Bok noted that there had been "some ambivalence" about the Foundation in several areas of the University, but added.

"I wouldn't be too pessimistic" about its chances for success.

Bok added that the University had not asked for--and Counter had not made--a specific time commitment to the Foundation.

John B. Fox Jr. '60, dean of the college, headed the search committee that selected Counter. Archie C. Epps IU. dean of students, and Mack I. Davis, director of advanced standing, were the other members.

"We looked at a number of candidates inside and outside the University." Fox said yesterday, adding that Counter's "energy and enthusiasm and knowledge of the University all weighed heavily in his favor."

Gomes said it would be "desirable" to regain the support of the students who rejected the Foundation in March. "Credible programming and performance and time will be most important," Gomes said.

"I don't think success can be measured in a semester or even two or three years," he added, saying the appropriate time would be more like "one or two college generations."

In general, according to the Gomes Committee Report, the Foundation will be concerned with public policy programs in cooperation with appropriate Harvard graduate schools: intercultural events that encourage undergraduates to share ideas: and supporting related efforts by other University organizations.

Counter has already asked author Alex Haley. Boston Symphony conductor Seiji Ozawa. and United Nations Treasurer Rivington Winant to serve as Foundation associates.

Counter came to Harvard in 1970 as an associate in Neurology and assistant neurophysiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, after having received a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University. He became assistant professor of biology and 1972 and associate professor of biology in 1977