Penn State President Graham Spanier will address Penn State at his annual State of the University speech at 4 p.m. today in Eisenhower Auditorium.

Penn State spokesman Tysen Kendig said Spanier canceled the address last year and instead gave two speeches to University Faculty Senate.

Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon said Spanier wanted to return to the annual speech format but could not discuss the details regarding Spanier's speech this year. He said the president will give a broad speech that will touch on several issues

Because of Penn State's 150th anniversary coming up in 2005, Spanier will discuss the history of Penn State and share his goals for the future as well as the importance of being receptive to the needs of students, he said.

"It's an occasion where the president is going to try and give a broad overview of the university," he said. "His address will have references to the history, our strenghts and a look forward into the future. It's a chance for him to outline things he feels are important about Penn State."

Penn State will also dedicate the new $45-million, 154,000-square-foot Chemistry and Life Sciences buildings at 2:30 p.m. and take place in the Berg Auditorium of the Life Sciences Building.

Following the dedication students and other guests will be taken on tours of the buildings.

Office of Physical Plant spokesman Paul Ruskin said students should expect to start learning in the most modern and up-to-date classrooms.

"This building gives us the opportunity to do a much needed upgrade," he said. "We did this so we could provide out students with the best facilities. They will have a big impact on students in terms of the research and education that comes out of Penn State."

Ruskin also said the new pedestrian mall located under the buildings would be dedicated today.