Benefactor, not founder

Regarding the article "Harvard Ushers In New President," Oct 18: I would not expect the Monitor, sitting cheek by jowl to Harvard University, to make the mistake so common to outlanders and refer to John Harvard as the individual "who founded the college in 1636."The Rev. Mr. Harvard, who had a parish in Charlestown, became the college's first large benefactor in the year after the college's founding. In grateful appreciation of his gift, the founders named the infant college after him. George R. Plagenz, Columbus, Ohio Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.