In a remark which seemed enigmatic in light of recent questions over the future status of Radcliffe College, Wilson said, "I want you to know we will take care of these institutions."

Rudenstine's speech elicited a greater response from the assembled seniors as he brightly rattled off witticisms built out of five-syllable words. Most notable, perhaps, was his declaration that he had joined the class of 1998.

"I have elected myself, unanimously and unopposed, a member of your classy class," Rudenstine said.

Latching on to Gomes' opening comment that the class of 1998 was the best ever and that every class exceeds its predecessors, Rudenstine complimented the graduating class.

"You are, at least until next June, as Cole Porter would say, `the top. You're the Coliseum.' You're the top--You're the Fogg Museum."

Rudenstine then put forward "some modest proposals for [the seniors'] consideration."

He told the seniors they are more complicated than they think they are. Rudenstine said people are made up of many different sides and personalities, which are often created by the outside world.

"The real task is to gain more self-awareness to understand the personas you are accepting," he said.

Rudenstine's second lesson, he admitted, somewhat contradicted his first.

"Don't expect you will ever know much about yourself," he said.

Lastly, echoing Wilson's remarks about entropy, the president instructed the seniors "not to expect too much clarity" in their lives.

"That," Rudenstine said, "comes in retrospect, not prospect."

Rudenstine's advice and light style were well-received by the assembled seniors who applauded at length.