Over the last 23 years, countries have changed names, the Cold War has ended and the landscape of Grinnell has been altered. One thing, however, has remained constant--Wayne Moyer's consistent leadership of the Rosenfield Program in Public Affairs, International Relations and Human Rights.

But after 23 years, this is Moyer's last as head of Rosenfield, and Sarah Purcell '92, History, will become director beginning next year. Moyer has been postponing a sabbatical for more than two years. "I did not want to postpone my sabbatical any longer," said Moyer. "I am 68 right now, and to leave for a year and come back for only two more did not make much sense."

The Rosenfield Program, started in 1979, brings numerous speakers on politics to campus each year in addition to providing finances for internships, awards and events.

The symposia hosted by the program have become an intricate part of the Grinnell learning experience. "We can get the campus community engaged in that issue," said Moyer. "Sometimes that can lead to courses or, like the Artic Symposium, be combined with courses."

Upon taking the position, Moyer began teaching half time and running the program with the other half. Even with half of his time allocated to the program, directing it was not easy.

When Moyer first came into office, the program had very little money compared to its current $1 million endowment. Even with limited resources, the program was able to successfully bring in many prominent academics and public figures. Under Moyer's leadership, the Rosenfield Program has covered topics and speakers ranging from Madeline Albright and Cesar Chavez to the Struggle for Peace in the Middle East.

The program's success was dependent on the flexibility it had in bringing in speakers and conducting symposia. "The Rosenfield program is run by committee that's half students and half faculty," said Moyer. "We don't have to go through all this rigmarole like changing classes ... If [we] see an issue coming up we can immediately plan a symposium and start bringing speakers in."

Even though Moyer is occupied with his work as the Rosenfield director, he still manages to teach classes and take time out for students and faculty alike. "Mr. Moyer is one of the finest people at Grinnell, and his stewardship of the Rosenfield program has just been amazing," Purcell wrote in an e-mail to the S&B. "He is an incredible mentor to me."

Even though next year the program will no longer be in Moyer's hands, he is confident that the Rosenfield will continue its strong tradition when Purcell becomes director. "I think she will do nicely," he said.

Moyer will be spending the next school year on sabbatical and will return to teach full time for two years before retiring. "I feel like a ballplayer who doesn't know when to retire, he keeps playing until his batting average goes down to .200 and only then realizes its time to retire," said Moyer. "I did not want that happen ... I will be back for the final stretch."