Pforzheimer a Pfabulous Choice

One of the hallmarks of a great institution with a rich and varied past is the existence of architecture named for prominent figures in its history. Last week, Harvard and Radcliffe's only unnamed House continued this tradition. Starting in the spring, North House will be known as Pforzheimer House.

Finally, North will cease to exist as an arbitrary compass direction, and instead honor three generations of a family who have contributed greatly to the College. Unfortunately, many House residents are clinging to the name 'North' like a compass to a magnet.

Students were reported to be in shock at the news. North House tutor Dexter Callender told The Crimson that he spoke to several students who were still noticeably distraught over the name change. Rumors earlier in the week prompted the formation of a "Save North" movement, but in the end, the traditionalists conceded: "We're upset but resolved. We know we can't fight the University."

Students' objections seem to focus specifically on the nature of the name 'Pforzheimer.' Hilary S. Suzawa '97 crystallized the feeling: "I understand that the Pforzheimers have done a lot for the University, but isn't it a little long?" she asked. "Pforzheimer, the Pfabulous house with the Pfunny name." One wonders whether students would have had such clever things to say if North had become 'Winchester' or 'Somerset.'

It is human nature to resist change, to prefer consistency over tumult. Name changes are not so much in our distant past; in 1984, South House became Cabot House, and residents there adjusted to it without the militant-sounding statements that are flying out of Pforzheimer.

These students should just get over it. Claims that the new name "will change the character and atmosphere of the House" are melodramatic and show little confidence in House residents to define the nature of their community.

It is an integral part of a college education to be able to deal effectively with and to manage change. If North House residents aren't able to stomach this, how on earth will they be able to survive in the Real World? It would be one thing if the University decided to tear down a building, split the House and its population into two, or make North a Co-op. But a simple name change, which is a common occurrence in institutions all over the world, should not provoke reactions like these.

The Pforzheimers have a long and distinguished generosity without expectation at Harvard. Naming a House after them seems a fitting action for the University to take.

Former President of the University and House namesake A. Lawrence Lowell, on the other hand, did not support housing Black or Jewish students with whites. Naming Lowell House raised little of the concern North residents expressed this week. Lowell is a much more New England-sounding name.

It was time for 'North' to evolve and mature. Pforzheimer is pfantastically pfunky, in our opinion.