Penn State President Graham Spanier has joined the past two presidents of the university in contributing to a $50,000 endowment for a Trustee Scholarship.

Spanier teamed with former presidents Joab Thomas and Bryce Jordan to contribute to the $50,000 endowment.

The Trustee Scholarship Program was launched last year to ensure a Penn State degree is possible for all qualified undergraduates, regardless of financial means.

The program's goal is $100 million in endowed gifts for Trustee Scholarships by June 30, 2007. The Board of Trustees has agreed to match all Trustee Scholarship gifts with university funds.

"It underscores the importance of need-based student aid and gives a tremendous boost to the Trustee Scholarship Program," said Rod Kirsch, vice president for development and alumni relations. "This gift will certainly spur further contributions from others in the Penn State family."

Spanier has been president since 1995. Thomas served from 1990 to 1995, while Jordan served from 1983 to 1990.