Fresno Pacific University: Spend money on books before benches

I am writing in response to the brief article written about improvements paid for by the students attending Fresno Pacific University published on by Troy Pope.

The article states the students contributed $90,000 toward the improvement costs of the renovation project. Although I understand how important it is for students to have a place to congregate, I feel the need to assist students, both currently attending and future attendees, by using the money on scholarship programs for students who need financial assistance.

With per-unit costs increasing, a number of students find it more challenging to come up with the funding to further their education. In the current working world, people need degrees if they are to make a decent living.

There are many jobs that do not require a degree, but for anyone interested in management or supervisory positions, a degree is necessary. If a student body has $90,000 it can spend on benches, irrigation and trees, it could have possibly helped at least 90 students with $1,000 each to help with books and other needed school supplies.

This story was originally published September 16, 2015 at 7:44 AM with the headline "Fresno Pacific University: Spend money on books before benches."