Since Harvard recognized Naval ROTC in March, other elite universities, such as Yale and Columbia, have followed suit.

Though the reception—which attracted a mainly male audience in gingham shirts and close cropped hair—was targeted at new students, many second and third year students also attended the event.

Regan Turner—a second year student in the joint Kennedy and Business School program, who served in the Marine Corps—said that he appreciated the University’s efforts to reach out to the military service members.

“This demonstrates that the school cares, and that vets shouldn’t feel awkward about their service but instead embrace it and share their experiences,” Turner said.

“I’ve come away very impressed by Harvard in the way they’ve made efforts during my past twelve months,” added Michael Harrison, a second year at the Kennedy School.

The choice of venue for the event was significant, and it was clear that after a 40-year absence the event sought to make a point of bringing members of the military back into the Harvard community. During World War II, Loeb House housed a Navy training program, but since then it has become the site of formal University meetings and functions for groups like the Harvard Corporation, the University’s highest governing body.

Friday’s event was held in the house’s lavish ballroom, a space with glittering chandeliers, a large fireplace with an expansive mirror above its mantle, and a parquet floor. The speeches were followed by an outdoor reception complete with waiters and white linens.

—Staff writer Tara W. Merrigan can be reached at tmerrigan@college.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Zoe A. Y. Weinberg can be reached at zoe.weinberg@college.harvard.edu.