Graham Spanier -- Penn State President

Since he was appointed Penn State's 16th president in 1995, Graham Spanier has become more than just a national leader in higher education.

He also acts as a magician and faculty advisor to the Penn State Performing Magicians and has participated with various other performance groups on campus.

Spanier has written more than 100 scholarly publications, including 10 books. He is a sociologist, a demographer and marriage and family therapist.

Spanier originally graduated from Iowa State University with bachelors and masters degrees in sociology.

He went on to earn his sociology Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

Prior to 1995, Spanier held positions including chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, provost and vice-president for academic affairs at Oregon State University, and vice provost for undergraduate studies at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

He previously worked at Penn State as a member of faculty and administration in the College of Health and Human Development.

Vicky Triponey -- Vice President for the Office of Student Affairs

Vicky Triponey is the newest member of the Office of Student Affairs. She was elected vice president on July 1 and replaced Bill Asbury, who served as vice president for 27 years. Her goal is to make Penn State a more student-centered university.

She is a native of Curwensville and served as vice chancellor of student affairs at the University of Connecticut before coming to Penn State.

She earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a master's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate from the University of Virginia. Student Affairs deals with many aspects of student life at Penn State, including counseling services, Greek life and Late Night Penn State activities. For more information, visit http://www.sa.psu. edu.

Joe Paterno -- Penn State Football Coach

Football coach Joe Paterno has been a Penn State institution for over 50 years.

Paterno originally joined the football staff as an assistant coach, and in 1966, took over the head coaching position from the retiring Rip Engel.

Since then, Paterno has amassed a coaching record of 336-100-3.

He has led the Nittany Lions to two national championships (1982 and 1986) and five undefeated seasons.

The Nittany Lions have also had one Heisman Trophy winner (John Cappelletti) during Paterno's reign as head coach.

In 2001, Paterno passed Alabama's Paul "Bear" Bryant as the winningest coach in Div. I college football when he won his 324th game against Big Ten rival Ohio State at Beaver Stadium. Paterno is not only concerned with football.

He has been committed to the university throughout his tenure here. Recently, Paterno and his wife, Sue Paterno, gave $5 million to help fund a new library on campus. The Paterno Library can be found adjacent to Pattee Library.

Zack Mills -- Football Quarterback

Zack Mills, bearing the familiar No. 7 jersey, will enter the 2003 football season as the starting quarterback for the Nittany Lions' offense.

After a breakout 2001 redshirt-freshman season, in which he assumed starting duties four times, the junior southpaw moved into full-time starter at the beginning of the 2002 season.

At 6-feet-3-inches tall and 216 pounds, Mills is a versatile quarterback who can both throw and run the ball to make plays.

Mills was crucial in several come-from-be-hind victories in his freshman season and served as a leader in the huddle throughout his sophomore campaign.

An Ijamsville, Md., native, he is already on the verge of breaking Penn State's career passing records.

Bothered by shoulder injuries and elbow tendonitis last fall, Mills will look to return healthy and ready to lead his team over Big Ten competition and to its second consecutive bowl appearance after a two-year drought.

Kelly Mazzante -- Women's Basketball Guard

Kelly Mazzante, a 6-foot-tall senior from Montoursville, returns to the hard wood this season to lead the Lady Lions basketball team to national supremacy.

This hot-handed shooter is not afraid to take control of the ball, and she has the points to prove it.

Last year, Mazzante was the nation's third-leading scorer and was named Penn State's Female Athlete of the Year.

Her incredible performances thus far have set her apart, not only as a Penn State athlete, but also as a Big Ten athlete.

Mazzante is the fastest player in Big Ten and Penn State history to eclipse the 2,000-point plateau, doing so in only 88 games. She is the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year.

Mazzante is also the first player in Lady Lion history to total 2,000 points and 200 steals for her career.

She needs just 16 points to become the Lady Lions' all-time leading scorer.

Mazzante, who earned National Freshman of the Year honors during her rookie campaign, will be part of a strong team that looks to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2000.

Bill Welch -- State College Mayor

William "Bill" Welch is the mayor of State College. He was elected in 1994 and is serving his third term. His office is located in the State College Municipal Building, 243 S. Allen St.

Welch is a 1964 graduate of Penn State, with a bachelor's degree in arts and letters.

He served on the staff of the Centre Daily Times and became executive editor in 1980.

Welch was a member of the State College Borough Council before being elected mayor.

The council is a board of seven people who make decisions that govern State College.

A major responsibility of Welch is to serve as a link between the borough of State College and Penn State. He also has the power to dictate responsibility and veto any ordinance that is passed by the council.

Welch resides in State College with his wife and has three daughters.

Ian Rosenberger -- USG President

Ian Rosenberger is president of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG).

He has not had prior experience participating in USG, but his leadership skills stem from his participation in about 30 clubs since his freshman year, Rosenberger said.

Rosenberger, a senior, is pursuing a dual major in special education and animal science.

His ideal job is to work in dolphin-assisted therapy by using marine mammals as a way of rehabilitating autistic children, he said.

Rosenberger grew up on a horse farm outside Pittsburgh.

He said he is excited to bring his unique perspective to USG and wants to hear the perspectives of his constituency as well.

Takkeem Morgan -- USG Vice President

Takkeem Morgan is vice president of Undergraduate Student Government (USG). Prior to his election, Morgan was vice president of Black Caucus, an organization committed to diversity and issues black students attending Penn State face.

Morgan said he is in the process of creating his own major, which will focus on the impact art has on people's lives and beliefs.

While he was originally majoring in sociology and African and African American studies, Morgan said his self-crafted major would cover a broader range of topics including sociology, linguistics, history and art.

Morgan grew up in downtown Philadelphia and said the opportunity to be an active agent in changes occurring at Penn State drew him to USG.

Gary Cattell -- The Willard Preacher

Some call Gary Cattell, more commonly referred to as the Willard Preacher, a Penn State legacy. He can be seen at his regular spot, outside the Willard Building on the steps facing Old Main.

He is usually casually dressed, sometimes in his trademark red-hooded sweatshirt and jeans.

Cattell preaches to anyone who will listen on subjects such as Christianity, God and morals.

He has been doing this since 1983. There is usually a small crowd gathered on the steps that also voice opinions.

Cattell is a Penn State graduate and spent his time here with a party crowd.

He found God and spirituality during his junior year. He then began to practice Christianity.

He can be seen outside nearly everyday around noon. He resides in State College with his wife and four children.