The Green and Gold Gala gave alums, administrators and Sacramento State itself a good reason to praise each other on how good the other looks, talk about all the money the university has raised, and that’s just swell.

We raised more money?in a feel-good way. That’s not to say that all the money we’ve raised has been with some sort of ulterior motive. Just some of it, but that’s OK, just as long as eventually the truth comes out, right?

Publicly recognizing the donations from some anonymous donors is a welcome retreat from the smoke-and-mirror donations that nearly came from Paul and Renee Snider. The Sniders were prepared to donate more than $2 million to the now defunct natural history museum Gonzalez pushed for.

This situation is different and notable, because we knew about it.

It’s no doubt the funding is greatly appreciated by the programs it benefits. The $375,000 will support the math and science honor students, and the $156,000 will support faculty development.

It’s too bad that we couldn’t celebrate every time money we raise at this school goes to a program that actually needs it.

Who would have thought a university with such an entrepreneurial president could do what he’s expected to do? Maybe not exactly all that he’s expected to do, but at least he’s raising money.

The last gala was held in honor of funds raised for a new field house for the track and football programs and unless you can run 40 yards in under five seconds, you won’t be using that building routinely.

A desirable Sac State legacy should outlive any aging donor like the Sniders. It should outlive even the youngest student here. It should speak volumes of the image that Sac State exudes.

The money raised in the process of bringing this university toward the prestige that it undoubtedly deserves should start with earning money openly and without controversy.

It may be easier said than done.

The State Hornet Staff can be reached at [email protected].