Penn State President Graham Spanier spoke about his goals to make Penn State a more student-centered university Friday afternoon to a nearly packed Eisenhower Auditorium during the 2002 Academic Convocation and State of the University address.

"The university exists first and foremost to provide advanced education to our students... [They] must be the top priority," he said.

Spanier referred to a letter he wrote to the faculty at the beginning of the school year. He mentioned his call for faculty and student interactions to be more personal. Along the same lines, he said that while technology is growing, students should always be able to talk to a real person.

"Never underestimate the power reaching out can have," Spanier said.

Undergraduate Student Government President Rubina Javeri said she thinks Spanier is trying to make everyone aware of the importance of university members working together.

Responding to Spanier's student-centered goals, Sandra Huff (junior-journalism) said, "I think it's feasible; any action taking place to help students' lives on campus will be helpful."

For 147 years, Penn State has been growing in popularity and recognition among the nation's most renowned universities, Spanier said.

"Our reputation is our most valuable asset. Mediocrity is no longer a palatable goal," he said.

Javeri said she was pleased with the focus of his speech.

"I was impressed by the tone to make an effort to show students come first," she said.

In addition to Spanier's speech, Rodney Erickson, executive vice president and provost, announced awards for the recognition of outstanding faculty and staff in several fields. He also recognized two new recipients of the title Evan Pugh professor, which is the highest distinction Penn State can bestow upon a faculty member.

Nina Fedoroff, professor of life sciences, and Alan Walker, professor of anthropology and biology, received the honor. Only 55 other professors have received the award since 1960.