Student Programs
The Blue & White Society and the Lion Ambassadors are two excellent ways to demonstrate your Penn State pride, gain leadership experience, and begin your connection with the Penn State Alumni Association! In addition, we also offer a variety of events and mentoring programs that are open to the student body.
Blue & White Society
The Blue & White Society is the student membership of the Penn State Alumni Association, with societies at campuses across the Commonwealth. With more than 8,000 members, it is the largest and one of the most active student organizations at Penn State. The Blue & White Society plans many events on campus each year that promote Penn State pride, tradition, and spirit.
For just $15 for two full years, or just $30 for four full years, you can become a member and receive benefits, such as access to the Alumni Association’s online directory, 10 percent off on supplies and clothing at all Penn State Bookstore locations, and free Penn State swag. To become a member, join here. (We offer family memberships, too!)
Lion Ambassadors
The Lion Ambassadors, “ordinary students with extraordinary pride,” are Penn State’s student alumni corps who communicate the University’s history, personality, and traditions to students, alumni and friends through tours and programming. Known for their trademark backwards walk, the Lion Ambassadors offer tours of campus to prospective and accepted students, as well as private special assignments.
In addition to these tours, the Lion Ambassadors also host events and programs throughout the year to further their mission to the University: to foster the idea that involvement with Penn State is lifelong. These include Be a Part From the Start, S-Zone at home football games, and university-wide Senior Sendoff.
Applications are available at the end of the fall semester.
FastStart
FastStart is a mentorship program supported by the Penn State Alumni Association. FastStart was formed in 1996 to enrich the student experience of Penn State first year students. Since its inception FastStart has supported matriculation, persistence, academic achievement and professional development of Penn State students.
FastStart operates using a triad mentorship model, first–year students (Mentees) are matched with a Penn State faculty/staff mentor and alumni (Mentors). This will support mentees to get their college career off to a “FastStart” by supporting students to flourish in their new university environment.
Our Events
Be A Part From The Start
The night before the first day of classes, Lion Ambassadors welcome all first-year students into the Penn State community by hosting a Pep Rally style event at Rec Hall. It is an hour of nonstop spirit and an early lesson in Penn State Pride!
Blue & White BASH
Join Blue & White Society as they welcome back all students to campus at the beginning of the fall semester. Learn how you can begin your student leadership experience with a membership to Blue & White Society, the student membership of the Penn State Alumni Association.
Guard the Lion Shrine
Each Homecoming, immediately after the parade, the Lion Ambassadors host Guard the Lion Shrine, a tradition based on protecting our beloved Nittany Lion statue from the defacement from rival universities.
Haunted Valley featuring Lantern Tours
Hosted on the Friday night of Penn State Parents and Families Weekend, the Lion Ambassadors provide historical nighttime tours of the campus guided by lantern light. Characters from Penn State’s history, ranging from the school’s founding in 1855 to the modern day, share their insights. During this event, University House is transformed into a Haunted House for some spooky fun!
PS i (heart) U Week
In the week leading up to Penn State’s Blue-White football game, Blue & White Society hosts PS i (heart) U Week. This week serves as a celebration for students and alumni to remember and share why they love Penn State.
S-Zone
Football season is one of our favorite times of the year. At every home game, Lion Ambassadors lead a cheering section of 800 students in the south endzone. This is your chance to get your very own “S” t-shirt and help form enormous “S” that can be seen throughout Beaver Stadium. Arrive at Gate A a little early before the game and enter through the S-Zone ticket gate!
Senior Sendoff
To commemorate the senior class saying goodbye to Dear Old State, the Penn State Lion Ambassadors hold University-Wide Senior Sendoff. This yearly spring celebration fills Hintz Family Alumni Center with the excitement of pending graduation and opportunity to learn about life as a Penn State Alumni!
100 Days
Senior Year Experience offers graduating students resources and events to celebrate their new chapter. Through 100 Days ‘Til Graduation, Senior Week, Senior Sendoff, and other programs, soon-to-be grads learn more about life after graduation and how to stay connected to Penn State.
December Grad Party
As part of our senior year experience, December graduates are celebrated with a reception at the Hintz Family Alumni Center before finals week. It’s an opportunity to enjoy treats, learn more about the Alumni Association and life after graduation, and celebrate this important milestone in their lives.