In response to George Bankos' letter published March 1, I would like to address the tone with which he and others have spoken about the events surrounding the appropriation hearings. While his reaction may be appropriate for his perception of university life in the late '60s, today Penn State is a very different place.

It is evident Bankos is off the mark when it comes to our "whining." We are merely exercising our right to express our opinion. I can almost safely speak for the entire student body (something state Rep. John Lawless should not attempt to do) when I say that an increased tuition as a result of decreased state funding, thanks to Lawless' recent spectacle, is both undesirable and harsh. It is obvious Bankos has discounted our opinions as childish tantrums, when in reality, we are breaking the apathetic norm by expressing our viewpoint. Every student should be able to express him or herself tactfully, and age is no reason to cast off opinion as juvenile babble. No wonder students are hesitant to speak out if this is the reception given by their generally respectable elders. It is sad that misconstrued and incomplete perceptions distort what the Penn State experience is about, which in turn, threatens to make this opportunity more costly and inaccessible for current and future students.

As for suggesting we "get our way" and do not struggle to obtain anything, Bankos should talk to students who work long weeks, attend class full time and rely on grade-based scholarships and grants. The struggle to succeed in light of this is not one to be dismissed either. Thankfully, President Spanier has represented our institution with class and dignity in a cloud of ridiculousness.

While President Spanier is not typically a celebrated personality among the student body, we all can be proud of his actions to bridge the gap of misunderstanding. It is your alma mater and ours, too.