This past Wednesday, Penn State was the recipient of a gift of $25 million from Highmark Inc., which will help provide funds for cancer research and the construction of the Penn State Children's Hospital at Hershey.

The estimated cost of the hospital is $65 million, according to Harold Paz, the Penn State senior vice president for health affairs.

So far $24 million was raised toward the project since the fall.

Though this estimated cost may change, the amount directed specifically for the construction effort, $20 million, will doubtless be a much appreciated and generous gift.

In addition, $5 million of the $25 million will be earmarked for cancer research.

Such a gift seems to bode well for the future partnership between Penn State and Highmark Inc., which will become the official insurance provider for Penn State employees, retirees and dependents beginning Jan. 1 of next year.

It also seems to be a good omen of a prosperous working relationship between the insurance company and the hospital.

It is important to note that the money donated by Highmark will go toward cancer research and construction of the Children's Hospital, which are both causes near and dear to the heart of the Penn State community because of the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

Highmark could have decided to donate the money to any philanthropy or academic program at Penn State, but the choice of helping fund the battle against cancer and helping increase pediatric care shows a sensitivity to the specific issues which the Penn State community champions.

In particular, the new free-standing hospital will provide additional room for pediatric care for the children, which will certainly be a boon for the medical services available in the area.

Currently, the department devoted to such care, the Penn State Children's Hospital is located on the seventh floor of the Hershey Medical Center.

It is heartening to see such a partnership provide the opportunity for the growth of medical care, particularly for the benefit of children.

Between the funding provided and the bold plans for the Children's Hospital, the children will be the winners of this latest gift, because it will give the medical facilities room to grow.

Hopefully this will lead to a strong future partnership between Highmark and Penn State Children's Hospital, as well as the university.