Dov Hoch, C'86

Making History through Regional Participation

Ask any one of The Penn Club of Israel's 400 members how their sleepy Mediterranean group became, in just 12 months, one of the most active and fast-growing within the University's alumni network and they'll respond with two words: Dov Hoch. "Since taking on the presidency, Dov has moved the club ahead at an incredible pace, creating a sense of momentum that is really exciting" says Dave Wolf, GL'02, head of the club's Jerusalem branch.

Known for his high energy, love of Penn, and knack for networking, Hoch is in many ways a natural for the position. But it is his insight into the unique role American universities play in the lives of their Israeli alumni that has distinguished his presidency to date.

"In Israel," says Hoch, "young people simply don't have the opportunity to experience university life the way they do in the US. After graduating from high school, they go directly into the army and while many attend Israeli universities after serving, their experience doesn't include the kind of rich campus life Penn and other American universities provide. It's no surprise," he adds, "that the Israeli-born students who choose to study at Penn fall hard for it. They really embrace Penn's history and sense of spirit."

Hoch has worked hard to tap into that distinct university spirit, creating events and resources that build not only on what he calls "our rah rah Penn spirit" but also on the general affinity many Ivy alumni living in Israel feel for their universities. Hoch's first event, The Penn Israel Regatta, an Ivy League yacht race in the Mediterranean, involved seven Ivy alumni groups in collegiate competition -- each skippering a yacht (with the help of at least one experienced sailor on board).

The political philosophy major who moved to Israel after graduation and now manages defense and security projects has also developed the Penn clubhouse. Located in a section of a popular Herzelia restaurant\bar and decorated with Penn memorabilia, the space is providing "a Penn home away from home" for local alumni and Penn people passing through. Scheduled events include young alumni mixers, business forums, as well as a January celebration marking Ben Franklin's birthday.

These undertakings complement a range of other club initiatives -- hosting Penn professors, students, and other alumni visiting the country; mentoring recent Penn grads in Israel; helping to connect incoming Israeli Penn students with the University; and building a dedicated Penn Israel website.

"There's great enthusiasm for Penn here. We just had to access it," Hoch says. With a solid base of support now in place in Israel, he looks forward to creating even more powerful links extending beyond the country. At the top of his busy to do list for the coming year: building stronger connections with Penn alumni worldwide.

Learn more about the Penn Israel Club at groups.yahoo.com/group/PennIsrael