Both Petschek and Fuhrmann describe the club as a place where diverse people can meet and get support for whatever projects they wish to launch.

For example, Petschek says, the Hasty Pudding is producing a magazine to be published in April or May.

Although the building provides members with a variety of advantages--including a lounge open 24 hours a day with cable TV, a pool table and a piano--Petschek says the club's motto, "In companionship we go," reflects the Pudding's true benefit.

The club sponsors a variety of activities, including monthly open house dances, each with its own theme. There are also dinners and brunches on various holidays such as Christmas, Easter and St. Patrick's Day.

Petschek says the club will launch a huge fundraising campaign next year to raise money to remodel the theater.

Anna C. Volinkaty '95, who became a member last fall, says she was wary of the club at first because of its elitist reputation. But she says she has found the club to be a great organization.

"The club is very valuable because it's the only place where all four classes, men and women alike, hang out on an equal footing," says another member.

Students pay $210 to join the club, and an additional $120 each semester.

Volinkaty says the club is definitely worth the fee. She compares it to the final clubs, some of which charge several thousand dollars per year.

But other students say the club isn't the best--or cheapest--way to make friends.

Says one former member, "It's a hypersocialite environment which is not very conducive to sincere friendships."

TOMORROW: In the last installment of the series, Anna D. Wilde reports on the Signet Society.