The Harvard Club of New Jersey cordially invites you to the 122nd Annual Dinner
On: Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 at 6:30 pm
At: The Highlawn, Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange, NJ
With: Honored Guest and Speaker – Dr. Dehlia Umunna
Celebrate more than a century of Harvard fellowship at the Harvard Club of New Jersey’s Annual Dinner on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, set against the unforgettable skyline views of The Highlawn atop Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange. Since 1904, HCNJ has brought New Jersey alumni together to strengthen ties to Harvard through community, service, and shared tradition, and this year’s gathering continues that legacy in a truly landmark setting.
Savor an extraordinary evening featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, a carving station, and a seated buffet dinner prepared by The Highlawn’s renowned culinary team, followed by a full selection of bite-sized desserts.
The venue offers valet parking, accessible entry, and elevator access to event spaces, helping ensure alumni and guests of all abilities can comfortably enjoy the evening.
Speaker — Dr. Dehlia Umunna
Topic: “Forgiveness and Due Process”
The Harvard Club of New Jersey proudly welcomes Professor Delia Umunna, Clinical Professor of Law and Faculty Deputy Director of the Criminal Justice Institute at Harvard Law School, as the keynote speaker for our 2026 Annual Dinner.
A leading voice in criminal law, indigent defense, and restorative justice, Professor Umunna trains the next generation of advocates while advancing reforms that blend accountability with compassion. Professor Umunna is nationally recognized for her work in criminal law, indigent defense, and restorative justice. At Harvard, she leads the Criminal Justice Institute, where she mentors law students representing clients in criminal and juvenile cases.
Born in London and raised in Nigeria and the U.S., she brings a global perspective to questions of justice, fairness, and mercy. Before joining the Harvard Law faculty, she served as a public defender and has spent her career advancing second chances for those marginalized by the criminal system.
Her keynote address, “Forgiveness and Due Process” will reflect on how constitutional protections and personal grace can coexist—and how both are essential to sustaining a just society. Professor Umunna’s scholarship and service continue to shape national conversations about criminal justice reform, equity, and moral repair.
Support the HCNJ J-Term Internship Program
The Annual Dinner is the Harvard Club of New Jersey’s primary fundraising event supporting our J-Term Internship Program, which sponsors $1,500 stipends for New Jersey Harvard undergraduates who intern for local non-profit organizations each January.
Your generosity helps sustain and expand this vital program, enabling students to explore potential careers while giving back to New Jersey communities.
Donation Levels (tax-deductible):
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Sponsor — $500
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Supporter — $250
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Patron — $100
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Friend — Any amount is greatly appreciated
If you have any questions, please contact HCNJ Vice President E Rowe Urquhart at erica.urquhart@gmail.com.
Ready to join us for an extraordinary evening?
Secure your seat for the 2026 HCNJ Annual Dinner by purchasing your tickets below.