Editor’s note: This article has been changed since was originally published.

Ian Peterson, a student at N.C. State, died on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Rex Hospital. He was 21.

Peterson was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Oct. 5, 2012, according to a Facebook group called “Praying For Ian Peterson,” set up by Shelten Media, which works in coordination with his family. The site was meant to raise awareness and keep friends and family informed of Peterson’s condition.

Peterson, a senior in communication-public relations, worked as a public relations intern for Campus Enterprises. Jennifer Gilmore, director of marketing and communications for Campus Enterprises, worked closely with Peterson who was “an integral part of [the] team.”

“I have never met someone who had his fingers in more projects and initiatives,” Gilmore said. “He had boundless energy for the things he was passionate about — God, public relations, beach music, performing and just hanging out with his friends. … He was present. He had so much he wanted to do and accomplish and seemed to be in a hurry to do it all.”

As evidenced by his extensive involvement on campus, Peterson did “do it all.” According to Krystal Rodas, Peterson was always on the go. 

“He was involved in everything,” Rodas said. “If he wasn’t busy, he wasn’t happy really. He did ballroom dancing, shagging was what he specialized in, and was always looking for ways to help anyone he could.”

An advocate for Invisible Children, Inc., Peterson never limited himself to one extracurricular interest.

Though Peterson was active in many clubs and organizations, the one he was most known for was the Grains of Time, N.C. State’s only men’s a cappella group. Josh Apke, a junior in engineering and president of the Grains of Time, attributed the success of the group to Peterson. 

“I watched and admired him as he led Grains with a professionalism and spirit that was unbelievable,” Apke said. “For some time, Ian was even kind of known as the face of the Grains. You could not mention the Grains without someone saying ‘Oh, that’s Ian Peterson’s group,’ as if he owned it. In some ways I guess he did. We would not be where we are today without him — he was a brother, and even a father figure to many new guys in the group.”

To his friends and family, Peterson left a lasting impression. 

“His friends were really important to him, and doing a good job and not letting people down was, too,” Gilmore said. “I hope students who knew him or have learned of his life during the course of his illness will be forever impacted by the quality of the life he led and the example he has set. I know I have been.”

Peterson is survived by his parents John and Cindy, and siblings Ashley, Stephen and Emily, all of Cary. 

No information has been released regarding a service, but Campus Enterprises is planning a tribute for March 13 at 12:20 p.m. on the Brickyard. Students are encouraged to attend and participate in a group picture to be sent to Peterson’s family. Campus Enterprises requests that students wear red.

You can send condolences to the Peterson family via Shelli Dallacqua, president of Shelton Media, at [email protected].