The University's booth -- one of 74 exposed to Nittany Mall shoppers this weekend -- highlighted continuing education material, employment opportunities and sports.

"We are trying to express the multiple offerings at Penn State," said Rev. John Saunders, University human resource specialist.

Other businesses at Expo '90 also aimed to present the services of local businesses and industries to residents browsing through the length of the mall from Gee Bee to Sears.

Businesses and industries represented ranged from HRB Systems to Centre County Government.

The Private Industry Council of Centre County held the event in late March, rather than late April, to increase the number of people who would attend. The group thought more people would be in the mall during colder weather, said Tom Dolan, executive director of the council.

The Expo previously was held at the Centre County Vo-Tech, but as the number of businesses participating exceeded 50 a more centralized location was needed, Dolan said.

Students are able to see the intricacies of the participating companies year after year and become aware of how the business is growing from previous expositions, he said.

The State College Job Center offered information on its job service, unemployment compensation and vocational rehabilitation services.

"We serve as a one-stop shopping center for jobs," Employment Service Supervisor Al Garbrick said.

The exposition is a promotional program; it is not specifically designed for recruitment, Dolan said. Several businesses will have a chance to meet their competitors, he added.

Mellon Bank and Mid-State Bank, as well as the United States Army, Marines and Air Force, were among those participating.

Although Expo '90 drew many interested Centre County shoppers, it had little effect on some of the stores and privately-owned sales huts.

"I think that the first day things are always a little slow during the Expo, but usually we average no more than a regular weekend," said Ann Dybalski of Silver Designs.

Curtis Price, a Thom McAnn sales clerk, said the store ran a special sale Friday not affiliated with the Expo.

"People are mainly browsing since that is what they can do at the booths," Price said.

Of the Expo's future Dolan said: "We hope to eventually make this a Central Pennsylvania happening, because we've noticed that the same people come down to the Expo to renew old friendships and to keep their eyes open for future possibilities in employment."