Six Years

Harvard has used Cavalier's services for thesix years the company has been in existence.Checklists used year after year in planningHarvard's reunions, which were obtained by TheCrimson, remind officials to schedule a meetingwith Murphy and Libby in mid-winter to discussbusing.

Police sources have said it is unusual forMurphy, whose specialty is VIP protection, to bein charge of arranging busing for Commencementweek.

Vice President and General Counsel Margaret H.Marshall, who is Murphy's boss, said this weekthat she was not familiar with the details of theUniversity's relationship with Cavalier.

Marshall said that Harvard's 1975 policy onconflicts of interest does not apply to the policechief and that, under that policy, employees mustreap financial benefits from their Harvard jobs tobe in violation.

"There are many reasons why institutions orparts of the institution use vendors on a repeatedbasis," Marshall said. "Excellence of service isone. Price is another. Reliability is a third."

Marshall also said that Murphy does not makethe decision to hire bus companies.

"I understand that the decision on hiring isnot made by Lt. Murphy," Marshall said.

But in an interview last spring, Associate forClasses and Reunions Diane Jellis and Associatedfor Major Reunions Marion R. Briefer indicatedthat they delegate busing arrangements to Murphy.

Jellis said she was unaware of Murphy's ties toCavalier. But when informed of the lieutenant'spersonal connection to the company, she said shewas not troubled by it. Jellis also said the busservice provided by Cavalier is excellent.

"We have a relationship with Larry Murphy, wehave a relationship with Cavalier Coach, we have arelationship with Joan Libby," Jellis said. "Thereunions are told they can use any bus companythey want."

Local bus company executives reacted angrilythis week to news of Murphy's ties to Cavalier.All five executives interviewed said they hadnever received an opportunity to bid onCommencement and reunion contracts.

Marcel Boone, general manager of AirwaysTransportation Corporation, said he thinks thecombination of a system without bidding andMurphy's close personal ties hurts Harvard andunfairly penalizes other bus companies.

"That's not fair," Boone said. "Having biddingis only what's best for Harvard. You get moredecisions and better options.