A note from incoming Club President, Charlie Graham

June 25, 2018

Dear Members,
It was an honour to be elected President of the Harvard Club of Australia at our AGM on 12 June 2018.  I’m very much looking forward to working with the new Board and Council in extending the activities and impact of the Club.  Our recently completed strategic review clarified the Club’s mission as “To make a difference as a Harvard community in Australia”.  This mission is delivered in ways that benefit Harvard, Australia and our members.

It is an exciting time for the Club and for me as President.  The strategic review has provided us with clarity as to Club direction and also, importantly, an operating model that allows for much broader engagement and contribution.

My predecessor, Justin Greiner, not only led the Club through two years of growth but was also the champion of the strategic review.  Under Justin’s leadership, The Harvard Club of Australia was awarded Harvard’s international club of the year recognition in 2017, we hosted a gala event with Prime Minister Turnbull and grew the reach of the scholarship programs.  On behalf of all members of the Club, I would like to formally thank Justin for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the Club’s success.

The strategic review process involved the commitment and input of many.  However, two Club members played key leadership roles in this process, Chris Smith and Tom Saar.  Both Chris and Tom gave their time, experience and expertise in a manner that is above and beyond any expectation of volunteer members.  At the AGM, Chris and Tom were both elected Life Members of the Club and presented with a small gift and certificate to acknowledge the long-term impact they have both had on the health of the Club.

The new Board is:
President ...................................................Charles Graham MBA ‘01
Vice President for Chapters & Sigs...............Elizabeth Carr MPA ‘04
Vice President for Harvard ..........................Peter Hasko PMD ‘93
Vice President for Members........................Kimberly Everett MUP ‘98
Vice President for Australia .........................Christopher Smith MBA ‘77
Vice President for Club and Treasurer..........Tom Saar MBA ‘87

I encourage all members to participate as a leader or attendee in as many of the Club’s activities as possible.  That is how we will deliver on our mission of making a difference.

Thank you all for your trust in electing me as President and I look forward to working with you through my term.
Regards,
Charlie