What is the Torch Club?
The Torch Club is an affiliate of the International Association of Torch Clubs (IATC), formed in 1924 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The IATC’s mission is to broaden the intellectual horizons of a wide range of professionals through monthly speakers and question-and-answer sessions.
Torch Clubs operate in 70 locations in the United States and Canada, each drawing its membership from the local professional community. Over 90 years, the Albany Torch Club has provided considerable support to the IATC. Four of the international organization’s presidents were elected from the ranks of the Albany Torch Club, including Richard Lynch, who currently serves as President of the IATC Torch Foundation. The foundation supports the Norris H. Paxton Lectureship, publication of articles in the Torch Magazine and new club development initiatives.
The Albany chapter has some 50 members and meets on the first Mondays of most months from October to June at 5:30 p.m. at the University Club. Torch meetings are temporarily via Zoom due to the pandemic. Members gather for convivial cocktail chatter, then settle down for the presentation, discussion and dinner. 2015-2016 Torch Club presentations included the debt crisis in Puerto Rico, the controversies surrounding end-of-life decisions, and the management of the Capital Region’s complicated electrical grid system.
If you are a professional person who enjoys talking — and listening — are a little curious, and likes associating with others in good fellowship, you will enjoy a Torch Club meeting.