Rudenstine's Resignation

President Neil L. Rudenstine's Monday announcement, which caught most by surprise, could not have been better timed. After accomplishing the major goals stated at the onset of his tenure--including a wildly successful $2.6 billion capital campaign--Rudenstine has wisely chosen to step down next spring. He will leave behind a University that now possesses the resources to embark on new projects and the opportunity to seek a fresh vision.

Rudenstine mused upon his arrival in 1991 that he planned to stay no longer than a decade at the top post of the country's most prominent university. It would be, for the most part, time well spent. In the area of fundraising, Rudenstine's "personal touch" has allowed the University to complete what was perhaps the most ambitious capital campaign of all time. The endowment has grown from $4.7 billion to more than $15 billion in the last nine years, and the chronic budget deficits of many departments have disappeared. Harvard Yard has seen renovations to a number of its first-year residences, the first-year dining hall has moved to Annenberg Hall and the former Freshman Union has been transformed into the Barker Center. Other developments include the construction of Loker Commons, library renovations, expanded art museums and 25 new professorships. Students have also felt the results of the fundraising directly. Last year's increase in financial aid boosted the college scholarship budget by 20 percent and reduced work-study requirements for aid recipients; annual investment in scholarship and fellowship grants doubled University-wide since Rudenstine took office.

Although the capital campaign was at the center of his tenure, Rudenstine will also be remembered for his artful negotiation of the Radcliffe merger and his nurturing of the Afro-American Studies Department. Rudenstine's soft-spoken personality and calming influence kept Harvard and Radcliffe administrators at the negotiating table during the delicate discussions concerning Radcliffe's future. His vision was a guiding force for the creation of the Institute that will carry on the Radcliffe tradition. More recently, Rudenstine's considerable efforts in the selection of the Institute's dean, Drew Gilpin Faust, demonstrates his commitment to the Institute's mission for the advancement of women. The Department of African-American Studies represents another of Rudenstine's landmark accomplishments. Rudenstine's personal efforts to recruit the leading scholars in the field were integral to the building of what has become the pre-eminent Afro-American Studies Department in the nation.

In the end, Rudenstine's legacy will be that of an effective administrator. Aside from his memorable efforts on the national stage to lobby for affirmative action and funding for university research, Rudenstine has preferred to focus his attention on University issues. And despite a reputation for being somewhat of a micro-manager--which contributed to his 1994 bout of exhaustion and a few poor tenure decisions--Rudenstine has performed this administrative role remarkably well. His regular meetings with deans have ameliorated a previously fractious relationship, leading to, by most accounts, a healthier sense of collegiality and greater willingness to cooperate. His goals for his last year in office--which include a new modern art museum, city approval for the construction of the Knafel Center and endowment of additional professorships--are consistent with this local approach.

Nevertheless, although Rudenstine was successful in meeting the goals he set for himself, we hope that the future leader of Harvard will take advantage of the University's present fiscal security and broaden the scope of the office beyond that of fundraising and managing administrative affairs. In general, we hope that a new president can, while balancing local demands, take an interest in the academic curriculum Harvard's undergraduates, occupy a more prominent role in setting trends for higher education and articulate a clear vision for University leadership. Providing the foundation for this future leadership is Rudenstine's lasting contribution.