Speeches

Lion Ambassador's 25th Anniversary

It's a privilege to be here among so many devoted alumni, dedicated students, and outstanding leaders of our University.

As president of Penn State, I have immense pride in the involvement of all Lion Ambassadors. It is a title you hold for life. A title that reveals your loyalty for Penn State. There are 2,000 Lion Ambassadors in Penn State's history. You are an elite group of individuals and I am grateful for your commitment. Penn State is your University and you tell its story best.  

You are known for your ability to walk backward--a skill that can never be taken away from you. You will find that later in life it will come in handy---possibly when you are teaching a toddler to walk, or if you have to back politely out of a room. If you happen to encounter a bear in the Pennsylvania woods, or if you are in the presence of a king or queen.  Knowing how to walk backward can be a very useful skill indeed. 

Since 1982, you have been the "public face" of our University-- communicating our history, our traditions, and our success stories. Over the years, you have instilled Penn State pride in current and future students, alumni, and friends. Your enthusiasm has been infectious and your dedication unwavering.

We began the Lion Ambassadors as a way to involve students in the life of our University, and what a great idea that has turned out to be. What started with just 50 individuals has evolved into the best student corps in the nation.

At Penn State 25 years ago, we enrolled two-thirds the number of students we enroll today. Over the last quarter century, Penn State has conferred 334,270 degrees -- our University has changed since then, but what hasn't changed is the mission of this student-alumni corps. Lion Ambassadors have not only been on hand to help recruit new Penn State students, they also are among the first to welcome every freshmen class. Last year, more than 40,000 visitors to our campuses enjoyed a tour led by the Lion Ambassadors.

You are an extremely busy group. Aside from admissions tours, the Lion Ambassadors also lead a cheering section of 800 students during every home football game and are responsible for the highly visible S-Zone. You lead Lantern Tours of campus, carry on our history through a Founder's Day celebration, perform community service, help organize the Old Main Open House, provide the Senior Class with a final send off, participate in Dance Marathon, Guard the Lion Shrine on Homecoming weekend, and help me host events. 

In short, the Lion Ambassadors embody and embrace all that is Penn State. You have put your mark on every part of our University, and as an honorary Lion Ambassador, I thank you.

Because of you, we are a better University. Because of you, we are able to reach more people and our traditions live on. Because of you, we are able to pass the Penn State torch to future generations.

For all that you do for this great University--I offer my sincere thanks. I hope you enjoy this weekend and this celebration of 25 years of engagement and faithful commitment to Penn State and its students.