North House will be renamed Pforzheimer House in honor of a family that has contributed money and service to Harvard and Radcliffe over three generations, several officials confirmed yesterday.

Sources said the change in North House's name did not come because of any single monetary gift. Instead, the new name is designed to honor the Pforzheimers' longtime involvement in all facets of the University.

"They have been role-models for University citizens both in generosity and active participation in various programs which have contributed to the community-wide quality of life," Joe Wrinn, director of the University news office, said late last night.

The family has contributed tens of millions of dollars over the years to Harvard to fund numerous scholarships and professorships.

Family members have been involved in Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, the Kennedy School of Government, the Graduate School of Education and the University Professorship Program. They have been supportive of the library system in general and the Schlesinger Library in particular.

The Carl and Lily Pforzheimer Foundation gives grants to undergraduates to pursue public service. Last year, three North House graduates received such fellowships.

The naming of Pforzheimer House marks the first time that one of Harvard's houses has been named for a Jewish family or person.

In a letter explaining the renaming of North House to University officials, President Neil L. Rudenstine and Radcliffe President Linda S. Wilson extol the many contributions of the Pforzheimer family.

"There has been an extraordinarily intertwined and long-lasting history between the Pforzheimers and Harvard-Radcliffe," says the letter, part of which was obtained by The Crimson. "We feel honored that Carl and Carol have indicated that they will allow us to add Pforzheimer House to the names of the Radcliffe Quadrangle."

The move has already been approved by both institutions and the Harvard Corporation, the University's top governing board.

University officials confirmed last night that the change in North House's name was imminent and lauded the Pforzheimer's contributions.

"Even though I was hoping to announce this happy event at a house dinner December 14, I am delighted we are able to honor the extraordinary contributions of generations of the Pforzheimer family in this way," Dean of Faculty Jeremy R. Knowles said.

North House Masters J. Woodley and Hanna Hastings said they were pleased with the decision.

"We're just thrilled! It's just what we've been asking for," Hanna Hastings said. "We wanted to be more than a direction."

After the masters learned yesterday evening that The Crimson would run a story this morning detailing the name change, a special house meeting was called to inform students.

The University had originally scheduled the announcement for next week.