Lion Ambassadors is a leadership development organization focused on instilling Penn State pride and carrying on University traditions through our community events and service projects, all while making meaningful investments with the Penn State Alumni Association in the professionalism and community of our members.

Penn State is known for having one of the most dedicated Alumni Networks in the world. Our goal is foster the idea that involvement in Penn State is a lifelong commitment by creating a sense of belonging on campus and bettering student life. This way, students feel a connection to Penn State and are motivated to stay involved as alumni after they graduate.

Our work includes Be A Part From The Start, Campus Showcase, Guard The Lion Shrine, Haunted Valley, Revive The Roar, Founder’s Day (in celebration of Penn State’s birthday), Old Main Open House, Senior Sendoff, various service projects, and private campus tours.

After your 6-week orientation program, you can expect to commit about 1-3 hours during each work week of the semester. There are occasional commitments on the weekends such as working your 2 S-Zone shifts or other events like Haunted Valley or Guard The Lion Shrine.

A typical week in Lion Ambassadors includes a project planning committee meeting directly followed by our General Body meeting. These commitments occur Thursdays from 7pm-9pm. You will also complete credit requirements throughout the semester in various categories such as Service, DEIB Education, and more.

Lion Ambassadors strive to accommodate individual conflicts and schedules using our Attendance Appeal system which allows you to communicate your availability. If you are worried about your ability to commit to the organization if admitted, please reach out to president@lionambassadors.com.

• Annual Retreat at Camp Krislund

• Family Weekend, a weekend full of programming powered by the Penn State Alumni Association, where you can invite your family to State College

• Senior Banquet upon graduation

• Professional and personal development opportunities

• Optional Summer Leadership Conference hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association

• Direct connection to the Penn State Alumni Association and its vast network of over 700k living alumni and over 174k Penn State Alumni Association members

• Access to exclusive University events, including the President’s Tailgate, Alumni Fellows Awards, Old Main Bell Tower Tours, and more!

• Opportunities for variant levels of leadership experience upon New Member Education completion

• Build life-long connections with a diverse group of student leaders

• Social connections and activities

• Heightened knowledge of Penn State University and its rich history

• Increased connection to the Penn State and State College community

All Lion Ambassadors receive training to prepare you in performing the roles and responsibilities. Your 6-week orientation will begin the week of January 20th and will run until late February. You can expect to dedicate about 3 hours a week in orientation sessions and time outside preparing for a cumulative exam.

Lion Ambassadors must maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, be in at least their 3rd semester and a full-time student to apply, be on campus at University Park for the Spring 2025 semester, and able to commit at least 3 semesters to the organization (including Spring 2025). This most typically means second and third year students, but if you entered Penn State with college credits or plan on staying a fifth year or for Grad School, you could still be eligible.

Interested candidates should demonstrate qualities of direct communication, intentional leadership, critical thinking, time management, integrity, and community and campus involvement. Candidates should also value diversity, equity, and inclusion while exhibiting a growth mindset.

Lion Ambassadors is a due-free organization. That said, all new ambassadors pay a one-time gear fee of $100 to equip them with the merchandise needed for our events other opportunities. Included in this one-time gear fee is a tailored Harper’s Suit, North End embroidered winter jacket, long sleeve shirt, t-shirt, polo shirt, and qaurter zip. Financial assistance is available.

The Penn State Alumni Association is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive membership, one where all identities, experiences, and backgrounds come together to create a strong and welcoming alumni community representative of the Penn Staters it proudly serves.