She said the couple has not made any plans for their future after he steps down--but she says her husband still has high hopes for his last year in his post.

Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs Paul Grogan said University officials who work with Rudenstine have mixed feelings about his announcement but respect his decision to leave.

"It's a bitter sweet occasion because Neil is so well-liked and highly regarded," Grogan said.

Dean of the Medical School Joseph B. Martin also expressed some nostalgia at Rudenstine's decision.

"I was personally saddened to learn that he has decided to step down as our president," Martin said. "However, I understand that after ten years of distinguished service to the university he might choose to take on less onerous activities."

Bok, who has himself been in a similar situation, said "he has more than earned the opportunity to enjoy life in a somewhat different way than being the president of Harvard allows you to do."

While Rudenstine leaves behind a colorful legacy, he said two achievements most important to him personally are revitalizing Harvard's Afro-American program and seeing Harvard and Radcliffe come together in a way "that both institutions were happy about."

Rudenstine was also a major negotiator in the merger between Radcliffe College and Harvard, out of which came the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.