Rudenstine asked for the business community's help in lobbying for more science research funding. This week he and other university presidents traveled to Washington to try to save such funding in the next budget bill. Rudenstine said such moves benefit the entire community.
"If we can't keep the scientific engine going, it's bad for the country, not just the universities," Rudenstine said. "[The trip] showed what can happen when businesspeople make the case for research funding in basic and applied sciences."
Rudenstine also spoke about the sale of the Riverway at Mission Park low-income housing complex in Roxbury to its tenants' association. The complex was built after a Harvard land purchase in the 1960s created community friction.
He said the University will help alleviate housing shortages in the area by building housing for graduate students.
"More joint efforts and initiatives can--and will--be undertaken, here and in other areas," Rudenstine said.
Now it's a matter of getting involvement from those outside the Harvard community, Grogan said after the speech. A new community service directory, also issued recently, will help, he added.
There are many new opportunities for community initiatives, Grogan said, including affordable housing, education, health and economic development.