Bok's Mail: Balloons and Breakers

The following are two pieces of mall awaiting answers from President Bok. The first, from MIT President Paul Gray, asks that Bok let MIT enjoy its major accomplishment of the fall. The second, from a member of a prominent Harvard alumni family, endorses professional football at the Stadium.

Dear Derek,

Word has come to me that your campus police are holding some property which rightfully should be located in the MIT Museum. Can this be true?

Surely you have little use for a makeshift device constructed from vacuum cleaner parts, points from 1967 Mustang, and a handful of marbles. We, however, being the sentimental sort, would take great care of indeed, we would enshrine--this symbolic highlight of the 1982 football season. Please give it back.   Sincerely yours,   Paul E. Gray   [President of MIT]

Dear Mr. Bok,

I am writing this letter urging you to rescind your recent decision regarding the Boston Breakers request to use Harvard Stadium for their home games.

By way of introduction, my grandfather, Paul Cabot Sr., the former treasurer of Harvard has bequeathed to the University Endowment Fund a significant amount of capital. It is my understanding that after twenty-five years a portion is returned to his heirs. Therefore, I am interested in seeing that the Endowment be utilized in a prudent manner and that the University maintain a credible image with the people of Boston. Based on a recent editorial by Will McDonough of the Boston Globe, I am of the opinion that your decision is not in the best interests of either myself, the University, or the community.

Assuming Harvard is equitably compensated by the Breakers for any direct costs, I urge you to reconsider...

Thank you for your consideration.   Yours truly.   John M. Wood