Although Heimert in the past has been outspoken about his views on College life, he said in an interview last week that he won't discuss these opinions until he's had time to think through ideas that have been "muddled" by the emotional decision to step down.

Although the house is reknowned by others for its Old Harvard traditionalism, Heimert says he will most remember "An Evening of Champions" and numerous intramural crew championships.

"I've had something to look forward to every spring and fall," the outgoing master says of the races and the benefit.

'Strong Opinions'

In an introduction to Eliot's tutor facebook this year, Heimert described himself as a "cheerleader" for the house. And most students say that role makes his distinct personality felt.

"He has very strong opinions about house life," says Joel D. Kaplan '91, a former chair of Eliot's house committee. "He leaves his mark on the community."

Kaplan, explaining Heimert's stand on issues such as non-ordered choice, says that the master "sees himself as a buffer, trying to keep things in control."

Heimert was the only house master to vote against non-ordered choice, a compromise between randomization and the former first-choice system that sparked widespread debate last year. The Eliot master argued that decreased student choice would eliminate the "unique character" of the houses.

In the late 1960s, when Heimert was appointed, house masters took a strong role in creating a character for the residence. At that time, masters selected each sophomore class from among students applying for admission.

"He is supportive of the idea that houses ought to have distinct personalities," says Dean of the College L. Fred Jewett '57. "To do that, [Heimert thinks that] students ought to have choice in the matter."

Heimert also questioned whether non-ordered choice would effectively combat stereotypes in the houses Jewett says. "We need three or four years to see whether he is right or wrong," he says.

Although many students in the house say that Heimert is looking to protect them, some are critical of his defense of tradition.

"He's staunch about preserving tradition in Eliot," says one woman in the house who asked not to be identified. "I hope that the new master will be more liberal and open. That might change the attitude of the house, make it more liberal and diverse."

"He's a hands-off type of guy," she says. "He certainly isn't friends with that many students. He's just not that accessible of a person.

Even Heimert's supporters admit that getting to know him is no easy task. And just about everyone agrees that his personality and stand on various issues reflect his larger vision Harvard's house life--and the role of the master in protecting it.