End of the Old Boys Club

The Harvard Club of Boston, located in the heart of Back Bay, boasts a lobby lined with dark wood panels. A crimson carpet covers its floor. It is the kind of place that conjures up images of graying men in well-cut suits lounging in leather armchairs, nursing a scotch in one hand and a smoking cigar in the other, all the while discussing politics or stocks.

The Harvard Club of New York boasts a similar aesthetic. “It looks more formal with the panelled walls and the animal heads,” says Nicole M. Parent ’93, President of the Harvard Club of New York (and, incidentally, the club’s first female president). She continues, “But we are really trying to move into the modern day.”

Harvard’s first alumni clubs were founded in the 19th century. In the 21st century, the Harvard clubs of the world confront new challenges and, especially in the midst of a recession, adapt old traditions to stay relevant. With 130 clubs scattered across the globe, the organizations have assumed a diverse range of activities, from organizing athletic events and networking panels to throwing Halloween balls.

BREAKING WITH TRADITION

In 1857, the oldest existing Harvard Club was founded in Chicago as a social club where Harvard alumni could get together and retain their ties to the hallowed halls of their alma mater. Today, they exist for much the same purpose.

“Ultimately we like to think that membership stems from an underlying desire to remain connected to the Harvard community,” Harvard Club of Southern California President Ken S. Williams ’78 says. In addition to camaraderie, club membership also grants reciprocal privileges at all the other Harvard Clubs, social and cultural outings, and, of course, some fierce networking potential.

The clubs fall into two main categories: those with clubhouses and those without. The former have the luxury of consistently returning to the same location, while the latter sort host events in various rented venues.

The clubs in Boston and New York City run their own clubhouses, complete with dining rooms, event venues, gyms, and accommodations for out-of-town Harvardians. Boston even has a downtown location in addition to its main clubhouse.

“The Boston and New York clubs are unusual in that we have a clubhouse, so there is an undercurrent element of the club, that we actually run a business,” says Thomas H. Mattox ’82, Treasurer of the Harvard Club of New York.

As businesses operating in a time of financial pressure, Harvard clubs in Boston and New York seize opportunities to remain pertinent. In order to achieve this goal, they hope to combat the recession by expanding membership. There seems to be two distinct routes. In New York, the Harvard Club requires that potential members have significant ties to the university, as outlined on their Web site. For example, an applicant could be a Harvard graduate or a faculty member of the University. In Boston, however, these membership requirements expanded to include partner schools such as Bryant University and Holy Cross. Membership expansion has been ongoing since 2003.

Questions of image are tied to these changes, as the organizations try to shed their “the old boys club” reputation while remaining true to their roots.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

The New York club has just finished renovating their Harvard Hall and Main Dining Room. “We are in a unique position despite the recession,” Parent says. “We have a terrific board, and the club is in a better position financially than it ever has been.”

In January, the New York board will launch “Vision 2020,” a survey asking for member input on future projects. As their membership expands, the club hopes to pursue projects based on majority opinion rather than the opinions of particular individuals.

“Historically, it becomes a squeaky wheel problem, where projects take on a life of their own just because a board member wants it to, as we’re trying to avoid that,” Parent says.

According to Mattox, the Harvard Club of New York has lost very few members, especially when compared to other clubs. He explains that this is partly due to the decision not to raise dues this year, unlike many clubs, which have seen a hike in dues thanks to the recession.

THE CLUB NEXT DOOR

The Harvard Club of Boston also faces the challenge of member retention. In response, the club has begun to allow non-Harvard affiliates to join, access to club facilities and all.

Director of Marketing and Membership Development Thomas J. Martorelli HBS ’82 says, “As far as we know, we have heard nothing but good things about the new program.” Martorelli admits, however, “We did wonder whether people would think the Harvard Club was not as special.”

Member response to the initiative is divided. “It is disconcerting to see that they are trying to expand membership to anyone who has the cash, but are not making an effort to reach out to the Harvard community at large,” said Joseph S. Evangelista ’96, the former Young Members Committee Chair and member of the club.

“There is a lack of transparency between the board and the members, which really gives the club an old boys feeling that is not helping anyone,” says Young Members Committee Chair Jason E. Bressner ’99.

Furthermore, the drop in membership has also signified a drop in programming. “In the past, the club was not as concerned about making a profit. Now, they are struggling to reconcile the spectrum of offerings with the bottom line,” Bressner says.

Nonetheless, the Harvard Club of Boston has recently been named one of the Platinum Clubs of America, a high honor chosen by other club presidents and general managers. This is the fourth time the club has been recognized, and members see it as a reason to be optimistic about the club’s future despite its challenges. “We try to provide services to a broad spectrum, and make an effort to appeal to as many people as possible,” General Manager Eric W. Gillberg says. “We are always trying to become stronger and more meaningful to members,” he adds. “We know that this is a very special place to the Harvard community, and we hope to keep it that way.”

ANYTOWN, USA

Harvard clubs across the country face similar challenges. “Although membership has taken a little bit of a hit, we have ramped up programs with a myriad of events to generate interest among the members and potential members,” says Stanley P. Mark ’73, President of the Harvard Club of Seattle.

The Southern California Club has opted to give members the option of pre-renewing their membership for several years at once in order to maintain their numbers. Meanwhile, the Seattle and Southern California Clubs have begun to modernize their communication techniques, contacting alumni via e-mail and Facebook.

It seems, though, Harvard clubs throughout the nation are experiencing a moment of redefinition. “We have to maintain a balance of tradition and what we all love with moving forward,” Parent explains “We want, above all, to stay relevant in people’s lives, and to do that, we have to look at ourselves.”