President Neil L. Rudenstine made his first appearance on campus since announcing his medical leave of absence at a Massachusetts Hall staff holiday party yesterday.

"President Rudenstine came to [17] Quincy St. for the annual Christmas party," said James H. Rowe '73, vice president for government, community and public affairs. "He stayed for about an hour, said hello, mixed with the crowd and made some remarks."

About 70 Massachusetts Hall staffers attended the party, which included lunch and several skits.

"President Rudenstine didn't stay through the whole lunch," said Vice President and General Counsel Margaret H. Marshall. "There was a reception beforehand with Christmas carols. He stood and talked to people."

Rudenstine thanked the group for their notes during the last two weeks and their work during the last year, Rowe said.

"He joked about how well things were going in his absence," Rowe said.

"He looked very well," Marshall said. "He was smiling and clearly in a holiday mood."

The University announced nearly two weeks ago that Rudenstine is suffering from severe fatigue and exhaustion of an unknown origin. He is taking an indefinite leave of absence under doctors' orders.

The president's last appearance was at a football dinner at the Harvard Club the Monday before Thanksgiving Rudenstine spoke at that dinner, and football players said he seemed fine.

Acting President Albert Carnesale also spoke at lunch yesterday, thanking the staff for their help during the last two weeks, Rowe said.

"[Carnesale] said... he was happy Neil could be there so everyone could see for themselves how well Neil was doing," Rowe said. "He conduded by saying that he shared everyone's hope that his acting career would be a brief one."CrimsonJoshue J. SchankerEarly to Rise A record number of early applications were submitted to Harvard this year. Comparison with last year: Early Applicants for Class of 1998 Early Applicants for Class of 1999 Sources: Harvard Admissions Office