It all begins with an idea.
In 1981 the Penn State University saw the need for an organization that provided service to the university, as well as an entity that would foster a closer connection between students and their university. Larry Atwell Jr, a 1981 graduate of Penn State’s Smeal College of Business, took up the responsibility of creating a new student alumni corps. By partnering with the Alumni Association and the Office of Gifts and Endowments (currently the Office of University Development), Larry worked with eight hand-selected students to fabricate an organization that soon became know as the Lion Ambassadors. On January 9th 1982, after applications were reviewed, the first class of 50 Lion Ambassadors met for the first time during a wintry weekend at Stone Valley.
Promoting our love for our university
Currently, Lion Ambassadors can be spotted on campus proudly displaying the Pozniak Lion, an iconic symbol designed by Raymond Pozniak. Over the years, our organization has seen a variety of individuals leave their mark on this organization. While former, current, and future Lion Ambassadors hail from a multitude of diverse backgrounds, all of our members share a passion for service, tradition, pride, and excellence, as well as the deepest affection for Penn State. This will always remain the forefront of our organization’s mission.