Wright State grad, Ohio House speaker returns to campus, visits with Student Government

From left, Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger received a resolution from President of Student Government Kyle Powell and Rob Yada, student government associate of governmental affairs.

In what was, in at least one moment, an emotional return to Wright State University, 2012 graduate and current speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives Cliff Rosenberger praised faculty and staff for their unwavering support of all students during a Berry Room luncheon that was held in his honor.

Student Government presented Rosenberger, Ohio’s 102nd speaker and representative of its 91st District, with a resolution celebrating his election as speaker.

But it was Rosenberger who celebrated Wright State when he took the podium as he told the story of his sometimes-circuitous route to obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Urban Affairs after he had already achieved so much in politics.

“I am so very honored and happy to be here because this is home, but also because this is an institution that never gives up on you, on its students,” said Rosenberger.

Rosenberger shared that he chose Wright State because “it felt like home” and because it wouldn’t cost as much as other Ohio schools.

Donna Schlagheck, Ph.D., chair and professor of political science, and Rep. Rosenberger worked together at Wright State on the Model U.N. team, an experience that Rosenberger said changed his life.

Resigned to commuting to school to keep costs down, he said that after his first year he realized he wasn’t getting the full college experience. He moved on campus, engaged in Student Government, local politics and found his passion with the Model U.N. club and the professor who has coordinated the club for three decades, Donna Schlagheck.

“I found Model U.N. and it opened my eyes to a whole new world. Dr. Schlagheck, I don’t know if I can ever thank you enough for all that you have done fore me. When you retire and look back upon your career you should know that you made an unquestionable impact on your students and for the 102nd speaker and his life,” said Rosenberger as he held back tears.

An ardent advocate for higher education and Wright State, Rosenberger said that when he was a student he enjoyed the intimacy of Wright State’s campus and the one-on-one attention students receive. He also praised the university’s mission of inclusivity over more exclusive schools across the state.

“I don’t think there is an institution in Ohio, and I know this is high praise, or the country, like Wright State. In 50 years you have done so much, changed so many lives,” said Rosenberger. “I know by the time you are celebrating another 50 or 100 years you be will known as one of the best universities in this state.”