For Temple University, the decision is between preserving its history or preserving its appeal for incoming students.

Built in 1886, Thomas Hall is Temple's oldest free-standing building and the former location of WRTI student radio.

It is scheduled to be demolished at the end of the summer to make way for a five-story residence hall.

Martin Dorph, Temple's chief financial officer and treasurer, said students who refuse Temple admission do so because of a lack of residence life on campus.

"Part of our strategic initiative is to revitalize the main campus with people 24 hours a day," Dorph said. "The new residence hall will attract students, and new businesses to cater to student needs."

Temple administration chose to demolish Thomas Hall, at 13th and Norris, after considering several other sites.

Dorph said its proximity to the main thoroughfare of the campus creates a higher perception of safety, and the site was the most cost-effective.

However, a group of Temple alumni have strong connections to Thomas Hall and don't want to see it disappear.

"This building is one of the cornerstones of the university and money should not be the issue here," said 1966 graduate Bob Cirillo, a member of the executive board of the Committee to Save Thomas Hall.

Cirillo, along with six other alumni committee members, are former student managers of WRTI. They believe Thomas Hall should be preserved and renovated to accommodate a broadcast museum. Their position is endorsed by the 250-member Broadcast Pioneers, which includes CNN's Larry King.

"I find it hard to believe that one residence hall is going to change the face of the univeristy's educational position," said Francis Odyniec, spokesman for the committee and a 1968 alumnus.

"A broadcast museum can help the marketing position of the college within the national scope of education."

The committee has been in contact with the Pew Charitable Trust to seek funding.