Since Currier has a more centralized layout than other Harvard houses, the Grahams say its population is particularly cohesive. "The house has always seemed to us a happy house," Barbara Graham says. "It's a house that seems to have a sense of real community."

The Grahams say they were first approached about becoming house masters about three years ago, but the Currier mastership became available at a very opportune moment.

"Currier was tremendously appealing to us and it happened also to be a busy but appropriate time," Barbara Graham says.

Currier Entertainment

"We're pleased to have learned that Currier House has some good music," Barbara Graham says.

The Grahams say they are music fans, and enjoy everything from classical to jazz. "Music and theater are very strong there," Bill Graham says. "Those are things that we hope will continue."

In addition, Bill Graham says he wants to bring more student-faculty interaction and academic debate into Currier.

"I'm particularly interested overall in terms of the house system in trying to find ways to integrate more effectively the intellectual life of the College with the life of the house," he says.

The Grahams say they are looking forward to the fall and the influx of new students. "Students have always been a very big part of our lives," Barbara Graham says. "This in some ways really extends that commitment and interest."

Robert C. Kwong contributed to the reporting of this article.