Amid Tradition, a Symbol of Change

The New York Times profiles Nicole M. Parent ’93, the first female president of the Harvard Club of New York City, which did not even admit women until 1973...

The New York Times profiles Nicole M. Parent ’93, the first female president of the Harvard Club of New York City, which did not even admit women until 1973.

Parent, a managing director at Credit Suisse, speaks about her efforts "to respect the club’s tradition while broadening the membership to make it resemble Harvard itself." She says: “You have to take a step back and realize that the default answer to everything can’t always be, ‘We do it this way because we’ve always done it this way.’ ”

Read the story: Decor is Crimson, and the Ceiling Isn’t Glass

Related topics

You might also like

Novelist Lev Grossman on Why Fantasy Isn’t About Escapism

The Magicians author discusses his influences, from Harvard to King Arthur to Tolkien.

Introductions: Dan Cnossen

A conversation with the former Navy SEAL and gold-medal-winning Paralympic skier

A Congenial Voice in Japanese-American Relations

Takashi Komatsu spent his life building bridges. 

Most popular

Is the Constitution Broken?

Harvard legal scholars debate the state of our founding national document.

Why Men Are Falling Behind in Education, Employment, and Health

Can new approaches to education address a growing gender gap?

Harvard Students, Alumna Named Rhodes and Marshall Scholars

Nine Rhodes and five Marshall scholars will study in the U.K. in 2026.

Explore More From Current Issue

Historic church steeple framed by bare tree branches against a clear sky.

Harvard’s Financial Challenges Lead to Difficult Choices

The University faces the consequences of the Trump administration—and its own bureaucracy

Evolutionary progression from primates to humans in a colorful illustration.

Why Humans Walk on Two Legs

Research highlights our evolutionary ancestors’ unique pelvis.

A football player kicking a ball while another teammate holds it on the field.

A Near-Perfect Football Season Ends in Disappointment

A loss to Villanova derails Harvard in the playoffs.