Grassroots Network membership surpasses 30,000
 In the face of continuing cuts to the University's appropriation, the Penn State Alumni Association has called on alumni and friends across Pennsylvania to join the Penn State Grassroots Network. This is a statewide advocacy system of Penn State alumni and friends--more than 33,000--who want to help make the case proactively, year after year, for state funding that supports the University's mission as the state's only land-grant institution and preeminent public research university.
Sharp cuts in the University's appropriations from the state over the last two years—which have amounted to nearly $50 million—are forcing the University to cut programs and services; reduce the number of faculty and staff; and raise tuition more than the University would like, placing a heavy burden on students and their families.
“As Penn State continues to meet the increasing demands required to maintain our status as a premier research and teaching university, our fiscal challenges continue to grow,” said Penn State President Graham Spanier. “In an expanded effort to reach our state legislators, we are looking to our dedicated alumni and friends, through a grassroots effort, to help spread the good word about Penn State.”
Realizing that continued cuts could erode Penn State’s academic quality and national reputation, alumni have rallied to the cause in record numbers. “The sheer number of alumni and friends who have signed up for this network is impressive,” said Alumni Association Executive Director Roger Williams. “But we need all Penn Staters throughout the Commonwealth to join us in advocating for the future of our alma mater. The 2004-2005 state budget discussions are only weeks away.”
Sponsored by the Alumni Association, the Penn State Grassroots Network is a coalition of Penn State alumni, students, parents, and friends who want to become actively involved in advocating for the University’s future and the support of its students. To learn more about the Grassroots Network, or to join this growing system of dedicated Penn Staters, please visit http://www.alumni.psu.edu/grassroots.
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