UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- For many students, their college years slip by quickly, without a notice to the passing. Ambridge, Pa., native Ian Rosenberger isn't taking a chance on that.

Since the animal bioscience major has been in high school, he has been fervently excited about all Penn State had to offer. A graduate of the Pennsylvania's Governors School for Agricultural Sciences, Rosenberger remembers fondly his first Penn State experience.

"Governor's School got me psyched up about Penn State," he recalls. "They call it 'Happy Valley' for a reason. It has a different feel than anywhere else I've ever been."

When he came to Penn State for good, he found a home in the College of Agricultural Sciences. "The faculty members are very open," he states, "and the close atmosphere makes for an easy transition into college." The college touts a faculty-to-student ratio of 1 to 11.

From that time on, Rosenberger's passion for and involvement in the university grew. He is active in the Outing Club, the Thespians and the Essence of Joy choir and has served as a teacher's assistant, to name just a few of his involvements.

This past April, Rosenberger's plate piled up with yet another helping of responsibility: to govern University Park's 45,000-member student body. This year, Rosenberger is serving as Undergraduate Student Government president. His job is to represent all University Park students to the administration and to bring all administrative issues back to the students.

How much time does that take? While many college students rarely see daybreak, Rosenberger is up at 5:30 a.m. to check e-mail, answer correspondence and prepare for his day. Classes take priority from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., and then he attends meetings every evening.

Rosenberger says rigorous schedules aren't a problem when you're doing something you love. "Penn State has taught me to work because you believe in something," he remarks. "That's what motivates me."

Rosenberger credits his experience in the College of Agricultural Sciences for helping prepare him for the position of USG president. "The faculty in class really helped me to figure out how to achieve that balance between academics and student activities."

The college also offers a special first-year seminar, "Be a Master Student," at several locations in the fall. This course is designed to help students fine-tune study skills, explore the college and university, examine issues facing agricultural professionals, and form mentoring relationships with faculty members.

In April, Rosenberger will turn his responsibilities over to the next elected student government president. Though he's accomplished much, he has enjoyed being a resource for students the most. "There are so many great opportunities here at Penn State," he says. "I just want to get people excited about it."

When his presidency ends, Rosenberger's excitement may be just beginning. This fall, he will be attending graduate school at the University of Hawaii to study marine mammal behavior. "Ideally, I'd like to work with animal therapy, particularly using dolphins to help children with autism. I have a minor in special education," he says.

To find out more about Penn State and the College of Agricultural Sciences, visit the web at http://www.cas.psu.edu or contact the Office of Undergraduate Education at 814-865-7521.

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EDITORS: Contact Ian Rosenberger by e-mail at iar104@psu.edu

Contact:

Lori Connelly llc143@psu.edu 814-863-0416 814-863-9877 fax #302