Andy Pringnitz, senior in agricultural business, economics and international agriculture, said he cannot believe Homecoming 2011 will be his last homecoming as an ISU student. However, Homecoming 2011 isn’t just Pringnitz’s last; it’s also the one in which he will be king.

“Homecoming has been fun for the past three years,” Pringnitz said. “So this will be a fun way to go out.”

Pringnitz, who is originally from Spirit Lake, Iowa, said he has been a Cyclone fan since childhood. His interest in agriculture and his life-long support for the Cyclones led him to choose to attend Iowa State.

When he originally enrolled at Iowa State, Pringnitz majored in agricultural business.

“I’ve always had a passion for agriculture growing up on a family farm, and I’ve always had a business mind,” he said. “And put those two together and agricultural business is a great fit.”

Pringnitz said he picked up economics as a freshman. In regards to international agriculture, Pringnitz said he obtained that major from taking advantage of several study abroad trips.

“Through Iowa State, I’ve been to Argentina, Greece, Rome and Tanzania,” Pringnitz said. “Outside of Iowa State, I’ve been to China, Vietnam, Europe and Nicaragua.”

Pringnitz’s first trip was to Argentina during Spring Break his freshman year, he said. He explained that it was his first trip outside of North America.

“Travel has been fun because it has kind of opened up my world,” he said. “If you would have checked with me as a senior in high school, I would have never guessed that I would travel to 15 countries in three years.”

When he is not busy traveling the world, Pringnitz is busy being involved in the ISU community. He said, for example, he is a member of FarmHouse fraternity, the agriculture entrepreneurship initiative and the Memorial Union Board of Directors.

Pringnitz has also served on the entertainment, parade and sponsorship committees for Veishea.

“Veishea is one of the best traditions, I think, of any university in the United States,” Pringnitz said. “And I think helping with that is pretty special.”

Pringnitz said he became involved in so many activities because he wants to give back to the ISU community.

“For me, it’s always fulfilling just to find something I can contribute,” he said. “I think that’s one thing I enjoy — looking for things we can improve and then finding ways to make them better. “

His interest in serving the ISU community was a reason for Pringnitz to apply for Homecoming king.

“I guess it’s such an honor as a senior to apply for it and get a chance to represent the students of Iowa State on Cardinal Court,” he said.

Pringnitz said he received a voicemail Thursday announcing that he was chosen to be the 2011 Homecoming King.

“I thought it was a nice surprise on Thursday afternoon,” he said. “It definitely helps build excitement for Homecoming.”

As Homecoming king, Pringnitz said he plans to represent everyone in the ISU community.

“Hopefully, I just provide a face and a figure for Iowa State,” he said.