But after all the interviews and confidential proceedings, it is sometimes a matter of circumstances or some unquantifiable characteristics that wins someone an appointment as master.

Lewis says he looks at the "raw data"--informal evaluations submitted by search committee members on each of the candidates--of each of the candidates who make the committee's unofficial short list. On his own, Lewis also takes into consideration the specific needs of each House. Special weight may be given to a master who is considered best able to best address one of the House's identifed weaknesses.

As the process draws to a close, Dean of the Faculty Jeremy R. Knowles and President Neil L. Rudenstine are apprised of the committee's and Lewis' recommendations. And from that point on, it is only a matter of time before a letter appears in House residents' mailboxes announcing the new face in their dining hall.

And despite the often strong sentiments for outgoing masters, many of whom, like the Kielys, have become synonymous with the House community they led, McAfee says the search for a new master is a never just a search to replace the old one.

"In order for the institution to treat itself right, it has to recognize that personalities come and go, and it's the mastership that's important," the Lowell House senior tutor says. "There's no one way to do tea."