As an undergraduate student in the mid-1960s,Georgi says his master in Eliot House, John H.Finley '25, was a paragon of leadership--devotinga great deal of personal attention to students andmemorizing each resident's name.
"We had a very colorful House master," Georgisaid of Finley. "He was terrific. That's I thinkan impossible standard, but in some senses, that'smy picture of a House master."
Leverett House affiliates have noted theimportance of masters who are both friendly andpersonally interested in students' lives.
Some students said the Dowlings--thoughwelcoming during their regular open houses--havenot gone out of their way to get to know Housestudents.
Martha Chase '00, a Leverett House resident,said Dowling is her sophomore advisor, but he hasnot actively sought to communicate with her.
"I know he's really busy, and I don't faulthim," Chase said. "But I don't think he evenremembers my name."
According to Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis'68, the Georgis come well-recommended.
"Quite a few students have reported on thewarmth and friendliness of both of the Georgis,"Lewis said. "I was told that they seemed to know agreat many students already, and seemed eager toget to know others quickly."
Members of Lewis' advisory committee on theselection of Leverett Masters also cited ProfessorGeorgi's familiarity with the College as a qualitywhich helped make him one of the group's topchoices.
"We were hoping to get someone who knew aboutundergraduates," said Gordon C. Harvey, one of theassistant senior tutors in Leverett House and amember of the advisory committee. "A number of thecandidates were not from FAS."
While many residents in Leverett said they aresatisfied with the state of the House, some notethe need for increased common space and an overallsprucing up.
"I'd like to see the masters walk [through] thehouse," Paul said. "We'd like them to go back tothe Dean and say. 'Y'know, Leverett needs to berenovated.'"
Dowling said he leaves behind a "happy house,"and indicated that some projects--such as arenovated House grille and upgraded basementspaces--are underway.
While Professor Dowling said the Georgis"should set their own style in the house," JudithDowling offers some advice to the seventh coupleto serve as Leverett's leaders.
"Go with the flow and know when to build adam," she said.