Master and Friend

MANY STUDENTS AT HARVARD have no idea what a house master does. Beyond welcoming students at the first meal of the year and hosting weekly open houses, a master can be an enigma. The late David A. Aloian '49, however, was anything but elusive. His enthusiasm and engagement with the Quincy House community set a standard for other house masters.

As executive director of the Alumni Association, Aloian strengthened bonds with alumni. He restructured the association to involve graduate school alumni, women and minorities in alumni affairs for the first time.

In addition to recognizing by name the majority of the more than 450 students in Quincy House, Master Aloian energetically kept up with students and their academic and extracurricular pursuits. His genuine concern for all was evident as he threw himself into the role of master of the largest house on campus. He was never paternal or condescending in his interest in students. Instead he was a friend who treated students as individuals in this large Harvard community as he sought feedback about the house, the college or any other concern.

Master Aloian helped to create the kind of house community from which everyone associated with the house benefitted. Under Aloian's direction, the courtyard was transformed from a post-modern cement nightmare into a grassy, comfortable meeting place complete with lawn furniture. He bought a VCR for the house, which any student can use and encouraged students to use the Junior Common Room--whether as TV room, dance hall, meeting room or art gallery.

More important, though, was Master Aloian's example during the last year of his life. Faced with a frightening and insurmountable disease, he continued to pour himself into his role as master and friend of Quincy House. As the year progressed, so did his failing health. Yet he continued to eat with the students in the house, keeping up with their lives, refusing to let his infirmity sway him from his goals.

Master Aloian was an inspiration as he attended the senior dinner, graduation ceremonies, house ceremonies and 350th proceedings in rapidly deteriorating health. He was a person dedicated to others. He will be missed as a friend, a leader and an educator whose concern has been felt throughout the Harvard community.