53 Dunster Street Connects Campus
53 Dunster Street, the residence of Dean of Students Tom Dunne, has become a central hub for learning, connecting, and growing together.
Throughout the academic year, 53 Dunster holds networking opportunities, engaging dinners, and dynamic social events for organizations, offices, and boards across campus to engage with the Dean of Students Office.
The residence plays a vital role in shaping a supportive and inclusive environment for students, providing a friendly setting for engaging dialogue, meaningful connections, and shared experiences. Throughout the year, Dean Dunne hosted more than 50 gatherings for students, faculty, and staff members across the College and graduate schools.
“In our decision to come to Harvard, a key part of it was the opportunity to live as a family amongst the students," shared Dean of Students, Tom Dunne. "I've been struck by how meaningful it is to students to realize that they're entering into a home where a family lives. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to provide a resource for students to promote things that are interesting or important to them and connect with the broader Harvard community. My hope is that by going to these socials at 53 Dunster, students may be more inclined to go to open office hours, reach out to alumni for career advice, or connect with students that they may not have met socially, and they're able to better recognize the opportunities this immersive residential community provides.”
Dean Jason Meier speaks with two IOP students during the Pennsylvania social at Dean Dunne’s residence.
Harvard Undergraduates for Bipartisan Solutions Mixer
In December 2025, the Harvard Undergraduates for Bipartisan Solutions (HUBS) hosted a mixer at 53 Dunster for students from the Intellectual Vitality Initiative, Our Harvard College, and the Institute of Politics (IOP), bringing together organizations at the College whose missions center around fostering dialogue and civil discourse on campus. The event presented an opportunity for these organizations to think of new ways to partner and collaborate through mission-driven programming.
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Dean Dunne in conversation with a group of students during the social.
Three students share a laugh while enjoying food at the social.
Two IOP students share some words during the HUBS social attendees.
A group photo of attendees at the HUBS social.
IOP Hosts a Pennsylvania Social
In the fall 2025 semester, students from the Institute of Politics (IOP) joined forces with Dean Dunne to host a reception for Visiting Fellow Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.
Dean Dunne viewed this as an ideal opportunity to have current students from Pennsylvania meet a dedicated public servant and build camaraderie between students. The night was filled with laughter, students swapping hometown stories, and a Pennsylvania-style reception featuring cheese steaks, pierogies, and Pittsburgh salads.
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Senator Toomey in conversation with a student during the Pennsylvania reception.
A group of students all gathered during the reception eating and socializing.
Six students hold up a Pennsylvania state flag for a photo.
Dean Dunne & Dean Claybaugh pose with two students holding up the Pennsylvania state flag.
Harvard RAZA at 53 Dunster Street
Dean Dunne opened his home to connect the Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA student organization to faculty and staff that teach, create programs, and conduct research about Latin American culture.
Through their shared goal of creating space, visibility, and community for Mexican students, the opportunity raised students’ awareness of programs and partners to strengthen their programming.
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Dean Dunne celebrates staff member Sherlyn Provost for her thoughtful curation of the event during his remarks.
Sherlyn Provost shares words about the event and its personal meaning to her with attendees of the social.
Dean Dunne speaking to an international supreme court justice and visiting faculty member during the social.
Five students hold up a Mexican flag and pose for a photo.
Students Center Mattering
Students from the Mattering Initiative Advisory Board (MIAB) met with staff from the Office of Culture & Community to think of meaningful ways to integrate mattering into College programming, residential culture, student organizations, and the international student community. Attendees were encouraged to share their ideas for mattering by attaching their notes on activity sheets throughout the house.
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Dean Mauro talks to two students on the Mattering Initiative Advisory Board (MIAB) while enjoying hors d'oeuvres.
Cabot House Administrator, Palmer Berry claps as the group shares a mattering moment during the reception.
Students huddles in a group share moments of mattering.
A student on the Mattering Initiative Advisory Board (MIAB) writing out a post it note sharing ideas to spread mattering on campus.
Students & Alumni Connect About Climate
The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation Undergraduate Fund for Climate and the Environment hosted a mixer for students to meet alumni working in the climate and sustainability sectors. The Wold Johnson Climate Initiative supports teaching, student activities, research, and other activities related to the undergraduate study of sustainability and the environment. The mixer helped students network with alumni about their interests and consider impact-driven sustainability work for their post-Harvard careers.
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Alumni and students sharing a laugh during the climate social at 53 Dunster Street.
Students and alumni socializing during the climate mixer.
A student and alumni in conversation on the porch of 53 Dunster Street during the climate social.
Dean Dunne talking to students and alumni during the social.
Celebrating Military Service
For Veterans Day, the Harvard Foundation hosted Harvard community members in Memorial Church to honor those who have served in the armed forces. Proceeding the program, Dean Dunne hosted a reception for veterans and their families, highlighting the vast experiences within the faculty, staff, and student population.
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Two guests shake hands and greet each other at the 53 Dunster Street reception.
Three students engage in deep conversation during the Veterans Day reception.
The kitchen of 53 Dunster Street filled with guests at the Veterans Day reception.
Dean Dunne addresses his guests and families during the Veterans Day reception.
Five veteran students greet each other in the kitchen while sharing a drink.
Photos by Sameer Khan of Fotobuddy, LLC & Sabrina Debrosse courtesy of the Dean of Students Office.
