SOCH Shows “Grey’s Anatomy”

Every Thursday night at 9 p.m., a group of about 15 dedicated Harvard undergraduates trek to the Quad to watch the ABC hit show “Grey’s Anatomy” at the Student Organization Center at Hilles (SOCH).

Munching on free popcorn and candy, the students join about 30 Quadlings in the basement of the Quad Library, where they watch the latest drama at their favorite fictional hospital unfold on a 30-foot screen.

“I’ve been coming with a group of friends every week since the premiere,” said Lisa X. Jing ’10, who lives in DeWolfe, at last night’s showing. “It’s fun to come see ‘Grey’s’ in a theater.”

The screenings are intended to draw non-Quad residents to the SOCH, which has proven a challenge since its opening in 2005.

In addition to providing free snacks, SOCH offers free smoothies from the Penthouse Coffee Bar on the top floor to any student organization that brings 10 or more students to the showing.

SOCH chose to show “Grey’s Anatomy”—which the New York Times called a “sagging hospital soap opera,” in a review this month—after consulting student opinion. “Grey’s Anatomy” is listed as the favorite show of Facebook.com users in the Harvard network.

“A lot of people have ‘Grey’s’ scheduled into their week,” said Lauren M. Freid ’08, the events coordinator at SOCH.

“It’s a good way for people to overcome the stigma that the Quad is far away,” Freid added.

The SOCH’s manager, David R. Friedrich, said he hopes the strong viewership of the weekly screenings is indicative of a positive step towards encouraging students to use the center.

“‘Grey’s’ is an excuse to get people into the building,” Friedrich said. “Once they get through the door they realize all the other amazing opportunities that are offered here.”

In addition to funding social programs, SOCH supports student organizations. Groups can take advantage of resources ranging from a free recording studio to weekly workshops.

SOCH also hosts gallery openings that display student artwork at the Coffee Bar, picks up tabs for student organizations that want to project copyrighted movies in its theater, and organizes “Coffee with a View” forums in which faculty members discuss eclectic topics with students.