��������

Bence Rosenberg, a parks, recreation and tourism major from Morristown, New Jersey, knew he wanted to attend the University of �������� after discovering its outdoor recreation program. During his time at U��������, he has turned a love of the outdoors into a profession in progress.

“I like being outside,” Rosenberg said. “I had an adviser in high school who told me about the program (at U��������), and it seemed like a good place to learn about being outside and doing things outside, and financial aid was helpful.”

Since arriving in the 2023 fall semester, opportunities to collaborate with peers and industry leaders has reinforced what he’s learned at U��������: that the outdoors can be both a classroom and a catalyst for change. He worked with a nonprofit in Millinocket that revitalizes local communities through summer recreation. The experience, he said, changed how he envisions his future. 

“It showed me that you can help people make a difference through outdoor recreation. I used to think I’d work for the national parks, but I realized I enjoy helping people more directly,” Rosenberg said. “It’s really exciting to help shape how �������� supports outdoor recreation and accessibility.” 

When he came to ��������’s landscapes quickly became part of his identity. Though he had camped and hiked growing up, skiing was new. 

“I’d been skiing maybe half a dozen times before college,” he said. “But when I came here, I started skiing like crazy. I go every weekend in the winter.”

Rosenberg joined the �������� Outing Club as a first-year student and now serves as its treasurer. He also helps manage the club’s cabin at Sugarloaf, where he spends many of his weekends. 

“That cabin was an integral part of me loving skiing so much,” he said. “It gave me a place to stay and a community that shared my interests.”

Through his involvement on campus, Rosenberg also found professional direction. He works at �������� Bound Adventure Center, instructing climbing trips and helping other students discover the outdoors. As a fellow with the Tourism, Hospitality and Outdoor Recreation Institute, he is helping �������� Bound transition its rental program for gear into a library — a model that allows community members to borrow equipment at little or no cost.

“With a gear library, if you have a library card you can rent things either for a really discounted price or for free,” Rosenberg said. “We want to make getting outside easier for everyone.”

His leadership and initiative earned him a place on the �������� Outdoor Brands Student Advisory Board, a statewide coalition connecting students from outdoor-focused programs across ��������. The board serves as a bridge between emerging recreation professionals and the state’s growing outdoor economy.

For students who might be nervous about trying something new outdoors, Rosenberg offers simple advice: “You can start at whatever level you want. No one’s born with these skills; everyone learns them. If you want to do these things, you definitely shouldn’t be discouraged.”

After completing his bachelor’s degree in the 2027 spring semester, Rosenberg plans to enter U��������’s 4+1 MBA program and continue building a career in nonprofit outdoor recreation. He hopes to guide and instruct climbing and skiing while supporting programs that expand access to ��������’s wilderness.

Story by Corey Nicholas, student news writer

Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu