Spalla fund attracts donors

In all the years Matt Kane has worked as director of the Altoona Area Public Library, he has never seen such an outpouring of generosity and support for a memorial fund.

The memorial fund Kane spoke of was set up in honor of 21-year-old journalism major Melanie Spalla, an Altoona native, who was fatally shot on the HUB lawn six months ago today.

About 60 donors gave more than $2,000, which was used to buy books with Spalla's name displayed on the inside cover, Kane said.

Close to 20 donations, totaling more than $500, were also made to the Blair Literacy Council, which helps students and adults with basic reading and writing skills and those who speak English as a second language, said Carole Holes, program coordinator.

Many of the people and groups who donated were from the Altoona and State College areas, Kane said. Individual University students gave money as did students in Simmons Hall, where Spalla lived. The Altoona Student Government Association, an English class at Altoona campus and Mid-State Bank, where Spalla's mother works, also donated funds, he said.

"It certainly has been an experience that showed how many people cared and were concerned," Kane said.

At the same time the library set up a memorial fund, the University created a $25,000 scholarship in Spalla's name, said Peter Weiler, associate vice president for development and alumni relations. So far several thousand dollars has been raised for that fund.

Contributions for the scholarship should be sent to the Office of University Development, 116 Old Main, University Park, Pa., 16802. Contributions to the memorial fund should be sent to the Altoona Area Public Library, 1600 5th Ave., Altoona, Pa., 16602.