Kirkland House Senior Tutor Mark P. Risinger has announced that he will leave in June to pursue a career in composition, performance, and scholarship.

Risinger has been Kirkland's Allston Burr Senior Tutor for five years, a time that he said has been one of the happiest of his life.

"It's been the most amazing experience I've ever had," he said.

Risinger said he is being pushed out of his position as a result of the College's senior tutor appointment cycle--one can stay in the position for a maximum of five years. But he said he feels happy with Kirkland's direction for the future.

"I'm proudest that I feel like I'm leaving with a wonderful new set of masters in place," Risinger said.

Co-masters Tom C. Conley and Verena A. Conley are in their first year in Kirkland. Verena Conley, a visiting professor of literature, said she has "nothing but praise" for Risinger.

"He is equally at ease with the students, tutors and masters," she said.

Kirkland resident Mary K. Gardner '02 said she lived across the hall from Risinger and roommate Brian P. Fehlau as a sophomore.