(It should probably come as no surprise thatRudenstine is an outstanding lobbyist. He is,after all, a superlative fundraiser, and thesecrets of his success in that endeavor translatewell into lobbying.)

Corlette relates a story she heard aboutRudenstine's visit to Rep. Edward J. Markey(D-Mass).

The conversation began slowly betweenRudenstine and the important representative whoused to chair the Communications Committee in theHouse.

The Representative mentioned that he had beenreading a recent issue of Wired, whichdiscusses issues related to cyberspace and theInternet. Rudenstine said the magazine was thewave of the future, and added that his daughter'sbest friend was editor-in-chief.

"It loosened up the conversation," Corlettesays. "It was very disarming, a good example."

Corlette adds that the incident reflectsRudenstine's array of Knowledge and ability toconverse on an expansive range of issues.

"He's quite effective, very persuasive andextremely knowledgeable," she says. "It's amazinghow much he has learned."

Rowe also cites a time when a Republicansenator in his first term, whom he refuses toidentify, made an unsolicited phone call toRudenstine seeking his advice during the Senate'sbudget crunch.

"He was reaching out to Neil as a leader ofhigher education," Rowe says. "Neil's never turnedme down once on a request of his time."

Many administrators and lobbyists say thisapproach is extremely effective in advancing theagenda of higher education.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy '54-56 (D-Mass.)agrees.

"Neil Rudenstine is an effective, respected andeloquent advocate for higher education inWashington," the senator tells The Crimson. "Iparticularly value his counsel now when many vitalaspects of education and student aid are undersiege in Congress."

Speaking Out

Another measure of a president's leadershipability is speaking out on a wide variety ofissues relevant to the national scene, observerssay. By giving speeches, talking to the press andseeking forums in which they can make policystatements, university presidents can mobilize thesupport of the citizens to whom congress isaccountable.

University presidents as a group have beencriticized by some interest groups for notspeaking out enough in recent years.