Unless you've been living under a rock, or one of the many pieces of brick that have fallen off Sulzberger Tower during Barnard's unending "facade repairs," you're probably aware that Barnard is building the Nexus. The structure, a future student center, is being constructed by the architecture firm of Weiss/Manfredi, which has already won an award for the (still non-existent) building. In fact, the crater, which takes up nearly half of Barnard's campus, will eventually take $45 million out of Barnard's pocket. But because Barnard traditionally has had difficulty raising money, the project is not yet fully funded. On its Nexus Web site, Barnard has made a final appeal to potential donors, even offering up the building's naming rights. In gathering the final funds, it is important that Barnard make sure whomever the building is named for embodies the tradition of strong Barnard women.

Barnard's online appeal brings the idea of giving to donors across the world, including those who may have lost touch with the college. But it also raises questions about potential corporate donors, a growing trend at state colleges and even at NYU. A recent New York Sun article ("Barnard Offers Naming Rights on Internet," Oct. 3) led with the image of a Victoria's Secret Nexus and a quote by spokeswoman Cameran Mason suggesting that the school might be open to the possibility of corporate sponsorship. As a school short on funds, there are compelling arguments for accepting the necessary $20 million from wherever it comes, but Barnard's board of trustees must also look closely at the merits of corporate sponsorship—even more so than for alumnae.

While Barnard ought to carefully scrutinize corporate donors, it ought not to shy away from accepting money from controversial alumnae who can still serve as role models for current students. Barnard should focus on finding a woman whose positive attributes speak to the school's strengths, in spite of the mistakes she might have made. The ideal donor for the remainder of the Nexus funding would be somebody who embodies the values of the school. Barnard alumnae have a duty to reach into their wallets and pocketbooks to help close the fund-raising gap. Now is the time for wealthy alumnae in particular to leave their mark on a school that has undoubtedly shaped them. How about a woman who made a billion-dollar career out of a combination of skilled homemaking and corporate savvy? You know, somebody who can divest quicker than you can say "apple-blueberry crumble cake." Someone with a name worthy of replacing "the Nexus."