I applaud Penn State President Graham Spanier's trip to the Middle East ("Spanier leads trip to Middle East," Jan. 11). Higher education is all about building understanding between people. It is essential that academic ties be maintained and cultivated with the region and among many nations within the region. The leader of a great research university must always be looking to the future.

The second issue is study abroad in the Middle East by scholars at the university. I am concerned about the safety of Penn State scholars who may want to study in the region. Perhaps this is the father in me speaking. Although academic study abroad is important, it is equally important that it be taken with full knowledge of the risks. I would be upset if one of the university's students were hurt or killed in the area, and I would be devastated it if happened to a member of my family.

Do I come across as having mixed feelings? Yes. But I think it is important that Spanier lead the trip.