PfoHo Dedicates Room To Masters

Residents and affiliates of Pforzheimer House dedicated a room to former co-masters Professor Woodland J. Hastings and Hanna Hastings on Monday, in honor of their 20 year service to the house.

Hanna Hastings said that the she and her husband were "overwhelmed" by the honor.

"We stayed for 20 years simply because the students were wonderful," she said. "We could have kept going, but we thought it was time for younger people to take over."

The Hastings brought many changes to Pforzheimer during their tenure as house co-masters.

"We started our appointment with a mission because when we came here in 1976, the Quad houses were unpopular," she said. "We wanted to change that image."

Hastings said that the first step was to make extensive renovations to the building.

"The reason why it was the least desirable is because it was the least beautiful," Hastings said. "Now we have the most beautiful dining hall, and students especially love our two-tier suites made from the renovated attic space."

Present house co-master Sue McCarthy said the honor the Hastings received was "most appropriate."

"The Hastings supervised the reocnstruction of the house and revitalized its spirit," McCarthy said. "They made it a warm and welcoming space. We want to continue with their legacy."

The Hastings Room, formerly called the Moors Terrace Room, will be used for small classes, sections and house forum meetings.

Plans for the dedication had originally been announced by students last May at a farewell dinner for the Hastings.

The Hastings still maintain many of their ties to the Harvard community. Professor Hastings still teaches in the biology department, and Hanna Hastings is presently auditing a class and tutoring a child in the Cambridge school system.

When asked if she and her husband plan on making use of the room, Hanna Hastings said, "We'll be sure to come by."