YOUR TEAM FOR LIFE
No matter the sport. Or the era.
No matter the gender. Or the race.
Special teams all share one thing in common: a bond.
A feeling of camaraderie, of brotherhood or sisterhood that lasts more than a season, or even an entire college career. It lasts a lifetime.
Since 1886, the Harvard Varsity Club has been a special team. Through events and programs, the Varity Club celebrates, supports and connects Harvard athletes and their families, past and present, while preserving the traditions and fostering the ideals of Harvard Athletics.
Harvard Varsity Club. ‘Your Team for Life.’
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE
As we strive to fulfill our mission as ‘Your Team for Life,’ your financial support provides the foundation that allows us to enhance the experiences of Harvard's current and alumni student-athletes across sports and generations. And as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all membership dues and donations made to the HVC are 100% tax deductible.
We ask that you consider making a contribution to the HVC in 1 of 4 ways:
REMAIN AN ACTIVE MEMBER
HVC memberships are charitable gifts that ensure the HVC can continue enhancing the educational and social experiences of Harvard’s student-athletes and alumni.
Receive a discount on 3-year (save $50) or 5-year memberships (save $125 -- buy four years, get one year free). | LEARN MORE
HVC members receive discounts on HVC events and merchandise—including new Varsity Lettersweaters and DHAs to replace those well-worn items in your drawer—a subscription to our e-newsletter, News & Views, and access to our member database.
BECOME A LIFETIME MEMBER
HVC Lifetime Memberships provide permanent funding for the HVC, lessen the Club’s dependence on annual dues and donations, and ensure that the HVC can make a lasting impact on the Harvard Athletics community. | LEARN MORE
GIFT A LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Is there an individual who made an outsized impact on your experiences at Harvard? Consider gifting a Lifetime Membership to commemorate their influence. | LEARN MORE
MAKE A GIFT
All donations to the HVC are 100% tax-deductible and help ensure the HVC can continue enhancing the educational and social experiences of Harvard’s student-athletes and alumni.
Questions? Email us at hvcmembership@fas.harvard.edu
YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
ENHANCES OUR CAREER SERVICES PROGRAM
The HVC remains committed to providing professional development, mentorship, and career networking assistance to current student-athletes and young alumni. Through networking opportunities, job postings, virtual events, and advising, the HVC works hard to support the Athletic Department's mission of 'Education Through Athletics.'
Our alumni are our best resource, and the Harvard community has stepped up to help our student-athletes navigate their career journey. Join the 400+ alumni who have volunteered to connect with student-athletes.
We also have 2,400+ members in our private LinkedIn group to network with each other and share professional opportunities.
The HVC hosts a job board for the HVC Community to post jobs and internship opportunities for student-athletes and young alumni. Interested in posting a job or internship? Email Taryn Braz, Assistant Director of Career Services, at tbraz@fas.harvard.edu.
J-Term is a University-wide initiative to create meaningful opportunities for student learning and development between the Fall and Spring semesters. The HVC is looking to develop a more robust J-Term program where we can connect student-athletes with alumni in their field of interest for internship or shadowing opportunities. This year, Harvard's winter session will run from December 19 - January 24, and we are looking for alums who would be willing to offer students a few hours, days, or weeks either in person or virtually.
YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER
Thanks to the generosity of our Lifetime and annual, dues-paying members, the Harvard Varsity Club continues making a positive impact on Harvard's 1,200+ student-athletes and supporting our vibrant community of alumni, parents, and friends. Below are just a few examples of how your financial support allows us to continue bringing student-athletes from all sports and all generations together under one roof.
Senior Letterwinners' Dinner
The Harvard Varsity Club and Department of Athletics honored the graduating student-athletes in the Class of 2022 at the Senior Letterwinners' Dinner on May 25.
More than 200 student-athletes were celebrated for their contributions to the culture and success of Harvard Athletics, and 11 major prizes were awarded during the Awards Show portion of the evening.
‘Major H’ action resumes after COVID timeout
President John F. Kennedy’s Harvard letter sweater sold at auction earlier this year for more than $85,000. To the current students who received theirs on Wednesday after earning a “Major H” for excellence in varsity athletics, their own small piece of Harvard and intercollegiate sports history feels just as treasured, if possibly not quite as collectible.
“There are a lot of great people who came before us,” said Kaedyn Odermann ’24, a member of the football team and Lowell House resident. “To be stepping in the same building and wearing a similar sweater that they wore, it really means a lot.”
HVC Golf Tournament
Nothing brings Harvard athletes from all sports together better than the Harvard Varsity Club’s annual golf tournament. After a year off …. WE WERE BACK!
Thank you to all of our sponsors and golfers for making this a day we won't soon forget.
2-time Olympian Gabby Thomas '19 in conversation
2-time Olympic medalist and 2019 Radcliffe Prize recipient Gabby Thomas '19 was the guest speaker at the 2021 HVC Annual Meeting.
In conversation with HVC President Johanna Boynton '88 and HVC Board Member Ngozi Musa '19, Gabby discussed how Harvard helped her grow as she explored her interests on-and-off the track, her experiences this past summer at both the Olympic Trials and Olympics, the mental strain faced by athletes today, and how having a balanced life helps her excel on the track.
"Act As If" -- A conversation with Kathy Delaney-Smith and Jackie MacMullan
The first step in becoming a winner is to act like one. Kathy Delaney-Smith’s philosophy, "Act As If," has guided her as the winningest basketball coach in Ivy League history. Entering her 40th season as The Friends of Harvard Women's Basketball Head Coach, Delaney-Smith has made the court her classroom and inspired countless women leaders who continue to break barriers while embracing her mantra.
The HVC was joined by Coach Delaney-Smith and legendary sportswriter, author, and TV personality Jackie MacMullan for a conversation on Coach Delaney-Smith's philosophy, mentorship, and the role of women in the sports industry.
3.2 for Ben
For the second straight year, we completed 3.2 miles in honor of the #32 Ben Abercrombie wore as a member of the Harvard football team. We witnessed as more than 800 individuals came together, raising nearly $85,000 for The Benson M. Abercrombie '21 Fund.
"It means a lot to me and my family. The benefits will help us pay for equipment, supplies, and technology I need for rehab, School, and other things to keep me healthy, further my path to graduation, and my path to healing.”
Top Female Finishers
- Felicia Pasadyn '22, Swimming & Diving, 19:16
- Jenna Bibro, 20:31
- Caitlin Hurley De Santi '97, Track & Field, 21:00
Top Male Finishers
- Brian Reis '12, Track & Field, 16:54
- Andrew Hebert '20, Lightweight Rowing, 17:50
- Michael Thomas, 18:46
Top Current Student-Athlete Finishers
- Felicia Pasadyn '22, Swimming & Diving, 19:16
- Westby Caspersen '22, Lightweight Rowing, 21:24
- Brock Locnikar '25, Football, 21:32
Top Top 50+ Female Finishers
- Janet Lennon-Jones, 24:34
- Ara Gershengorn '93, Basketball & Tennis, 24:35
- Cynthia Weber '88, Tennis, 25:55
Top Top 50+ Male Finishers
- Sean Thomas, 21:22
- John Brzezenski '91, Football & Track & Field, 21:55
- Greg O'Melia '83, Tennis, 23:16
Oldest Competitors
- John Lynch '54, Football, 89 years young
- Jack Reardon '60, 83 years young
- Keith Martin '62, Tennis, 81 years young
Youngest Competitors
- Rocco Kauppila, 1 year old
- Camille Bibro, 2 years old
- Rhys Kauppila, 3 years old
4th Annual Abercrombie Day at El Jefe's Taqueria
Abercrombie Day at El Jefe's Taqueria was back and better than ever!
On Tuesday, December 7, El Jefe's owner John Schall donated 100% of the money spent in his Harvard Square restaurant to The Abercrombie Fund. This included all in-person sales, online orders, delivery orders, and tips. And for those outside of Cambridge, or those looking for a socially distanced way to support the cause, all online gift card sales between December 5 and December 11 were also donated to The Abercrombie Fund.
In total, more than $40,000 was added to The Abercrombie Fund thanks to the generosity of John and his team at El Jefe's, setting a new Abercrombie Day record for most money raised!
"Teach. Lead. Serve." -- A conversation with Tommy Amaker
Good teams have good players, but great teams have great teammates. Whether it’s on the court or “Beyond the 94 x 50,” Tommy Amaker inspires great teammates.
His philosophy is ‘Teach. Lead. Serve.’ and by exposing his players to different experiences and perspectives, Coach Amaker has built a strong pipeline of lifelong learners and future leaders.
The HVC was joined by Coach Amaker, The Thomas G. Stemberg '71 Family Endowed Coach for Harvard Men's Basketball, and former men's basketball captain Christopher Egi '18 for a conversation on Coach Amaker's philosophy, his famed 'Breakfast Club,' and his leadership roles beyond Harvard to provide more opportunities to people of color.
The Michael Vollmer '90 Fund
In 2016, the Harvard Varsity Club established The Michael Vollmer '90 Fund to assist Harvard alumni athletes battling ALS and other neurological disorders. The fund is named in honor of Michael Vollmer '90, a two-time football letterwinner and All-Ivy League honorable mention selection who passed away on August 29, 2015 at age 48 after having been diagnosed 12 years earlier with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS.
To date, The Vollmer Fund has granted $120,000 to Harvard alumni athletes to help improve their quality of life.
Personal Finance For Athlete Millennials
The HVC was joind by Ami Shah '10, MBA'15 to help current student-athletes and young alumni navigate the world of personal finance.
YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
SUPPORTS THE FRIENDS GROUPS
During this time of social distancing it is more important than ever that we stay connected and engaged as a community. That is why the HVC has partnered with a number of Friends Groups to host as many unique, creative, and interesting virtual events as possible. A few examples are highlighted below.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Membership dues and additional donations are 100% tax deductible and ensure the HVC can continue enhancing the educational and social experiences of Harvard’s student-athletes and alumni.
LIFETIME MEMBERSHIPS
HVC Lifetime Memberships provide permanent funding for the HVC, lessen the Club’s dependence on annual dues and donations, and ensure that the HVC can make a lasting impact on the Harvard Athletics community.
BECOME A LIFETIME MEMBER BY:
Making a one-time, tax-deductible gift of $5,000 through the HVC website.
OR
Making a one-time, tax-deductible gift/pledge of $5,000 through Harvard University to the Harvard Varsity Club to receive Harvard College Class and Reunion credit—simply select 'Harvard Varsity Club' from the Fund dropdown.
OR
Giving through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) by;
- Selecting “Harvard Varsity Club”
- EIN: 04-2104295
- Designate "Lifetime Membership" in the memo or accompanying note
Lifetime Memberships purchased through the HVC website will not receive Harvard College Class or Reunion Credit, nor can they be applied against any existing pledges with Harvard or the HVC. HVC Lifetime Memberships are individual memberships and cannot be applied to more than one individual.
GIFT A LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Is there an individual who made an outsized impact on your experiences at Harvard? Consider gifting a Lifetime Membership using the same procedures listed above to commemorate their influence.
If you have any questions, please email Andrew Chesebro, Associate Director of Membership, Marketing, & Communications at chesebro@fas.harvard.edu.
ANNUAL AND MULTI-YEAR MEMBERSHIPS
Annual memberships are 100% tax deductible and become active and expire on a rolling basis. They run for 1, 3, or 5 calendar years—depending on which level you select—from the date we receive your dues.
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
5-YEAR $500 | Save $125 -- buy 4 years, get 1 year free
3-YEAR $325 | Savings of $50
ANNUAL $125 | Open to all alumni and friends of Harvard Athletics
RECENT GRADUATE $25 | Available until your 5th Reunion
RECENT GRADUATE 5-YEAR $125 | Lock your membership in at the lowest rate
If you'd like to gift someone an annual membership, please email chesebro@fas.harvard.edu.
Thank you for your support—past, present, and future—as we strive to fulfill our mission as ‘Your Team for Life.’