the hive, alive!
The fall semester is wrapping up and the Hive is abuzz with activity. Our current undergraduates are busy creating art and gathering together, testing out who they will be as artists and writers. Several drones collaborated on and starred in a spectacular production on the Loeb Proscenium of the musical In the Heights by Lin-Manuel
Miranda; some are writing their own plays and screenplays; and others recently hosted an art and craft showcase displayed throughout the Signet, for the entertainment of all. “Open mic” nights are always crowded and provide opportunities for all Harvard undergraduates to test out new comedy materials, join a jam session with other musicans, or try out some new theater improv. This is where creativity gets its spark, in a happy and welcoming space. The Signet is a place to meet
creative people and try something new. We know that fun has been had if we find the percussion instruments left out and the furniture arranged for an impromptu performance. If that was what appealed to you when you were an undergrad, you’ll be happy to know it continues—the arts at Harvard are still an essential part of college life.
One recent Friday afternoon, Becky Cooper ’10 stopped in for an informal tea and visit with current members. Becky, who is the author of the recently released We Keep the Dead Close, gave advice on how to navigate an early career as a writer and reporter and how to stay motivated when forging one’s own creative professional path.
Weinvite you to follow Becky’s lead—come visit us and share your stories and experiences. Lunches are Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 12:15 pm, or drop by some other time. Reach out to the Membership Office at office@signetsociety.org to confirm someone will be here or simply knock on the door. A comfortable seat in the Library awaits...
Spotlight on our a rtiSt-in-r eSidence
Current Artist in Residence KeeHup Yong ’19 spends most of his days on set as a producer on the PBS/WETA TV show America’s Test Kitchen, creating segments that focus on cooking content for children. In his spare time, however, he has transformed his upstairs apartment at the Hive into a creative livestream studio for his performance art. In KeeHup’s own words: “I have recently turned my love of talking too much, making weird installations, and playing games into a Twitch live-stream, which has been both very weird, and very great to learn and grow with the explosion of live content during our pandemic. I have never had more fun with a mixed medium. Sometimes, projects just
feel right and like they’ll stick with you for a while.” Check out KeeHup’s streams online at twitch.tv/keehup. It’s wonderful to know he is exploring and creating work within our walls and finding his audience as an artist in the digital age.
The Signet Associates
Autumn 2022
Dear Signet graduates, affiliates, and friends, This past year, everyone has worked hard to revive our community after the College’s closure. Our students elected new members and organized events appealing to the broader undergraduate body. Our staff reorganized our gala 150th +2! anniversary celebration, happily attended by our loyal membership, and now the board of the Signet Associates has overseen a generational transition of management. All this is in support of the idea that the arts and letters are at the core of a good education. It is the Society’s task to provide a home for the next generation of writers, artists, actors, musicians, dancers, filmmakers and all creative minds.
Can you do your part as well? Your contribution, large or small, will be put to hard work and confirms your commitment to future generations. If you’re a recent graduate, your $30 donation says we mean something to you. If life has treated you well, perhaps you can afford a gift of $1,000 or $5,000 ( or more! ). Of course, there are many opportunities in between. As the Reverend Gomes was fond of saying, “Think of the highest number you can reasonably afford— then add a zero!”
The Signet receives no support from Harvard, and yet we provide something vital to the College community not available elsewhere on campus. You’re a part of that vitality, and we are grateful for your help. With hope and optimism,
Bryan E. Simmons
Thomas F. Kelly
Professor Thomas F. Kelly President Chair Bryan E. Simmons ’83welcome back & goodbye!
This fall has brought some changes to the Signet’s Membership Office. Join us in welcoming back Liz Walker ’11, who returns to the Signet after a career in ballet. Liz danced with Los Angeles Ballet as a soloist; more recently, she has worked in local government and higher education administration. Liz is excited to focus on creating a resilient Signet Society for the 21st century; encouraging fruitful exchanges among undergraduates and faculty, alumni, and local artists; and shepherding the organization into a transformative new chapter. She looks forward to meeting and reconnecting with all of YOU, as we continue building our creative community.
She succeeds our longtime friend Mark Hruby ’78, who has retired after twelve years of service. His tenure was a productive time at the Hive, marked by physical and cultural improvements. From the basement archives to the roof, there isn’t a part of the Signet Society that hasn’t become more lasting, beautiful, and betterorganized by Mark’s thoughtful efforts. He will be missed and yet we hope that, as an artist who creates art and lives it, Mark will stay in touch.
His brilliant office colleague, Julia Steigerwald Schnall ’18, departed the Signet this summer as well, having begun her medical school studies at Weill Cornell Medical School in New York City. Julia created an organizational office structure that we hope will make Liz’s tasks much clearer. We thank you for all you’ve done for the Society, Julia!
Signet ASSociAteS
executive committee
Prof. Thomas Forrest Kelly, Chair
Bryan Eric Simmons ’83, President
Thomas F. Moore ’98, Treasurer
John H. Finley IV ’92, Clerk
Stephen Coit ’71, At Large Matthew C. Lee ’91, At Large
FinAnce committee
Thomas F. Moore ’98, Chair Winthrop Minot ’73 Jonathan Moses ’88
BoArd oF ASSociAteS
Jill Abramson ’76
Megan Amram ’10
Alison Blount ’11
Susan Stevenson Borowitz ’81
Mimi Brown ’97
Agnes Chu ’02
Stephen Coit ’71
Prof. Diana Eck Steve Ekert ’20
John H. Finley IV ’92
Charles Gertler ’13
John W. Gillespie, Jr. ’76 Meg Gleason ’94
Julie Glucksman ’87
Devon Guinn ’17 Sam Hagen ’18 Joel Henning ’61 Richard Hyland ’69 Meredith James ’04 Kenneth M. Kaufman ’69
Prof. Thomas Forrest Kelly Daniel Kim ’97 Christopher Laconi Matthew C. Lee ’91 Kathleen Lusk Brooke Winthrop Minot ’73
Thomas F. Moore ’98 Jonathan Moses ’88
Philip Munger ’95
Patrick O’Donnell ’67
Devonne Pitts ’21
Auguste Roc ’17
Bryan Eric Simmons ’83 Prof. John Stilgoe
ArtiSt-in-reSidence
KeeHup Yong ’19
cheF
Donna Coppola
chieF AdminiStrAtor Elizabeth C. Walker ’11
Photos by drone Daniel Huang ’22