There are some things at Penn State that are sacred and carry a special meaning in the hearts of anyone who is attending or has attended this university.

Along with the Nittany Lion Shrine, Old Main and Beaver Stadium, the University Creamery is something that we all keep coming back to. It's not just the ice cream, though that helps; it's the memories of college.

In raising money for the reconstruction of the Creamery, which will be rebuilt on the corner of Bigler and Curtin Roads, the Creamery name can be bought for $3 million.

Essentially, Penn State is offering the name of a university institution to the highest bidder.

Other buildings at this campus have been renamed but have been done so with tradition and honor in mind, not money and brand-name advertising.Although the former Classroom and Office Building was renamed after former Penn State President Joab Thomas, it is understandable and acceptable because he contributed to the life and mission of this university. Renaming the Creamery after an alumnus who has done great things for Penn State would be one thing; renaming it the "Nike Creamery" would diminish the nostalgia that links it with the university and all the good things that come with it.

Although it remains to be seen if anyone will actually purchase the Creamery name, to actually put a name tag to a piece of university history is sad and disheartening for students who still have reason to believe in the value of the Penn State name on their resumes.

Any integrity that Penn State has acquired through its fine educational programs and its mission of academic excellence is jeopardized by possible corporate sponsors who care for nothing but their bottom lines.

We have endured the continual selling of our university. The Penn State Bookstore, although partnered with Barnes & Noble Booksellers, is only tolerable because the corporate giant's name is not splashed on the front of the HUB-Robeson Center.

Renaming the Creamery could be the next step toward a commercialized campus and having students' educations sponsored by companies that do not understand the educational needs of a university.