Biologist and Wife Replace Vogts as Kirkland's Masters

Ronald H. Pfister, professor of Biology, and his wife Cathleen have been selected as co-masters of Kirkland House, ending a six-month search to fill the post.

The appointment, which will become official pending Corporation and Board of Overseers approval this week, came shortly after the search had suffered a setback. Three weeks ago John B Fox '59, dean of the College, confirmed that the leading candidate had turned down the offer, and some involved in the process expressed concern that a temporary master would have to be appointed.

Donald Pfister, who accepted the offer two weeks ago, said yesterday that he and his wife were not deserved by the publicity and problems surrounding the search, adding that, as masters, they "hope to follow the House tradition."

Thomas C. Dingman '67, secretary to the five-person administration search committee, yesterday praised Pfister's familiarity with the College, nothing that Pfister has spent the last two years on the Administrative Board and has also been popular with undergraduates in his courses.

Pfister, currently an associate of Winthrop House, has also worked with the Freshman Outdoor Program, and as a host for incoming freshmen. An expert in mycology--the study of fungi. Pfister came to the University as an assistant professor in 1974 and received tenure in 1980.

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He said yesterday that, receiving word so late in the year, he has not had time to meet with students and set an official agenda for the coming year. "One thing that is of concern is the academic question," he said, referring to Kirklund's comparatively low grade point average. But he added that he feels the House's relatively low proportion of minority students and high concentration of athletes posed no problems that need his immediate attention.

Stephen E. Larkin '82, a member of the student committee which reviewed the list of candidates, said the Pfisters were not on the initial list of 40 which the group was asked to consider in January, but their name came up with roughly 20 others over the next two months. Larkin added that the committee gave a qualified endorsement to the Pfisters, since they had received only positive comrients, but did not know very much about them."

Larkin said the students wanted co-masters who would "play up the academic aspect of the House a little more."

The Pfisters will replace Evon Vogt Jr. professor of Social Anthropology, and his wife Catherine, co-masters for 10 years. Catherine Vogt said yesterday that she and her husband had never met the Pfisters before their appointment, but have since held several conversations to acquaint them with Kirkland House. Evon Vogt said they had not given specific suggestions saying. "Every master has his own style."

The Pfisters will move into Kirkland House in September, after Donald Pfister spends the summer heading a fungus search in Latvia Estonia and Lithuania.