More than anything, the FAS appears to be attempting to tug at graduates' heartstrings.

The manual is dotted with the musings of various Harvard affiliates, either reflecting sentimentally on their Harvard days or asking alums for more money.

"The first time I really saw Harvard was in September, 1960," wrote Rudenstine, who received his Ph.D. from Harvard in 1964. "I arrived...on a brilliant autumn day. I sat more or less motionless for two or three hours...I realized that if I failed to keep a rendezvous with this University, I would always feel as if I had been unwilling to test myself against the very best."

But the pitch from Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid William R. Pitzsimmons '67 had a slightly different tone.

"If we were to back away from our need-based financial aid policy tomorrow, then the next day-not ten years from now, but the next day-we would see a real diminution in the quality of the student body," Pitzsimmons said.

Alumni Gift Guide

In addition to outlining the goals of the program, the new manual describes several "gift opportunities," a millionaire's catalog of possible donations to Harvard College.

For a mere $3.5 million, for example, an alum can "buy" a new Harvard College professorship. And for just $5 million, a graduate can establish a named fund to provide assistance to distinguished teachers.

In an interview on Monday, Dean of the Faculty Jeremy R. Knowles said the prices quoted in the manual are estimates based on the requirements of a specific investment.

The price of a new endowed chair, for example, includes expenditures for salary, fringe benefits, graduate student, office space and so forth, Knowles said.

"I always hope to match institutional needs with donor interests," Knowles said.

Knowles added that he spends about one day of each week fundraising.

Jonathan A. Lewin and Sarah J. Schaffer contributed to the reporting of this story.