Barnes & Noble College Booksellers has pledged a total of $500,000 to two Penn State organizations, including a $200,000 gift to the Interfraternity Council/ Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

"We were able to secure a gift of $20,000 a year, which is the largest pledge we've received at one time," Thon Overall chairman Evan Jacobs said.

Tom Bauer, general manager of Barnes & Noble College Booksellers at Penn State, said Barnes & Noble has contributed to Thon for the past 12 years and opted to increase its annual donations.

"What students do is so unselfish that it needs to be recognized," Bauer said. "Before they even start next year's campaign, they already have $20,000 in the bank."

Thon Corporate Relations Chairman Dan Cocco said the Barnes & Noble agreement will span a 10-year period and begins the long-term pledge.

"We would love to have more in the future so donations can remain predictable," he said.

Cocco added that although students raise the bulk of Thon's funds, corporate donations help to increase figures quickly.

"The combination of getting these larger donors coming back year after year will affect Thon's total," he said.

Steve Falke, regional manager of Barnes & Noble College Booksellers at Penn State, said a donation in intervals has advantages over a lump sum contribution.

"Four years from now, there will be a whole new batch of students," Falke said. "We can have the connection every year."

About $300,000 was also pledged to the Penn State Forum Speaker Series, luncheon presentations featuring a speaker.

"The faculty, staff and students can come together for world-class speakers," Falke said.

Forum Committee Chairwoman Tineke Cunning said the donation demonstrates Barnes & Noble's continued support since the program's inception.

"[The pledge] will help to support us so the forum can continue to allow us to invite and have high-caliber or nationally and internationally renowned speakers," she said.

Mike Bezilla, the university's advancement projects director, said corporate sponsorship is common to all universities.

"We have a particularly close relationship with Barnes & Noble," said Bezilla. He added that Barnes & Noble is at 23 of Penn State's 24 campuses. "It's giving back in a sense."