House residents extol the virtues of a strong nighttime grill, in addition to the annual Goat Roast (you read right) in the House courtyard and enjoy the warm spring weather. Presiding over Dunster since the late 1980s, Master Karel F. Liem, Bigelow professor of ichthyology, and co-Master Hetty Liem open their home each year to the company of the Dunster House Opera, which requires a place to change costumes between scenes.

Eliot House

With its prominent placement on the corner of JFK Street and Memorial Drive, Eliot House was long known as home to Harvard's elite. Randomization has muted--but not killed--Eliot's high-class style.

Among the House's most treasured events is the annual spring formal--known as the Fete--at which House residents and their guests swing dance under a tent in the courtyard, enjoying chocolate-dipped strawberries and champagne when the live band takes a break. Co-Master Kristine Forsgard's famed cheesecake is a must at House functions, and everyone will soon lunch in extra splendor when the dining hall gets its scheduled facelift.

House residents also plan an annual ice skating charity event called Evening With Champions, which draws such stars as Paul Wylie '91 and Oksana Bayul.

Kirkland House

Conveniently situated between the Malkin Athletic Center and the shops and restaurants on JFK Street, Kirkland was once so full of athletes that there was concern it might violate NCAA regulations. While that may no longer be the case, the House boasts a strong rowing team and is known for its holiday time Incest Fest (draw your own conclusions).

Two House suites--known informally as "The Swamp" and the 10-Man--are famous for their parties. House Master Donald H. Pfister teaches Biology 143, "Biology of the Fungi," and with 17 years under his belt in the House, is now the second longest serving master at Harvard, along with wife Cathy. Kirkland is good friends of the Harvard Foundation's Cultural Rhythms, having hosted a reception for Cultural Artist of the Year Will Smith before this year's production.

Leverett House

Its physical layout dominated by two high-rise towers built in 1960, Leverett House may not be the most elegant of Harvard's 12 Houses. But House residents--known as the Leverett Rabbits--seem to be satisfied. Their House is graced with large rooms, a popular bi-annual '80s Dance and beautiful river views. And there's always McKinlock Hall (Old Leverett) for those afraid of heights.

House Masters Howard and Ann B. Georgi were selected last spring to replace outgoing 17-year masters, the Dowlings. Howard Georgi, known around the House as "chief," is Mallinckrodt professor of physics; Ann Georgi, a.k.a "coach," is a research assistant at Harvard Medical School--and both are committed to improving resources for female scientists who live in Leverett. Meat lovers take note: Howard Georgi is known as a barbecue aficionado.

Lowell House

Lowell House residents pride themselves on their sense of tradition; Thursday tea at the Master's Residence has been a House mainstay since the 1930s. The Lowell House Opera--currently performing the premiere ofYossele Solovey--has been performed each year since 1938.

The House boasts an active Senior Common Room; Faculty affiliates are rewarded with High Table, a dining experience The Crimson once termed "grotesquely ridiculous." Masters Diana L. Eck and Dorothy A. Austin have been widely praised for carrying on the traditions of their 23-year famed predecessors, the Bosserts. Still, Eck has been known to cut loose; at a House karaoke night last semester, the professor of comparative religion and Indian studies belted out "Heartbreak Hotel."

Mather House