a message from president spanier
The Penn State Grassroots Network, launched in late 2003 and now more than 38,000 members strong, is becoming an increasingly effective force in educating the public about Penn State initiatives, boosting public awareness of Penn State’s positive impact on the Commonwealth, communicating Penn State’s needs, and advocating for resources that will help keep the University strong and responsive in future years.

As the state’s only land-grant institution, a distinction it has held since 1863, Penn State has a unique three-part mission of teaching, research, and service. That mission continues to guide what the University does today for the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world. In return for the financial support provided by the state in the late 1800s, Penn State began a steady expansion of its academic program. It also pledged to disseminate the benefits gained through research and instruction; today that takes the form of hundreds of outreach programs that touch the lives of millions of people each year.

In many ways, Penn State has a huge positive impact on the Commonwealth and its residents. To cite just one example, Penn State is the single largest contributor to the state's economy, generating more than $6 billion a year in direct net economic benefits for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Clearly, there is no more fruitful investment for the Commonwealth than Penn State.

Sponsored by the Penn State Alumni Association, the Grassroots Network is an education and advocacy group whose members work to communicate the University’s contributions and needs to government officials. Since late 2003, the Network has sparked more than 9,800 letters and e-mails to state and federal officials.

I am deeply grateful for the Grassroots Network members’ generous outpouring of their time, their dedication, their loyalty to Penn State, and their willingness to share their stories on Penn State’s behalf.

Given our current needs, I can't overstate how important it can be for dedicated alumni volunteers to present a strong, consistent message of support for Penn State. Whether you write, e-mail, call, visit your legislator, or take part in Grassroots Network events, your voices will be heard and they will make a difference.

Again, thanks for your support of Penn State's future.

Graham Spanier
President
The Pennsylvania State University