As the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's first voyage to America approaches, not everyone plans to celebrate.

Some American Indians said they don't view Columbus in a good light.

"I think that the Native Americans' point of view needs to be represented in education -- basically that Christopher Columbus was not a hero in any manner," said Susan Banks (graduate-special education), a member of the Native American Indian Student Association, which has been active at the University for 22 years.

An alumni member of Penn State's NAISA agreed.

"As a Native American, I'm really against (the celebration)," said Darrell Jeanotte, who graduated in 1978. "Columbus is not one of my heroes."

Jeanotte said many American Indians are protesting Columbus Day near his home in South Dakota. But he said since there is no way to stop the celebration, he will not protest it -- but he will not advocate it.

Barb Froman (graduate-communication disorders) said, "I intend to leave town that weekend. I don't support it."

Froman said the University does not do enough to attract American Indian students.

Seventy-four undergraduates, 36 graduates and one medical student of American Indian origin attended the University as of Fall 1991, said Aaron Singleton, University spokesman.

"Penn State . . . is one of the largest producers of Indian doctorates," Singleton said. University representatives visit reservations to recruit American Indian students, he said, adding that a recruitment video has just been completed.

American Indian alumni often return to their hometowns or reservations to recruit students to Penn State, Singleton added.

But Kelly Cooke (graduate-education administration) said it is sad that the University has not taken a greater interest in minority groups such as American Indians.

"If it wasn't for our own organization branching out . . . a lot of Penn State wouldn't recognize us," said Cooke, a NAISA member. "The American Indians are just underrepresented here."