By Dominic Moross ’90
It is with great pleasure that I write my inaugural letter, which I hope captures the spirit of the many events that have taken place at our club this past year.
Ivy is in fine form, both physically and pastorally, as a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of daily student life. Students flock to the Griffin Wing as a quiet place to study, marvel at the serene Women of Ivy Window, and enjoy our club’s many unique nooks and crannies which will serve as nostalgic personal mementoes in the years ahead.
As a governing board, we spend much time debating contemporary issues, focused on how best to improve the undergraduate experience while maintaining our traditions and unique status on the street. Our graduate house committee, comprised of Regan Kerney ’68, Corbin Miller ’71, and Caroline Shifke ’12, visit the club regularly to meet with undergraduate members, serving as a sounding board for any pressing issues.
The Club has been buzzing with activity and positive change. Our new chef, Jean Giunta, started in September, raising our kitchen’s culinary bar much to the pleasure of our undergraduate members. We have successfully transitioned to the multi-club Bicker process. Last year, 140 students bickered, of whom 75 were accepted as new members—a ratio consistent with past years. In addition to our leadership program, we launched “Off the Record” night, a highly successful initiative organized by Ryan Salvatore ’02 and Antony Taylor ’01, focusing on career perspectives.
Our Fall Alumni Dinner, held at the Racquet & Tennis Club, was well attended. As always, it was wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces. I don’t think I have ever seen the Club looking better, thanks to the valiant efforts of our board’s building committee, who oversaw the full refurbishment of the Cloak Room, restoration of the ceiling in the second floor Writing Room, roof work above the Winter Room, the repair of the terrace steps, and a number of other exterior projects.
We look forward to another busy year. I hope that you will be able to stop by the Club, have a meal and enjoy the new facilities—you will be most impressed. Please feel free to reach out with any thoughts or ideas about activities or speakers, both on and off campus, or if you would like to become more involved in any way.
All the best,
Dominic Moross ’90