"I think it's very important to make as many intellectual resources available to undergraduates as possible," she said.

Immediately after its merger with Harvard in the spring of 1999, Radcliffe faced a PR problem with its alumnae, many of whom were confused about the details of the merger agreement.

Dunn embarked on a nationwide tour last year to explain Radcliffe's new role at Harvard.

"Many alumnae have been saddened by the fact that they no longer have a school," said President of the Radcliffe Association (RA) A'Lelia P. Bundles '74. "But that's a reality we can't change. If Dean Faust follows through on her plans to make the Institue a compelling, interesting and engaging place, I think she'll engender the affection of Radcliffe women."

Judith Stanton, executive director of the RA, said that Radcliffe has recently started to send speakers to Harvard Clubs across the country in an effort to include both male and female alumni in Radcliffe activities.

Stanton said Faust seems like a perfect fit for the emerging Institute.

"She's strong and smart and powerful, and I think she'll make a big difference."

Faust said that she will spend her first few months at Radcliffe working to implement the suggestions of a ad hoc committee of academic experts that has been examining Radcliffe in the past several months.