As the Oct. 4 voter registration deadline nears, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll spoke to a crowd of about 20 students yesterday at the HUB-Robeson Center about the merits of voting.

Knoll, the first woman elected lieutenant governor of the commonwealth, encouraged students to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming election.

"If you don't vote, you can't complain," Knoll said.

Amee Master, Political Science Association activism co-chair for the event, said it was a non-partisan way to increase the voter registration and voter turnout among Penn State students.

"We thought it would be a good event to host because of the Oct. 4 deadline," Master said.

During a brief question-and-answer session, Knoll said she agreed with the students' viewpoint that the state needs to bring more money to Penn State, but added that it is challenging since the school has several satellite campuses, which diversify funds.

Knoll added that she is making an effort to give college students and their families breaks in such programs as the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, Tuition Account Program, Future Farmers of America and Americorps.

Knoll said that although education is not a top priority among senators, she knows the importance of education and students' needs from her experience as a schoolteacher.

However, Knoll said that to make education the top priority among politicians, students must make their appearance known by exercising their votes and working at the polls this coming election.

"I think we have the greatest list of candidates to make a difference," Knoll said.

College Democrats member Marcus Alfonso (sophomore-English) said he received information from an e-mail list about Knoll speaking. Alfonso added that he was interested in coming to see Knoll speak because he voted for her in 2002.

Vin Gopal (sophomore-political science), also a member of the College Democrats, said he stopped by because he had a lot of respect for Knoll's work as the state treasurer, and now as the lieutenant governor.

"If she chooses to be, I feel she will be a great successor for Gov. Ed Rendell," Gopal said.

Knoll advised female students interested in a political career to get involved in their local community. She said the state has women's groups for students to get involved. She also urged the students to stay in Pennsylvania after graduation.

"I'll make sure I get some doors open for you," Knoll said.