January-February 2003 > The Alumni

News from the HAA

Kudos

The Harvard Alumni Association’s Clubs Committee recognizes publicly those who provide exemplary service to a Harvard club. Now a new award from the committee pays tribute to clubs that have developed exceptional programs. The winners of both awards were announced at the annual Alumni Leadership Conference held on October 10 and 11.

Recipients of the 2002 Outstanding Club Contribution Award are:

Lindsay E. Brew ’66, of Tucson. During his presidency, from 1994 to 2001, the membership of the Harvard Club of Southern Arizona grew rapidly. He has also served as a director, chairman, and member of the club’s Schools and Scholarship Committee.

Anne Mayfield, M.B.A. ’78, of Concord, North Carolina. As president of the Harvard Business School Club of Charlotte since 1993, she has been instrumental in reenergizing the club and building an active membership base. She has also helped resurrect the dormant Harvard Club of Charlotte.

Frederic P. Smith ’56, A.M. ’62, J.D. ’63, of Los Angeles. During his 39-year tenure at the Harvard-Radcliffe Club of Southern California, he has held every top post and served on many committees. He also created the office of treasurer and increased the amount of financial aid provided by the club to Harvard students.

Pawel Swiatek ’99, now of Boston. As president of the Harvard Club of Poland, he organized an outstanding program of speakers and social events. Communication among alumni and club members has also risen substantially due to an e-mail bulletin he created.

The new Club Recognition Awards honored the Harvard Club of the Research Triangle and the Harvard Club of the United Kingdom. Both emphasize outreach.

Membership in the North Carolina club has grown more than 20 percent during the last decade. Monthly programs that appeal to a wide range of alumni include an annual holiday party, held at a member’s home, that welcomes early-admittance students and current undergraduates, too. To further foster ties between the club and students, gift baskets are sent to all Harvard freshmen during winter reading period.

The British club, which boasts 750 members (up from 200 in 1993), has succeeded in becoming a true University-wide organization. Most of its members are alumni of the graduate and professional schools, and events are designed to appeal to University and College alumni alike. The club also publishes a free membership directory and—unusual for an international club—has an extensive schools and scholarships program.

Comings and Goings

Harvard clubs host lectures, seminars, and social gatherings. What follows is a brief list of speakers appearing at clubs this winter. For details, contact the HAA clubs and programs office at 617-495-3070 or visit www.haa.harvard.edu.

On January 14, Baird professor of history Mark Kishlansky will talk about “Western Civilization, Now More Than Ever” at GSAS chapter events in Los Angeles and, on the following day, in Santa Barbara. On January 30, the Harvard Club of Washington, D.C., hosts Kennedy School professor of science and public policy Sheila Jasanoff.

On February 6, former University marshal Richard M. Hunt reveals “Harvard, A-Z” for the Harvard Club of San Diego. On February 8, members of the Harvard Club of Maryland can learn about “Pluralism, Intolerance, and the Quran: Challenges in Contemporary Islam” from Ali Asani, professor of the practice of Indo-Muslim languages and cultures. The Harvard Club of Cape Cod presents Gund professor of neuroscience John Dowling and Asian art specialist Judith Dowling for a February 15 discussion on “The Art of Seeing.” The Dowlings will also speak at the Harvard Club of Broward County, Florida, on February 21. Owen Gingerich, research professor of astronomy and of the history of science, appears at the Harvard Club of Georgia on February 27, and at the Harvard Club of Lee County, in Florida, the next day.