PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Dear Fellow Members,

Spring in New England has arrived, the weather is a consistent mystery. Here at the HCB, the weather is forecast to be sunny with comfortable temperatures. We’ve had a great series of member events in April and May promises to be more engaging and fun. The Annual Spring Gathering combined with our Annual Meeting was a night of enjoyment and fellowship. Members were elated to connect with each other and there were many new introductions of members who met for the first time. The intergenerational and multi-discipline dynamic was exciting to see and embodies what our community is all about. Many thanks to HAA President Allyson Mendenhall and HAA Executive Director Sarah Karmon for their conversation about the University, the HAA and the importance of engaging alumni through the HCB and other Harvard alumni clubs. Congratulations to Sarah and Debbie Millin, gb’22 amp on being elected to our Board of Governors. They are wonderful additions to our club leadership team, and we look forward to their contributions through their time and talents. The evening would not have been a success without the leadership of our General Manager, Steve Cummings along with the event planning and execution of our Member Experience team, led by Becky Blaeser ’98 and our entire culinary and hospitality team. Last but not least, kudos to BOG members Andy Freed ’90, ks’94, Susan Kendall ’81, ks’99 and Marty Grasso ’78, for their creativity establishing the inspiration for the evening’s events.

Last week, I had a conversation with one of our new members – less than a year. It was one of the most enlightening discussions I’ve had during my first year as president. The person is a faithful Muslim and informed me that Ramadan was ending with a celebration called Eid al-Fitr. “Eid” is a one to three day celebration that marks the end of the prolonged fast of Ramadan. The person mentioned that there are number of Muslims at our club and asked if it would be possible to recognize the holiday in some way at the HCB. A simple mention would be appreciated in the same way we recognize Easter and Passover. I found this request refreshing and I was grateful that we have created an atmosphere that new a member of our community felt comfortable to mention this issue so that we give a sense of belonging to our Muslim members. We are strengthened by the richness shared individually and collectively through inclusion and equity.

One of the most meaningful events on the calendar this month is commencement at Harvard University. It is a time to welcome new alumni to our club community. The Class of 2023 both College and Graduate Schools receive a one-year complimentary membership to the HCB. Those who were interested submitted applications immediately. To date, we have a record number of these new members. You will see their faces this month, especially during the week of commencement and the following Alumni Week as they begin to experience our club. Let’s embrace these new members, a year from now they will make the decision to remain with us or not. We should all commit ourselves to making the choice easy for them to remain with us. Let’s do our best to welcome them and make them feel that they belong in HCB community. Please be sure to check our app or website for a full listing of upcoming events.

Elections for Harvard University Overseers and HAA Elected Directors end on May 16. I am pleased to note that the following HCB members are candidates for Overseer: Jeffrey D. Dunn A.B. ’77, M.B.A. ’81 and Vanessa W. Liu A.B. ’96, J.D. ’03. The following member is running for elected director: Anirudh Suri M.P.A. ’14, B.A. ’06, Haverford College; M.B.A. ’12, University of Pennsylvania. To learn more about these three outstanding candidates and the Harvard elections by visiting this link. This is an important part of Harvard University’s governing process. Please remember to vote.

When members ask what they can do to assist the club, one thing always comes to mind. Spread the word, talk to fellow alumni about becoming members and invite them to do so. The most important asset of the Harvard Club of Boston is its members. Many thanks to all of you for choosing to be members of our beloved Club. Your loyalty and support make us thrive as a community, onward together. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact me directly via president@harvardclub.com.

Best regards,

Marcus O. P. DeFlorimonte gb ’95, pmd President, Harvard Club of Boston

Go Crimson!