Honorary Lion Ambassadors
Recognizing and thanking those who made lasting impacts on our Penn State community.
Each year, individuals involved within the Penn State Community are nominated and voted on by our active membership to receive the privilege of becoming an Honorary Lion Ambassador. These individuals are recognized for embodying our mission and making innumerable contributions to our organization.
Congratulations to our 2024 Honorary Lion Ambassadors, Beth Weakland and Mara Ryan!
Testimonies From Our Honorary Lion Ambassadors
O. Richard Bundy III
“I was recognized as an honorary LAMB on my last day as Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, and the recognition could not have been more meaningful. When I think of Lion Ambassadors and their long history of selfless service and commitment to Penn State, to be recognized for modeling those same characteristics during my tenure at Penn State was deeply moving. The recognition was made extra special because it was presented by both my first and my last intern in the DDAR internship program - McQuillin Murphy and Nick Cedeno - both of whom are Lion Ambassadors themselves. I have always held Lion Ambassadors in the highest regard, and I am deeply proud to be an honorary member of the organization!”
Vincent Verbeke
“The growth, the impact over the past 42 years of Lion Ambassadors cannot be measured. I was there at the opening chapter of the Penn State Lion Ambassadors. For me this was similar to being part of the first Lions Paw Senior honor society class of 1908. The Lion Ambassador Task Force turned over a pebble, helped a butterfly flap its wings. The question for today’s leaders was and will always be, don’t do anything today for wealth, or success, not for what will die when you die, but for the ongoing benefit and traditions of Penn State.”
Mike “The Mailman” Herr
“Several Lion Ambassadors gave me a letter (which I thought was appropriate, since I was and still am the Mailman😎)! Anyway, after reading that I had become an Honorary Lion Ambassador, I was just so surprised, and so honored to becoming an Honorary Lion Ambassador. Even today, I continue telling new acquaintances that I am one.”
Carol and Steve Gentry
“When we retired in 1999, we had no idea that our service to Penn State would lead to our being named Honorary Lion Ambassadors, an honor that we cherish. Here’s our story: After teaching and coaching at State College High School for 30 years, we retired in 1999. Anticipating our post-teaching days, we considered a number of potential post-employment options. In the end, we decided to re-engage with our Alma Mater by running for Alumni Council. (Steve served two terms from 1999-2005; Carol served from 2006 –2011.) Those positive experiences motivated us to continue our involvement by serving on the Board of Governors and becoming Docents at the Centre Furnace Mansion, now officially recognized as the birthplace of Penn State. In addition. we support other Penn State affiliated organizations that are important to us – the Schreyer Honors College, the Arboretum at Penn State, and Osher Lifelong Institute (OLLI) at Penn State. All have enriched our lives, and we support them financially each year.”
A Complete List of Our Honorary Lion Ambassadors
R. Larry Atwell-Woodfin
Nancy Bird
Penny Hubler Carlson
Michelle Davis
Ernie Gale Jr.
Lee Giannone
George Henning
Susan Heydenrich
Janet Klinefelter
Deborah Marron
Taylor Mazza
Tami Adams Mizikar
Sue Paterno
Mara Ryan
Donna Symons
Kay Tomczuk
Beth Weakland
Eric and Molly Barron
John Black
Carl Crossland
Kimberlain L. Dozier
Jennifer Gearhart
Timothy Glick
Mike Herr
Bryce Jordan
Irvin Kochel
David Marrow
Sherri Frank Mercer
Gwen Kaufman Nese
William Rothwell
William Schaffel
Marly Thomas
Bryan Van Deun
Roger Williams
Kevin Behers
O. Richard Bundy III
Pat Davidson
Dr. Greg Drane
Carol and Steve Gentry
Robert Goerder
Sharon Ware Hewitt
Pamela Klein
Ross Lehman
Ashley Martin
Char Meyers
Rose Oswald
Diane and Jim Ryan
Lee Schisler
Joab Thomas
Vincent Verbeke