Some might argue that the role of House master, which involves managing the social, living, and curricular lives of hundreds of students while teaching and conducting research as a faculty member, is one of the most demanding on campus. Now, imagine taking on the responsibilities of master with a new baby.<\/p>\n
Ronald S. Sullivan<\/a> and Stephanie Robinson<\/a> began their stint as masters at John Winthrop House in September, 18 days after the birth of their second son, Chase Barrington. Son number one, Trey, was 8. And then there was their 11-year-old pug. \u201cIt is a tough juggling act,\u201d Robinson said. \u201cNot the master\u2019s role itself, but having a new baby, which means little sleep for mom, along with the responsibilities that come with the job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe never do anything the easy way,\u201d Robinson said. \u201cWe put a lot into the hopper, and then figure out how to make it work.\u201d And so they did. They hosted social events, including sophomore dessert parties to welcome students, tea parties for juniors, and senior wine tastings to educate students about wines and encourage them to drink responsibly. They hosted actor Blair Underwood and participated in several of his artist-in-residence activities. They also had open house parties for nonresident tutors.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving a good sense of community is really important to us. We wanted very much to be present, and to have our presence felt. So, we did a lot in the beginning that will surely pay off later.\u201d<\/p>\n Sullivan and Robinson also made history when they were appointed the first African-American House masters at Harvard.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is obvious symbolic significance that Harvard has appointed the first African-American masters,\u201d Sullivan said. \u201cThere is symbolic significance: that we will sign diplomas. Our appointment is testament to the growth of the University and American culture, in general, that a significant, important position is no longer occupied primarily by people of a single race or ethnic background.\u201d He added, \u201cBut, we don\u2019t master any differently. There is no black method of mastering. We are honored to serve in this capacity.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe experience of being African-American in the United States brings a different sensibility, brings a different rich heritage that is value-added. It is important to bring who you are, and authenticity to the role. It enriches the community of masters, students, faculty, and staff. We are happy to be a part of history. Hopefully, there will be many more,\u201d said Robinson.<\/p>\n Sullivan, a 1989 Morehouse College and 1994 Harvard Law School<\/a> (HLS) graduate, is clinical professor of law, director of the Harvard Criminal Justice Institute<\/a>, and Edward R. Johnston Lecturer on Law. He joined the HLS faculty in 2007 from Yale University Law School, where he was associate clinical professor and founding director of the Yale Criminal Justice Clinic. But he is no stranger to Harvard House life. He was a nonresident tutor at Kirkland House, and later, a resident tutor at Leverett House while in law school.<\/p>\n