TO: Editors, Assignment Editors, News Directors, Reporters
RE: Penn State Professors Chock Full of Valentine Information

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that inspires procrastination. Loved ones rush out at the last minute to buy a box of candy or a spray of flowers.

At times journalism can be a last-minute process as well. An editor might order a Sunday piece on the origins of St. Valentine or ask a reporter to find out what makes chocolate candy so irresistible as a gift.

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has faculty members who can shed light on many Valentine's Day topics. Please feel free to contact them for their expertise or guidance.

The following faculty members can be valuable Valentine's Day sources:

-- Gregory Ziegler, associate professor of food science. Ziegler can discuss the history of chocolate use as well as its physical properties. His office number is 814-863-2960.

-- J. Lynne Brown, associate professor of food science. Brown is an expert on nutrition and how consumers make decisions about foods and food products. Her office number is 814-863-3973.

-- Kathleen Brown, professor of postharvest physiology. An expert on roses, Brown can talk about storage of cut flowers. She also is an expert on how fruit ripens. Her office number is 814-863-2260.

-- Robert Berghage, associate professor of horticulture. Berghage is an expert on the cut flower industry. His office number is 814-863-2190.

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