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It all began with an idea.

In 1981 the University saw the need for an organization that provided service to the Penn State community, as well as an entity that would foster a closer connection between students and their institution. 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 (now the Division of Development and Alumni Relations), 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.

The Early Days

  • Farewell President Oswald

    In 1983, Lion Ambassadors host a farewell reception for President Oswald.

  • Dinner Cruise

    In 1983, Lion Ambassadors travel to Pittsburgh with President Jordan to host a dinner cruise with Pittsburgh Alumni.

  • Stadium Balloon Project

    Before the S-Zone, Lion Ambassadors would release blue and white balloons at home football games (1984).

  • Homecoming Parade

    Lion Ambassadors ride their float in the 1984 Penn State Homecoming Parade, a tradition still kept today.

  • Early Days of Penn State THON

    In 1984, Penn State THON (Dance Marathon) was recognized as the largest philanthropy of its kind. Lion Ambassadors partake in what was then a 48-hour no sit/no sleep dance marathon to raise mone for the fight against chilhood cancer.

  • Summer Trip to Hershey Park

    In 1989, Lion Ambassadors take a trip to Hershey Park.

  • A Matter Of Pride

    “A Matter Of Pride” becomes the Lion Ambassador’s theme for the 1989-1990 school year.

  • Commonwealth Campus Ambassador Conference

    Lion Ambassadors from across the commonwealth campuses gather at University Park for the first Commonwealth Campus Ambassador Conference in 1989.

  • Shavers Creek Retreat

    in 1989, Lion Ambassadors’ annual retreat is hosted at Shavers Creek for the first time.

  • Cardblock

    Lion Ambassadors make a cardblock in the student section at a home football game in 1989.

  • Come Home To The Lion

    Now known as Guard The Lion Shrine, the Lion Ambassadors begin hosting their event at the end of the Homecoming Parade in 1990.

  • Skating After General

    After their General Body Meeting, Lion Ambassadors attend a private ice skating bonding event in 1990.

  • Zero Year Reunion

    Now known as Senior Sendoff, the Lion Ambassadors host a university wide senior celebration right ahead of graduation called “Zero Year Reunion” in 1990.

  • Admissions Picnic

    In 1991, Lion Ambassadors celebrate their annual admissions picnic, a now retired project.

  • Homecoming Court

    In 1991, 5 Lion Ambassadors were on Homecoming Court including both the King and the Queen.

  • Beaver Stadium Open House

    Lion Ambassadors give tours of Beaver Stadium in 1991 for an open house event.

  • Parents Weekend

    Later coined as a Family Weekend, Lion Ambassadors welcome their parents to campus in 1992.

  • Time Capsule From 1992

    At this Zero Year Reunion (now known as Senior Sendoff), Lion Ambassadors filled a time capsule with items donated by Penn State’s graduating class.

  • Park General

    Lion Ambassadors take their last General Body Meeting of the 1991-1992 school year to the park.

  • Roar's Box

    In 1993, the Lion Ambassadors Strategic Planning Committee sought to help support indoor sports and brainstormed the Roar’s Box, a student cheering section with branded apparel.

  • New Faculty Reception

    Lion Ambassadors volunteer at the 1994 New Faculty Reception.

  • Alumni Society Reunion

    Lion Ambassadors welcome back their alumni for a BBQ in 1994.

  • Spring Bonding

    Lion Ambassadors host their annual spring bonding field day in 1997.

  • Transition General

    In 1997, the new Lion Ambassadors Executive Board takes on their new roles at a General Body meeting in April as the outgoing board passes the torch.

  • Paws and Remember

    “Paws and Remember” becomes the theme of the 1997 Senior Banquet, now known as the Internal Senior Sendoff.

  • Family Weekend

    The 1998 Family Weekend Brunch featured a group of ambassadors coined as “The Lion Ambassador Singers” who preformed Blue & White and the Penn State Alma Mater.

  • First Annual Moxie-Thon 5k

    The Melissa Heydenreich Moxie-Thon is a former Lion Ambassadors project in collaboration with the Heydenreich family in honor of Melissa, a 1997 graduate who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. All proceeds from the race went to Leukemia—Lymphoma Society of America (1998).

  • Lion Ambassador Recruitment

    Lion Ambassadors host Member Information Sessions in the Thomas Building in 1998.

Promoting love for our university

Today, 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 deep affection for Penn State.

Alumni, Welcome Home.

Meet our Alumni Relations Chair, A.J. Carabello.

alumnirelations@lionambassadors.com