Brandeis' choice of Penthouse publisher Robert Guccione as "Publisher of the Year" has drawn a storm of protests from student groups at the university.

The Student Senate, women's caucus of the Student Union, and the Women's Coalition object to Brandeis' connection with a magazine that "demeans the image of women," Leslie E. Martin, a representative of the Women's Caucus, said yesterday.

Martin said by honoring Guccione the University will be "indirectly exploiting" women.

Guccione was recommended by the Publishers and Distributors Industry of New York. He was not Brandeis' first choice, but was chosen after several other publishers declined the honor, Jeffrey A. Ossof, director of public affairs, said yesterday.

As Publisher of the Year, Guccione will be guest of honor at a $200-a-plate dinner later this month, which Brandeis hopes will raise $100,000.

Judy Honig, a member of the Student Senate, said Brandeis should not "cheapen itself" in an attempt to improve its financial situation.

Jeffrey A. Ossof said yesterday Guccione was chosen because he is "concerned" with many other "dimensions of community development."