My point is that there is a very good chance Penn State never sees that $50 million and even if it does, a fair chance the last installment does not arrive to Penn State until 2085.
- Based on the "gift" perimeters, $10 million comes within the first 10 years. That could mean $1 million a year for next 10 years, $5 million in 5 years and another $5 million at the 10 year mark, or possibly all $10 million coming at the 10 year mark.
- Then, according to the gift agreement, the "donor" has the next 50 years to give the remaining $40 million. Who's to say how that $40 million will be paid over that 50 years.
- The naming agreement is for 15 years. So the donor fulfills the first part and ensures $10 million by the 10th year, he has 50 more years to "give" the next $40 million so at the 15 year mark when "West Shore Home" is no longer the name, what incentive does the donor have to complete the gift?
It happens more than you think where a donor does not fulfill the gift agreement. My wife and I both work in higher ed though she works on the advancement/development side and she's never seen a gift agreement structured this way. In her words, "I don't know a development officer who would agree to those terms."
Kraft is booking all $50 million as a gift towards the stadium which is fine. Most universities will announce a gift and book the full amount towards that year's fundraising goal. That's standard practice but the length of time to pay off what isn't a lot of money when you consider the length of time. What happens if West Shore Homes goes under in 7 years? Yes, the CEO of West Shore Homes is a PSU alum but the gift is not from him but from West Shore Homes.
As for the folks who are getting upset about Paterno not being named, sorry but get over it. Michael Mauti put it best--want to honor him? Go win a national championship. His name on or off the field doesn't take away what he's done for the school and program. I'm willing to bet having a library named after him vs the field is the way he would want it.