Penn State junior chosen to study U.S. presidency in nation's capital

University Park, Pa. -- Each year, one student from Penn State is selected to serve as a fellow of The Center for the Study of the Presidency in Washington, D.C. Junior political science major and Schreyer Honors College scholar Justin Kirk Houser was chosen to represent Penn State this year.

Founded in 1965, The Center for the Study of the Presidency is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that attempts to study all aspects of the American presidency, to strengthen the executive-legislative branch relationship, and to encourage public service, especially among young Americans.

Each year, The Center Fellows Program grants 65 undergraduate and graduate students nationwide a yearlong opportunity to study the U.S. presidency, including such aspects as the public-policymaking process and the president’s relations with Congress, allies, the media and the American public.

The Bellefonte, Pa., native has always been interested in politics and the government. Through many stimulating classes in high school, Houser developed a further fascination with history and politics and decided to continue on for collegiate study in these areas.

Houser will travel to Washington this spring for two seminars, which he believes will provide excellent opportunities to establish connections for his career. Houser plans to become more active in and continue with public service after graduation.

In addition to interacting with distinguished officials and attending press conferences, leadership conferences and educational seminars, each fellow researches, writes and presents an original paper on an issue of the modern presidency to be published by the center. Houser said that he will be working on a paper concerning presidential rhetoric on education.

Pleased that he had garnered this honor and excited about the opportunities that await him, Houser cites his family as a source of great influence and support. Along with his parents, Ralph and Catherine, he said that his grandparents have always been there for him to provide direction and encouragement in all of his ventures.

In addition to this honor, Houser says one of his most notable accomplishments has been his election to the Bellefonte School Board. Having already served two years on the school board, Houser’s involvement reflects his mature civic leadership and political endeavors.

From Penn State Live  located at http://live.psu.edu/