NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Nov. 14, 2001--Standard&Poor's today affirmed its triple-'A'/'A-1'-plus rating on the Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority's outstand debt, issued for Harvard University. The new sale ($6.49 million) represents the third tranche issued under the series R indenture, and the bonds are expected to sell on November 20. Similar to the first two tranches, proceeds of the bonds will be used to refund the current maturities of various series of the university's outstanding bonds. The triple-'A' rating reflects: -- Overwhelming financial resources, provided by an $18.3 billion endowment valued on June 30, 2001; -- Strong management of admissions, investments, and operations; and -- Impressive demand for Harvard's academic programs. The 'A-1'-plus rating reflects Harvard's
