Isis Debuts as Women's Club

As each of the eight men’s final clubs sent out punch notifications last week, the Isis, a new women’s social organization, mailed its first punch invitations as well.

Currently, the only woman’s organization comparable to the all-male final clubs is the Bee.

Isis founders said they hope to close the gender gap on the campus social scene.

“Same-sex clubs have many advantages for building friendships,” Acting President and Co-Punchmaster Sarah C. Geisler ’03 said. “We wanted to give women this option.”

Founded by a core 16-member group last spring, the Isis plans to host social events such as campus-wide parties as well as members-only get-togethers.

“The opportunity to meet other people, especially girls, is always worthwhile, but I’m hoping the Isis has a cause,” said Katie S. Daines ’04, who has been punched for the club.

The Isis will, however, be a purely social club, with no predetermined agenda, said Jennifer F. Miranda ’03, Isis founder and co-punchmaster.

“We’re looking for girls who want to have a good time,” Miranda said.

The Isis has no homebase yet, although Geisler said the group anticipates eventually purchasing a club space. The club will be using the Fox Club house for its first punch event.

Isis founders said they do not think of their organization as a final club, although they will host similar activities.

“We are a middle ground between the Bee and the Seneca,” Geisler said, drawing a distinction between the more exclusive Bee and open application, broader-based Seneca.

Isis was the name of the Egyptian goddess of love, motherhood and marital devotion.

One hundred thirty women were punched, with the club planning on accepting about 40.

The money for the events will be coming mostly from the founders’ pockets, although Miranda said the club has also collected donations from Harvard alumni.

Club organizers said they are still undecided about the cost of membership dues.