Monday afternoon, many of us were surprised upon hearing the news that Harvard President Neil L. Rudenstine would be stepping away from one of the most prestigious academic offices in a little over a year.

Later that evening, some of us bid adieu to cherished IOP Director Sen. Alan K. Simpson and his lovely wife Ann, and wished them well as they left the busy brick sidewalks of Harvard for the serene, open prairies of Wyoming.

These departures, although particularly important for our University community, are only indicative of a continuing trend of recent farewells and departures in the outside world. Our president, after all, isn't the only Rudy grabbing headlines.

Last Friday, New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced that he would not run in the Senate race against First Lady Hillary Clinton, and instead would focus on treatment for his prostate cancer. His announcement ended months of speculation and the saddened mayor, buffeted by the tempests of cancer and marital turmoil, quietly left the national spotlight.

Such dramatic turns of events may be shocking and unexpected in the world of politics or the university, but sports fans are all too familiar with tragic departures and emotional exits.

Last year was known as the "Year of Retirement" for good reason. Three of the best athletes in their respective sports did the hardest thing for a great athlete to do - step away from the game he loves.

A year ago this month, one of the greatest quarterbacks in football's storied history hung up his cleats for good. In the May press conference announcing his retirement, a teary-eyed John Elway bid farewell not only to the team for which he played so tirelessly, but also the fans who cheered him on through good times and bad. Only Dan Marino, who also has recently left the sports stage, had more career yards and completions.

A month before Elway's departure, the greatest man to ever play hockey announced he would not return for another season. Wayne Gretzky, in his self-effacing manner, told the world that his decision not to play was "tough and hard" and that he owed everything in his life to the game of hockey. Certainly, hockey and sports fans owe many of their fondest memories to someone who was aptly called The Great One.