In May 2002, the Harvard Alumni Association launched the HAA Global Series in an effort to bring Harvard to alumni worldwide. Since that first symposium in Beijing, alumni from around the world have gathered in historic cities throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. We have traveled to London, Mexico City, New Delhi, and Toronto. In Shanghai this past year, we welcomed more than 600 alumni and friends from 31 nations—the largest turnout in the history of the event.

The Global Series—like the University itself—reflects the breadth and diversity of our students and faculty, enormously talented women and men who have expanded the boundaries of Harvard’s scholarly interests to all corners of the globe. How fitting, then, that next March we will reconvene in Cape Town, South Africa, our fourth Global Series continent and a region of extraordinary cultural, intellectual, and economic importance. Significant numbers of faculty and students are deeply involved in work that relates to Africa.

Working in partnership with regional alumni, the HAA will bring us together to explore important academic themes and University priorities, including strengthening Harvard’s academic connections with Africa. The conference will draw top faculty, alumni panelists, and other speakers whose work focuses on the region. And, for many of us, the weekend will provide another opportunity to meet new colleagues and renew old friendships.

Please join me in Cape Town for the 2009 HAA Global Series. I look forward to seeing you at what promises to be an extraordinary event.

Drew Faust
President of Harvard University
Lincoln Professor of History