"We're trying to make the ICR available and get people to go there FitzGerald says.
Lowell's Claverly residents say it's hard to get involved in house life.
"It's tougher to feel in contact with what's going on It's sort of its own different community," says Claverly resident Roel R. Torres '94
But Rosenbaum, who also lives in Claverly, says the "absolutely incredible" rooms compensate for the inconvenience.
Bossert describes Lowell House as "traditional and scholarly,"
"It's known as one of the more traditional places that values old formalisms," Bossert says. "It's a some what stodgy image."
But despite Lowell's emphasis on tradition, students say the house doesn't have a conservative atmosphere.
"I wouldn't say Lowell is traditional in a conservative sense there's no need to conform. These activities are about being part of a house," Lipper says.
One springtime tradition is the Lowell House Opera, which first performed in 1935, Bossert says.
But the opera has garnered complaints from some students since rehearsals and performances interrupt dinner.
"People don't like being inconvenienced. For a couple of weeks there's no inter-house, and you get kicked out of the dining hall by 7 p.m.," Rosenbaum says.
Still, Luthy says, students who take part are "proud" that it's the oldest ongoing opera company in New England.
Another house tradition is the Winter Waltz, a black-tie event accompanied by chamber orchestra, according to Bossert.
"A lot of people went [this year]," Lipper says, "In terms of the music and orchestra it gives you the illusion of being in Vienna."
Bossert also cities Lowell's strong senior common room as one of the house's distinguishing features.
"We have academically strong tutors. We strive to choose tutors who will be faculty members in the future," Bossert says.
And students agree that the tutors enhance house life.
"The tutors are really accessible and there's always somebody to talk to you," Meister says.