President Bush has sent a letter of regret to Coach Joe Paterno saying he will be unable to attend the closing ceremonies of the six-year Campaign for Penn State.

"We just can't accommodate all of the many invitations that come in," said Windy White, a spokeswoman in the Office of Presidential Scheduling.

It is routine for an institution like Penn State to invite the president of the United States to similar events, said Bill Mahon, spokesman for the University.

"More often than not you get turned down," Mahon said. "It's not a surprise that he couldn't make it."

The University is planning to hold closing ceremonies for the Campaign during the last weekend of April. The Campaign, which reached its $300 million goal in November, is scheduled to officially end June 30.

The University plans an academic convocation in Schwab Auditorium for 10 a.m. April 28 and a gala performance at 8 in Eisenhower Auditorium that evening, Mahon said.

Originally, the convocation was scheduled for April 27, but was changed so it would not interfere with Friday classes, Mahon said.

Saturday evening's gala performance will include recognition of donors and perhaps some entertainment, Mahon said. He added the details of the events are not yet fully developed.

The opening ceremonies included a kickoff banquet in Rec Hall, but the University decided against holding a similar dinner because more people can be accommodated in Eisenhower, Mahon said.

"Our initial impression is that there is an extremely high interest in campaign weekend activities," he said.

Paterno and University President Bryce Jordan sent descriptions of the event to Bush in January. Bush's schedule is made up about two months in advance.

When the Campaign kicked off, then-President Ronald Reagan was invited, but he, too, was unable to attend. However, Chief of Staff Donald Regan attended.

The Campaign had raised $330 million as of Feb. 28.