"They were very articulate young women looking for something for women at Harvard that is equivalent to what final clubs at their best can be," Sears says. "We're not talking about Animal Houses, but places where people can gather without a sense of competition and socialize."

Although the Bee is officially billed as a final club, it has never been a part of the ICC due to a technical rule in the bylaws stating that members of one club cannot enter another club without an invitation from a member.

Bee members would have to give up the ability to simply show up at a final club and get in if they want to join the ICC.

"I have a feeling that was a quick response to keep the Bee out originally," says Torres, who is working to make the Bee part of the ICC.

But Torres insisted that this doesn't mean her group wants to emulate the male model exactly.

"We haven't always been striving to be like the guys," Torres says.

But like its male counterparts, the Bee builds strong friendships and fosters an alumni network.

Torres says the Bee has given her much of what she wanted in Harvard, but she hopes for more.

"It's basically a problem because there isn't a sense of community on campus," she says. "Something just isn't working."

Sears says women have conveyed their frustration with the state of evening activities.

"They say, 'We can go to an a cappella concert and then the next night maybe we can go to an a cappella concert and then the next night...'" he says.

Sears says the University's refusal to recognize any of the all-male or all-female social organizations makes it much more difficult for women to establish what the men have.

"Young women want to feel they're on their own turf--not some guys' turf," he adds.

Proof Is In The...

Part of the irony of Sears' conversation with the Bee members was its location. The trustees of the Hasty Pudding Institute of 1770 turned the building over to the University in late April, a move many view as the death of the social club aspect of that organization.

Sears, who was a member of the Pudding as an undergraduate, says the club provided a unique co-ed experience.