the college 10 years ago can expect to pay around $1500 per year. This buys access to the lounge area, which means all the repressed chortling and glasses of water a recent grad can hope for. Access to gym facilities, classes, lectures, restaurants, and all other events come at additional charge. Consider bringing your own cigars.
The good news is, they're hiding everywhere. The 185 worldwide clubs are spread across 70 countries. They are required to comply with some ground rules established by the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), but in general, they remain autonomous. They are not responsible for Harvard University fundraising, although many of the chapters do offer undergraduate scholarships to students from their area.
Local chapters frequently host new admit days and networking events. Hosting students as guests at regular alumni functions is also common.
According to Harvard, the alumni network is one of its most valuable resources. Tapping into it may serve students well. Just ask Philipp Rusch.
First, the name is misleading. The Harvard Club is not a singular club, but a loose network of organizations that, according to the Harvard Alumni Association website, exist "to bring together alumni residing in the same geographical region and provide opportunities for them to remain connected to Harvard and to each other."
Second, Harvard Clubs are not just for alumni. They are designed to serve both alumni and students. "Members are generally extremely interested in interacting with current students," says Rachel Lamson, HAA's Associate Director of Clubs and Interest Groups. "The idea of the Clubs is for alumni to stay connected to Harvard. One great way of doing that is by getting involved with students."
Third, many of the 'Clubs' are transient. Except for the Boston and New York chapters, there are no clubhouses where crimson cardigan-clad members can stop in for high fives and cigars. Instead, members typically get together a few times a year for planned events in rented spaces.
Boston and New York boast full-service clubs where the elite can play, offering members everything from fitness and squash facilities, to banquet spaces, ballroom dancing classes, and hotel rooms. The Boston Club advertises itself as "a gentle oasis for you and your family to enjoy."
But if you think you get the royal treatment just because you went to Harvard, you're wrong. Membership dues are based on time since graduation and local residency status. Boston and New York City residents who graduated from the college 10 years ago can expect to pay around $1500 per year. This buys access to the lounge area, which means all the repressed chortling and glasses of water a recent grad can hope for. Access to gym facilities, classes, lectures, restaurants, and all other events come at additional charge. Consider bringing your own cigars.
The good news is, they're hiding everywhere. The 185 worldwide clubs are spread across 70 countries. They are required to comply with some ground rules established by the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), but in general, they remain autonomous. They are not responsible for Harvard University fundraising, although many of the chapters do offer undergraduate scholarships to students from their area.
Local chapters frequently host new admit days and networking events. Hosting students as guests at regular alumni functions is also common.
According to Harvard, the alumni network is one of its most valuable resources. Tapping into it may serve students well. Just ask Philipp Rusch.
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