Message from Club President 

   

Dear Harvard Alumni, 

Last week, I attended Freshman Convocation as an Alumni Marshal to welcome the Harvard Class of 2021. A new tradition implemented in 2009, Convocation is a celebratory ceremony akin to the ritual pomp and circumstance of Commencement, with the goal of welcoming the new students to the Harvard community. Every time I’m back in Cambridge, I remember why Harvard is so special: the people; the energy; the promise. The Harvard community never fails to inspire me.

We don’t need to be in Cambridge to find this community - there is a vibrant Harvard community right here in Philadelphia. The Harvard Club of Philadelphia’s mission is to bring Harvard alumni together in meaningful ways, including through interesting social, networking, and educational events, interviewing local high school students, and fostering new connections and friendships.

We have an exciting lineup of events planned for the year; a list of our major events is enclosed, which includes: our Fall Opener with Martha Tedeschi, Director of the Harvard Art Museums (September 28), a special session on interviewing high school applicants with Harvard Admissions Officer Alexis Machabanski (October 19), a visit from George Daley, Dean of Harvard Medical School (November 1), a joint holiday party with other Ivy Alumni Clubs in December, and our Annual Dinner in the spring. In addition, we will host other diverse events, including a hike in Valley Forge, a wine tasting, Dinner by the Decades, a new networking series, concerts by local alums, and our annual get-together for The Game with the local Yale Club. More events will be added throughout the year, so check our website  www.harvardclubphilly.com for the latest information.

To take advantage of all that the Club has to offer, I hope that you will consider joining or renewing your membership (click here) - members enjoy benefits such as special access to events, members-only rates, and more. If you recently joined or renewed, thank you for your support!

There are also a number of ways to take on an active leadership role within the Harvard Club of Philadelphia: 
   

  • Become an interviewer: Contact Tom Kardish, Chair, at interviewing@hrcphilly.com
     
  • Join a Board committee:
    • Programs - Contact Rebecca Anderson, Chair, at programs@hrcphilly.com 
    • Membership - Contact Art Goldman, Chair, at membership@hrcphilly.com 
    • Young Alumni - Contact Pete Schwartz, Chair, at recentgrads@hrcphilly.com
       
  • Visit our website at harvardclubphilly.com and follow us on Facebook at harvardphilly.

The Board of Directors and I are excited to see you at one of our upcoming events. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at president@hrcphilly.com.
 

Sincerely,

Lirui Li, AB ‘08
President, Harvard Club of Philadelphia