As state appropriations to Penn State continue to dwindle, it seems apparent that other sources of funding, like donations from alumni and corporations, are becoming increasingly more important.

Last year marked another year that Penn State saw an increase in private donations -- from $180,007,000 in 2002 to $181,003,000 in 2003. The university is lucky to have such a generous alumni association and support base to provide us with this extra financial support in times when we need it most.

However, Peter Weiler, associate vice president for development and alumni relations, said private funding is often used to support facilities for specific colleges. Money will be given to fund the Smeal College of Business' new building, as well as faculty and program support for the School of Information and Sciences and Technology, he said.

It would only make sense that these colleges would receive more money because of the size of their academic programs and facilities. But this should not mean that smaller programs, like those in the College of the Liberal Arts should be neglected just because they may have less alumni willing to donate mone? With the elimination of minors with smaller enrollments, like the dance minor and mineral economics minor, it seems apparent that it is easy to cut corners where there is little monetary support.

It is often unique programs like these that provide a well-rounded education. Funding should be spread across the university system to ensure the quality of our education is not jeopardized by the amount of money given by outside sources.

Organizations like the Lion Line continually call alumni and parents with hopes of increasing private donations. Mike Cipriani, director of the organization, said Lion Line saw a record number of donations this year from alumni. But, once again, most alumni are only willing to give money if he or she knows it will go to a specific college or program with which they studied.

Now that the Grand Destiny Campaign has ended and it is time to start new fund-raising efforts, perhaps it is time to re-examine the methods with which we bring in outside revenue.

When calling for donations, representatives from the Lion Line should encourage individuals to give to university-wide programming instead of specific colleges.

State appropriations for this academic year are expected to decrease by 5 percent and it is good that we continue to focus on gaining money from outside sources.

But, state funding still plays a large role in our education. And this is why our enthusiasm for petitioning alumni for donations should be redirected. If we spent as much time lobbying the state as we spent lobbying alumni, perhaps the problem would be lessened.