But Grogan's appointment to his current post in January 1999 signaled a renewed effort on Harvard's part to focus on local concerns.

The University's community initiatives, led by Grogan and his office, should help to dispel unfavorable perceptions of the University, he said.

"The components of the University are deeply involved in the public sector," Grogan said. "The idea that the University is isolated, removed [and] aloof from the city couldn't be further from the truth."

He said the Harvard housing program, which will provide $20 million in low-interest loans to create affordable housing, has already been praised in the community and within the University.

Such praise, he said, will help generate support at the highest administrative levels for similar projects.

"Frankly, what helps is that Harvard is getting recognized for it--it helps build support in this community for more," Grogan said. "People have really gone out of their way to say they appreciate what Harvard is doing. It's just smart to do that."

Grogan said Harvard's new initiatives will build on the success of the housing model, but they will probably involve less money and will emphasize the University's academic resources.

"We're not a foundation--just putting the money on the table is not what we want to do," he said.