In the pre-campaign period, Sid Knafel committed $5 million to establish a president's discretionary fund for use in the FAS.

"The income from the fund is to be made available as needs arise, with its designation changing at least every three years," explained Knafel. "I wanted to honor Neil, and offer him and his successors the flexibility to direct support quickly to important initiatives or unforeseen needs.

"Jeremy [Knowles], with his wonderful administrative ability, has gotten tight control of the FAS budget, which encourages people with means to trust him with their gifts. We know the money will be well managed and well spent," Knafel said.

He continued: "Jeremy is a visionary, an educator - that's his first calling - but also a wonderfully charming fundraiser. That requires a smiling face, a warm handshake, and tight analysis. I have great confidence in the FAS with him at the helm."

Currently, income from the Knafel Fund is being directed toward the development and use of technology in the humanities and social sciences, including providing sufficient computer power for all faculty in those disciplines, financing ways to encourage faculty to explore new applications of technology in teaching and research, and allowing for training and technical backup.

"The Knafel Fund is providing critical help in an area of very high priority for Harvard, and it will allow us the flexibility to experiment with information technology in teaching and learning - as well as research - at just the moment when thoughtful exploration is most needed," said President Neil L. Rudenstine. "Jeremy conceived the idea for this kind of flexible fund, and Sid has - once again -responded to an important concept in a way that allows us to realize it."

In addition to the financing of new technology, Knafel discretionary funds may be allocated for a conference planned to celebrate the opening of the Barker Center in fall 1997.

"This center will reinvigorate the study of the humanities," said Dean Knowles, "and the opening celebration will focus our attention on the future of the humanities at Harvard."

Knafel increased his gift to $6 million just before the campaign kickoff. The additional $1 million - and other monies Knafel has contributed to the endowment over the years for eventual direction - will be added to his latest $14 million gift for creating the Knafel Center for Government and International Studies.