Although government programs play a vital role in addressing the nation's problems, only individual inititative can substantively better society, President Derek C. Bok said yesterday at the annual Baccalaureate Service in Memorial Church.

Retiring Radcliffe President Matina S. Horner also addressed the packed audience of graduating seniors and their families.

Bok told the Class of 1989 that only in accepting "responsibility as citizens" will they further government efforts to remedy social crises in communities of the United States, and eventually the world.

"Common humanity should cause us to come to the aid of those less fortunate than ourselves," said Bok. "Massive government payments will not be enough to cure these ills."

But Bok stressed that even if private initiative does increase, the government would remain a potent agent of change.

"Big government is clearly here to stay, whether we like it or not," said Bok. "There are simply a great many problems in society that can only be addressed directly with government help."

And in order to ensure that the government remains capable of performing such a role, he said, the U.S. should not discourage public service among college graduates by "turning our backs on government and cutting the salaries of government officials." Bok asked the seniors to consider government careers, urging them to reclaim the enthusiasm for public service that once "captured the imagination of graduates everywhere."

Horner also addressed the importance of meeting obligations to one's community before pursuing personal goals.

"Make commitments to making a difference," said Horner. "There is no higher praise for any man or woman than to have someone give you responsibility...It seems to be intuitively obvious that in a free society, rights and responsibilities [are] not separable."

In her last of 17 annual Baccalaureate addresses, Horner also reflected upon her tenure as Radcliffe's president and noted the changing role of women at the University since her arrival in 1972.

"There is no doubt at all in my mind that the most gratifying experiences for me have been those in which I have been able to touch another life and make a difference," said Horner.

Horner said that when she assumed the presidency, "expectations...for women were low--and the expectations within the Yard were even more limited than outside."

Now, Horner said," economic need and reality have made the working mother a model and a norm," and working mother "burnout" will be one of the next generation's most pressing problems.

Both Bok and Horner praised students now protesting in China as models of courage and said the turmoil there should serve as a reminder of the freedom of the Class of 1989 will enjoy after graduation.

At the suggestion of a group of Boston-area China scholars, many seniors wore white armbands over their black Commencement robes to express solidarity with China's young dissenters.