Join Our Pride

Applications for the 2026 Class of Lion Ambassadors are open!

Be sure to submit your application no later than December 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM. Thank you for your interest in Lion Ambassadors!

We encourage interested applicants to visit our fall projects such as Campus Showcase (Sept. 17), Guard the Lion Shrine (Oct. 10), and Haunted Valley (Oct. 17) to learn more about Lion Ambassadors!

As a Lion Ambassador, you join a lifelong network of dedicated students and alumni with unmatched passion for Penn State and a commitment to giving back to their community. Learn more about our history.

Join Our Recruitment List

Interested in joining the 2026 Class of Lion Ambassadors? Join this email list to stay up to date with recruitment events and application availability.

 FAQs

  • Lion Ambassadors must:

    • maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

    • be in at least their 3rd semester and a full-time student.

    • be on campus at University Park for the Spring 2026 semester.

    • be able to commit at least 3 semesters to the organization (including Spring 2026). This most typically includes second and third year students, but depending on your specific academic plan (such as 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 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.

    Our work includes:

    • Projects:

      • Be a Part From the Start

      • Campus Showcase

      • Guard The Lion Shrine

      • Haunted Valley

      • S-Zone

      • Founders’ Day

      • Old Main Open House

      • University-Wide Senior Sendoff

    • Private Campus Tours

    • Alumni networking

    • Service of the Penn State community

    Penn State has the largest living alumni network in the world, so our goal is to foster the idea that involvement in Penn State is a lifelong commitment. We create a sense of belonging on campus to strengthen the connection students feel to Penn State.

  • 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 in mid-January 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 is a due-free organization. However, 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, StormTech embroidered winter jacket, long sleeve shirt, t-shirt, polo shirt, and quarter 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.

Nominate a Lion Ambassador.

Know someone who embodies Penn State Pride? Refer them to become a Lion Ambassador here.

A message from the Recruitment Committee:

Thank you for your interest in getting involved with Lion Ambassadors, the Penn State Student Alumni Corps. The Lion Ambassadors work throughout the year to fulfill our mission to instill pride among the student body and promote the University within the Penn State community including past, present and future students. We assist the Penn State Alumni Association and serve the University through campus projects, philanthropies, as well as guiding prospective student tours for the Undergraduate Admissions Office and other University guests. Our organization is comprised of members who commit themselves to the traditions of Dear Old State. This is shown through their pride, loyalty, spirit, and enthusiasm.

Each fall, we look to recruit new members who believe in the legacy of our Alma Mater and wish to dedicate themselves to serving the University as an ambassador. This organization requires hard work and dedication from all of its members. Lion Ambassadors are a dynamic and diverse group of student leaders who are united by their commitment to giving back to Penn State. Our journey together on campus is one that will impact the lives of many and the memories we share together will last a lifetime. Each ambassador truly believes that our relationship with the University is a lifelong commitment.

Congratulations to the 2k25 New Ambassador Class!