Joe Wrinn:

Before I introduce our acting president, Al Carnesale, I just want to make it clear that you have gotten two statements, one from the Corporation, one from Dean Tosteson of Harvard Medical School. Those in part relate to the medical condition of President Rudenstine. The acting president will be here making short comments and taking questions. He's not here today to talk about the medical condition of President Rudenstine. We've told you what we know today.

And now let me introduce to you the acting president, Al Carnesale.

Albert Carnesale:

Thank you. Let me begin by reading the operational part of the announcement from the Harvard Corporation:

"On the insistence of his doctors, Harvard University President Neil Rudenstine has begun a medical leave of absence. He has suffered from severe fatigue and exhaustion. Diagnostic studies are in progress. In his absence, the provost of the University, Albert Carnesale will serve as acting president."

Now let me also read the statement by the Dean of Harvard Medical School, Daniel Tosteson, who has agreed to act as the medical spokesman for President Rudenstine:

"I am in close and regular contact with the president, his personal physicians and their medical consultants. He is suffering from severe fatigue and exhaustion of unknown origin. Diagnostic studies on an outpatient basis are in progress.

"When results of these studies are available a more certain prognosis will be possible. It is likely that the president will be on leave for a matter of weeks or longer. When further information is available, I will make it known to the University community."

Now let me add a few personal things. President Rudenstine is resting at home. I have seen him daily for the last several days and been with him and Mrs. Rudenstine. He had meetings yesterday, to manage this transition with the vice-presidents of the University and deans of the university.

I will certainly be consulting with him and seeking his advice and wisdom in this interim period while I'm serving as acting president. It was simply impossible for him to get the rest and undergo the diagnostic tests that were needed while maintaining the schedule of president of the University and his doctors insisted that he do that, and it was with great reluctance that he complied.

President Rudenstine has been president for almost three and a half years. I've had the privilege of working with him very closely as dean and provost. We know each other well. We work well together. This University is 358 years old and it will do well in this interim period. We'll keep the ship on course and wait for the captain to return. And with that I'll try to answer your questions.

Q. [Did the president's illness strike suddenly?]

A. Well, I'm not a physician and to that extent I can't describe that. But I think it's rare that exhaustion and fatigue happen instantaneously. So in that sense it's not a matter of one day, but I can't give a better answer.

Q. Did you see signs of this [fatigue] over a period of time?