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Harvard Club of Naples
Proudly serving alumni in Southwest Florida
Dedicated to fellowship, scholarship, and local service
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Monthly Newsletter
August, 2026
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We hope you are having a wonderful summer! While many of us are enjoying cooler temperatures up north or a quieter pace here in Southwest Florida, your programming committee has been hard at work crafting an incredible lineup for our upcoming 2026–2027 season. They can always use help. Let us know if you are interested.
Driven by your feedback from our recent club surveys, we are focusing on a dynamic mix of high-caliber intellectual discussions, unique regional excursions, fine arts, and popular sports and social outings.
While specific dates and venues are still being finalized, here is a preview of the tentative events currently in the works for next season.
Distinguished Speakers & Intellectual Panels
- Discussion with Ambassador William Taylor: We are thrilled to be working on a special engagement featuring former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor for an insightful discussion on global affairs.
- Tech Panel & Arthrex Outing: Back by popular demand, we are planning a cutting-edge Tech Panel, as well as another highly anticipated outing to Arthrex, including a tour and dinner.
Fine Arts, Culture & Museums
- Revs Institute Car Museum Tour: Experience a guided private tour exploring world-class automotive history at the renowned Revs Institute.
- An Evening with Gulfshore Opera: Enjoy an exclusive opera night and dinner featuring Gulfshore Opera artists.
- Gulfshore Playhouse Outing: A theater night to catch "Fundraiser: A Play - A World Premiere," a brilliant comedy by Brent Askari.
- Baker Museum Excursion: A private tour exploring a fascinating photography exhibit by a legendary Rolling Stones photographer capturing 1960s music and Woodstock.
Casual Socials, Watch Parties & Dining Series
- Harvard-Yale Football Watch Party: Get ready to cheer on the Crimson together for "The Game"—one of our favorite annual traditions!
- Bi-Monthly Casual Lunches: A low-commitment, frequent meet-up format where members can simply grab a sandwich and connect.
- The Dinner Series: Curated dinners at top local restaurants with dedicated gathering spaces for pre-dinner cocktails and conversation.
- Park Performances & Casual Hangouts: Bring a lawn chair and picnic for casual gatherings around live performances at Cambier Park in Naples and the Bandshell at Bonita Springs.
Sports & Recreation
- Spring Training & Everblades Hockey: Boston sports and local fan favorites return with another Red Sox spring training baseball outing and an action-packed Florida Everblades hockey game.
- Interactive Social Sports: Friendly group outings to TopGolf and a relaxed afternoon of Croquet.
Signature Club Traditions
- Welcome Back Event (November): Our official season kickoff to welcome everyone back to Naples!
- Annual Holiday Party (January): Celebrate the season together with fellow alumni and guests.
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Harvard Club of Naples Launching New Tutoring Initiative for Fall 2026
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Mark Shacklette, MTS '85
Chair, Harvard Club of Naples Tutoring
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Mark raised his hand and volunteered to help the Club expand its philanthropic efforts. He is coordinating a new educational initiative, inspired by similar successful alumni programs in Seattle, Boston, and Chicago. These clubs leverage alumni talents to improve academic outcomes and lives in under-resourced communities.
Local organizations in Southwest Florida urgently need volunteer tutors for youth homework help, character building, and leadership development. While elementary and middle school volunteers are common, there is a critical shortage of high school tutors due to a lack of volunteers confident in STEM subjects.
The Naples club is piloting a program with New Horizons of Southwest Florida, which serves under-resourced, primarily Hispanic youth (Spanish fluency is not required). Future partnerships may include the North Naples Education Center and the Guadalupe Center.
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