Precious gifts

Paternos' $3.5 million gift benefits entire University population

Joe and Sue Paterno are probably tired of people thanking them and telling them what a wonderful thing they did by donating $3.5 million to the University. But we couldn't pass up the chance to also thank them.

Not only is it great that the Paternos chose to donate all of this money, but they are choosing to give the large majority of it to nonsports-affiliated aspects of the University. Instead of the head football coach and his wife giving back to the athletic program, they chose to enhance academics and other programs at Penn State.

"Instead of the head football coach and his wife giving back to the athletic program, they chose to enhance academics and other programs at Penn State."

The construction of the All Sports Hall of Fame that part of the donation will fund is a small portion of the money. It will draw more people to the University and concentrate on all of Penn State's sports instead of just a select few.

The largest portion of the Paternos' gift will go to endowments for faculty and students. This will probably help University students more than any other portion. Not only can individual students benefit through personal scholarships but the quality of their education will be enhanced through the faculty endowments.

But the expansion to the All-Faith Chapel is the most important aspect of this gift by the Paternos. Currently, this room in the Eisenhower Chapel holds only 150 people, a small number compared to the student population.

Because of this small capacity, many religious groups on campus are forced to worship elsewhere, instead of in the building designated for worship of all kinds. Sunday Catholic services are often held in Schwab Auditorium. Alliance Christian Fellowship holds services in the HUB on Sundays. And Hillel also must gather in the HUB on important Jewish holidays.

The expansion is an ideal situation, thanks to the Paternos. A larger room will be added onto the Eisenhower Chapel to create more space for more students to worship. And it won't cost those students or the University a dime.

This is something that many students and groups have wanted but has understandably not been a priority for the University. This addition to the chapel will help to better serve the spiritual needs of the Penn State student body, something that is all too often overlooked.

The Paternos were extremely humble and modest about their generosity, saying that giving back to the University is natural. But we still say thank you.