Like most young lads in West Yorkshire, England, Harvey Chapel ’93 wasn’t picturing the Finger Lakes when contemplating his college future. But as captain of the England U22 basketball team, he caught the eye of recruiters from near and far – and Keuka College came through with a game-changing offer.
Making the 3,600-mile leap to join the Wolves ended up being a smart move both for Harvey’s on-court development and his professional trajectory. Undecided on a specific career path, he appreciated Keuka College’s liberal arts model, which allowed him to explore a variety of fields.
“In the UK, if you’re doing a degree in a particular subject, you’re pretty much just studying that subject,” Harvey recalled. “At Keuka College, it’s more like a 50-50 split between your major and other courses. So, I majored in Management, because that seemed like a sensible option, and because I knew I would get exposure to lots of other things.”
As he progressed in his studies, Harvey grew more and more interested in the art and science of leadership. Like all KC undergrads, he got the opportunity to engage in one Field Period® internship each year, and he capitalized on these experiences to build his business skillset.
One experience stands out in particular: “I was taking a marketing course, so for my Field Period that year, I undertook a marketing project to help optimize Keuka College’s enrollment strategy.”
“It was incredibly powerful to be able to apply what we were being taught in class to a real-world challenge. Keuka College was great for learning the things that really matter for success in your career.”
Meanwhile, as a student-athlete, Harvey learned other applicable life lessons in dedication and teamwork. A strong rebounder and shot blocker, he was a formidable interior defensive presence and a serious “glue guy” on the 1990-91 roster that went 19-6 – the team’s winningest season on record.
“I run my business the way I played basketball,” Harvey said. “I still have the same mindset about practice – because success is a process – and about applying skills in a systematic fashion.”
Today, Harvey leads Barclays Private Bank in the northwest of England. In this role, he is responsible for advising some of the country’s top entrepreneurs and managing more than $8 billion in assets.
“I focus on helping my clients to grow and protect their wealth while fostering their other business interests,” explained Harvey, who was recently shortlisted for UK Private Banker of the Year by Citywealth Weekly. “It’s a great role and I’ve been very fortunate, with many valued mentors along the way.”
Like his arrival at the shores of Keuka Lake, Harvey’s return path to England was serendipitous. Keuka College had a four-plus-one agreement with Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y., and Harvey was awarded a full academic scholarship to pursue his MBA.
“My Keuka College education was excellent preparation for that program,” Harvey said, “and when I came back to the UK with both of those degrees, I was in a great position.”
He was initially recruited by the global investment firm AllianceBernstein and moved over to Barclays in 2012.
Harvey is still an unstoppable force on the court, too. As a member of the FIMBA GB MO55 squad – who “looks like a forward but thinks like a guard,” according to the head coach – he has been picked to compete in the 17th World Maxibasketball Championship in Switzerland this summer.
For KC students who aspire to Harvey’s soaring achievements in sports and business, he offers this advice:
“Keuka College is a special place, and you’ve got a whole community that really cares – so take full advantage of every chance to learn inside and outside the classroom.”
