Some students expressed anger that house and University officials did not discuss the name change with them beforehand.

"It was stupid. Everyone I know liked the name 'North,'" said David R. Revelle '95-'96. "It was unfair to change the name without consulting us at all."

Revelle added, "I think I know a grand total of one person who is not opposed to changing the name."

Woodland Hastings said that although students were initially upset over the name change, he believes they will eventually accept the Pforzheimer name.

"All of us develop loyalties to a name," he said. "Students take strong positions about that, but hopefully they will mellow with time and they will come around."

Some residents yesterday did not think the name change was so bad and even managed to maintain a sense of humor in spite of their surprise at Monday's announcement.

"Even though I really like the name North House, I don't think it will be so bad," Gong said. "If you can't laugh at yourself, then who can you laugh at?"

Others saw an opportunity for economic gain as a result of the new name.

"I was surprised. I had gotten used to North House," said resident tutor in economics Terry Burnham. "I guess all the North House t-shirts are going to be valuable now."

University officials affiliated with the house yesterday also applauded the change and effusively praised the Pforzheimer family's contributions to the university.

"I think it was a very appropriate decision. The Pforzheimer family have been longtime active supporters of Harvard and Radcliffe of activities," said Dean of the College L. Fred Jewett '57. "Their support has cut across more than one generation."

Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and North House associate Christoph J. Wolff agreed.

"I think it's a wonderful thing," he said. "The Pforzheimer family has done so much for this University."

--Jeremy L. McCarter contributed to the reporting of this article.