Partners’ Club Strives to Broaden Appeal
The HBS Partners’ Club has a new name — Section P — and a new mission: to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional base of wives with kids.
“We decided to rebrand the organization to appeal to men and partners without kids,” explains Kim Sundy, copresident for 2003–2004. “We wanted to demonstrate that the club is not a mommies and babies sewing circle, but a cohesive group of people with different backgrounds who are enjoying a new and different phase in their lives.”
The Partners’ Club was founded in 1984 to help students’ “significant others” become a part of the HBS community. Over the years, it has hosted guest speakers and interest groups, organized athletic activities and outings, and provided job information.
Recently, however, some partners have expressed dissatisfaction with the club. A poll conducted in April 2003 faulted the club for catering primarily to the 29 percent of members with children. Men said they did not join because the events focused on women.
As a result, this past year the copresidents decided to make the organization more responsive to all partners’ needs. They started by rewriting the club’s charter to emphasize the importance of helping “nonstudents to adjust to a new lifestyle and find support in others who have faced similar emotions and situations.” The club took a big step toward diversification by adding a men’s committee, which attracted ten members.
Dean Myers, copresident-elect for 2004–2005, says the club has shown a new willingness “to find a fit for all its members.”
“We’re thrilled that the club was able to make such big strides this year,” says Barbara A. Siegfriedt, codirector of MBA student and academic services. “We recognize partners as a valuable part of the HBS community. If they are not happy, it will affect the students’ experience.”
— Shawna Frieze
