Get Involved

• Attend biannual Council meetings at the University Park campus
• Provide strategic input to senior administrators regarding issues of importance to parents and families
• Represent the Parents Council at events and other outreach efforts
• Maintain frequent contact with Parent and Family Engagement staff

• Help shape the parent and family experience at Penn State
• Maintain involvement with your student’s educational institution
• Increase your knowledge about University resources and programs
• Opportunities to engage with University administrators
• Access to a group rate hotel block for Council meeting weekends
• Opportunity to meet and network with other Penn State families
• Invitations to special events

• Parent or supporting family member of a full-time undergraduate student of Penn State University Park
• Share the belief that family support enhances student success in college and must seek to make a positive impact on student life at Penn State through their involvement with Parent and Family Engagement
• The Parents Council strives to recruit members who represent the diversity of Penn State’s undergraduate student population

Recruitment and application details will be shared in the Parent and Family Experience. The applications are typically available in January. 

Penn State faculty, staff, and students are not eligible to become members of the Parents Council; however, they may apply to volunteer as Parent Ambassadors.

Parents Council Leadership Team

• Michele Petras (HHD ’90) | P’26, P'26 | Chair | Bel Air, MD
• Alison Kircher | P’25, P'29 | Vice Chair | Perkasie, PA

Members

Class of 2026

• Marc Balamaci | P'26 | Potomac, MD
• Danette Brown | P'26 | Bronx, NY
• Robert Carroll (LIB'83) | P'17, P'26 | Yardley, PA
• Jeff Crosten (BUS’92) | P’26 | Schwenksville, PA
• Todd (ENG'93) & Trish Garing | P'24, P'26 | Perry Hall, MD
• Diana Giammarco & John Marcucci (BUS'87) | P'26 | Alexandria, VA
• Manish Gorawala (Great Valley'00) | P'26 | Ambler, PA
• Dianne Matteson (EDU'90) | P'24, P'26 | Doylestown, PA
• Tom Molen | P’26 | Stamford, CT
• Artie Lynn Stanton | P'26 | Corona, CA
• Bob Sullivan | P’26 | Glenside, PA
• Mark Thalman | P'26 | Bethesda, MD
• Amanda Vavilala | P'26 | Houston, TX

Class of 2027

• Rocky Capobianco | P'27 | Valencia, CA
• Melissa Coudriet | P’27 | State College, PA
• Stephen Deal (g'BUS) | P’27 | Glenshaw, PA
• Jen DiManno | P’27 | Charlestown, MA
• Martin Egna | P'27 | Davidsonville, MD
• Johanna Garcia | P’27 | Elkins Park, PA
• Amy King (g’06) | P’27 | Fallston, MD
• Justin Kukura (AG’89) | P’27 | Palmyra, PA
• Michael Lukac (BUS'89) | P'23, P'24, P'27 | Pittsburgh, PA
• Lisa & Ron Mahffey | P'27 | Scotch Plains, NJ
• Lori Mann | P’27 | Hillsborough, NC
• Peter Micca | P’25, P'27 | Berkeley Heights, NJ
• Ken Moir | P'27 | Bethel Park, PA
• Michele & Ken Mussen | P'27 | Herndon, VA
• Heidi (LA’91) & Tom Ramsbottom | P’27 | Mohnton, PA
• Ari Rosenbaum (LA'91) | P’27 | Ridgefield, CT
• Brian & Liza Rudick | P’27 | Sparks Glencoe, MD

Class of 2028

• Kathleen (HHD'95) & David Arnold (HHD'95) | P'28 | Lansdale, PA
• Michael & Jennifer Flanagan | P’26, P'28 | New Vernon, NJ
• Evelyn Ingram | P'28 | Leesburg, VA
• Jean Marie Seal (EDU'93) | P'28 | Westhampton, NJ
• Jennifer Winters | P’26, P'28 | Arlington, PA
• Courtney Yogus | P'28 | Hollidaysburg, PA

Class of 2029

• Deborah Greenspan | P'24, P'27, P'29 | Chalfont, PA
• Jonathan (EDU'96) & Alison Kircher | P’25, P'29 | Perkasie, PA

P’ = Graduation Year of Penn State Student

Alumni = (COLLEGE'Grad Year)

Yes, many of our volunteers are from out of state. Most of our volunteer activities occur on campus, but some events are held throughout the country, including Student Send-Off events in the summer and Admitted Student Events in the spring. 

Parent Ambassadors play an important role in helping families feel connected to Penn State. As volunteers, they share helpful information, welcome new families, and strengthen the partnership between parents, families, and the University. Their involvement enriches the Penn State community and helps families feel supported as their students learn and grow.

What Parent Ambassadors Do

Parent Ambassadors help families navigate the Penn State experience by representing the Office of Parent and Family Engagement at a variety of events throughout the year. Ambassadors may:

• Welcome families at programs like New Student Orientation, Fall Welcome, and Family Weekend
• Share insights and resources with families who may have questions about student life
• Support the Office of Parent and Family Engagement initiatives designed to build community and engagement among families
• Help connect parents with information that promotes student success and well-being

Through these opportunities, Ambassadors help create an environment where families feel informed, included, and confident in supporting their students.

Why Become a Parent Ambassador?

Serving as a Parent Ambassador is a meaningful way to stay connected with Penn State while supporting the success of all students. Ambassadors:

• Build relationships with other Penn State families
• Learn more about campus resources, services, and student opportunities
• Play a key role in welcoming and guiding families new to the Penn State experience
• Contribute to a community-wide effort that strengthens student success and belonging

It’s a rewarding way to give back, stay engaged, and help families feel at home at Penn State.

How to Get Involved

Families interested in becoming Parent Ambassadors are encouraged to complete a brief application. Once selected, new Ambassadors receive orientation and ongoing support from the Office of Parent and Family Engagement team to ensure they feel confident and prepared in their role.

Family Ambassadors are undergraduate volunteers who serve as liaisons between families and the Office of Parent and Family Engagement. They support parents and families by sharing knowledge of campus life, helping with events, and acting as friendly points of contact throughout the student experience.

What Family Ambassadors Do

• Serve as enthusiastic representatives of Penn State and the Office of Parent and Family Engagement during major events and outreach efforts.
• Support activities such as orientations, parent welcome events, and Family Weekend.
• Share their own student experiences to help families navigate campus resources and better understand student life.
• Work as part of a student leader team committed to creating a positive, supportive experience for all families.

Why Become a Family Ambassador?

• Build leadership, communication, and community-engagement skills that strengthen your personal and professional growth.
• Earn resume-building experience, potential letters of recommendation, and opportunities to connect with campus partners.
• Receive small perks for your service, such as meal benefits during major events and branded program attire.

How to Get Involved

Interested students can apply through the Office of Parent and Family Engagement. New Ambassadors receive training and ongoing support to ensure they feel confident and prepared to welcome and assist Penn State families. Applications open at the beginning of the fall semester.