What is a Family Ambassador?
Family Ambassadors are undergraduate student volunteers at the University Park campus who serve as student liaisons between the Parents Program office and Penn State parents and families at large, assist in routine office tasks, and assist with key parent and family programming throughout the year.
Responsibilities of Family Ambassadors include:
- Serve as a team member and representative of the Parents Program and Penn State
- Work collaboratively alongside the Parents Council and Parent Ambassadors
- Participate in Parents Program annual events, including but not limited to Parents and Families Weekend and New Student Arrival
- Serve as a knowledgeable resource to parents and families about Penn State using relevant personal experiences in a professional manner
- Work collaboratively within a team of fellow student leaders
Additional Expectations
- Passion for Penn State
- Positive role model
- Warm, supportive, and enthusiastic attitude
- Ability to work comfortably with diverse populations
- Knowledge of the University’s structures, supports, and resources
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to learn
Time Commitment
- Term: January – November
- Attendance at biweekly meetings during the spring and fall semesters
- Requirement of 2 volunteer hours per month
- Additional requirement of 6-10+ volunteer hours during Parents and Families Weekend
Benefits
- Great resume builder!
- Letters of recommendation
- Networking opportunities with other student leaders, Penn State Student Affairs staff, Parent Council members, and Parent Ambassadors
- Personal and professional development
- Gain teamwork and communication skills
- Meal cards during events and other meals throughout the year
- T-shirt and quarter-zip
Meet the Family Ambassadors
Hope Aita
Class of 2026, Division of Undergraduate Studies
Campus Involvement: The Lion’s Pantry volunteer. Family Ambassador, Nittany Dance Project team member, Tri Sigma Greek life
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“When I was in high school, I did something very similar to Family Ambassadors and I absolutely loved it. Coming here, on my own for the first time, I sought out something that I knew would make me happy and introduce me to new people.”
Sheila Esgro
Class of 2025, Biobehavioral Health
Campus Involvement: Volunteer committee member for Penn State's THON, member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the Health Preprofessional Honor Society at Penn State, volunteer for LifeLink PSU, member of the Penn State Women's Club Lacrosse team, writer for Onward State
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“I wanted to become a Family ambassador because I know how important families are to a student's success at college. I would like to help ensure families know how important they are to the Penn State community!”
Alex Halbert
Class of 2026, Industrial Engineering
Campus Involvement: Engineers Without Boarders, Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, Omega Chi Sigma
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“I became a Family Ambassador because, when I was exploring colleges, the students who spoke to my family about their personal experiences affected how I viewed the school. I wanted to do the same thing for future Penn State students using my personal experiences and making them feel confident in choosing Penn State.”
Lauren Healy
Class of 2025, Science (Pre-Medicine)
Campus Involvement: Phi Epsilon Kappa (Pre-Health Fraternity, RAM, EMT, First Gen Advocates
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“I became a family ambassador because I know it was a nerve-wracking process to go from high school to college. It is important to have people to guide you through the process, especially if you’re a first-generation student. I hope to build many connections with incoming students and their families!”
Charlie Humphris
Class of 2028, Human Development and Family Studies
Campus Involvement: Family Ambassador, Treasurer for the Council of Exceptional Children, Learning Adversity and Self-Regulation Research Lab Member, Penn State Club Twirling, College of Human and Health Development Honors Society, Human Development and Family Studies Undergraduate Student Organization, Child Maltreatment Prevention Student Group, College of Health and Human Development Peer Assistant.
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“I became a family ambassador because I believe a huge part of a college student’s success is family involvement. I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my parents. My mom helped guide me throughout my application process and still gives me help navigating college experiences every day. Her support is something I appreciate so much, and I think other students benefit just as much from their parents.”
Maya Jacobs
Class of 2028, Biomedical Engineering
Campus Involvement: Family Ambassador, Biotech and Pharma Club, Women in Engineering Program, Society of Women in Engineering Program, BMES Club, Ayuda, Club Gymnastics, DiscipleMakers Christian Fellowship Club
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“The transition into college can be tedious and stressful on both students and guardians involved. I contacted FAMBS when I was struggling during my first semester and have found myself immeasurably happier. Since then, I've strived toward assisting fellow community members looking for a smoother college experience.”
Josephine James
Class of 2026, Security and Risk Analysis
Campus Involvement: Presidential Leadership Academy, IST Diplomats and Family Ambassadors
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“I became a Family Ambassador because it was an amazing opportunity to build my skills while also working to help Penn State community. I wanted to talk to new families and meet new people and becoming a Family Ambassador was the perfect option for me!”
Nick Kunitsky
Class of 2025, Criminology
Campus Involvement: Pre-law fraternity
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“I wanted to become a family ambassador to get involved at Penn State and meet new people. Also, I want to help families with the transition from high school to college because I know how hard it can be.”
Payton Li
Class of 2025, Supply Chain Management and Information Systems
Campus Involvement: Movin'On Festival committee
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“Make Penn State a better community."
Catherine Lim
Class of 2027, Marketing
Campus Involvement: Family Ambassador, Penn State Marketing Association
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“I wanted to be a Family Ambassador to make the transition into college a lot smoother for high school students. As an out-of-state student who had trouble with that huge transition, I want to be able to help all students have a great college experience."
Makayla McCall
Class of 2027, Public Relations and Advertising
Campus Involvement: Days for Girls and Project Paws
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“I chose to become a Family Ambassador because I understand how difficult the transition to college can be for students and families. I am passionate about helping others and want to provide families with comfort and community during a challenging time. I am excited to get involved in all Penn State has to offer and help other students just like me!”
Aisling McShane
Class of 2025, Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Campus Involvement: Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ambassador, Smeal Student Council, Women in Business, Evry Jewels Penn State Social Media Campus Ambassador, Central Lieutenant Governor for the Pennsylvania State Board for Circle K. In this role, Exam Proctor for Chemistry, Math, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“I got involved with Family Ambassador because my mom is on the Parents Council and I wanted to become closer with the Penn State family on a closer level by being a direct connection between student and parents.”
Ariana Morales
Class of 2026, Biomedical Engineering
Campus Involvement: Family Ambassador
Mayuri Purani
Class of 2026, Psychology with Business
Campus Involvement: Presidential Leadership Academy, FAMBS, Eisenhower Arts Ticket Center Receptionist, Boulevard, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“I became a Family Ambassador because I want to be able to help parents, students, and families have a seamless transition to college. As a freshman, my parents and family were a huge support system for me when I came to Penn State, and I want to be able to provide that same encouragement for others.”
Faris Singh
Class of 2027, Accounting and Finance
Campus Involvement: Smeal Student Mentor, Smeal Integrity Advocate, Philanthropy Chair for Phi Beta Lambda, Guided Study Group Leader
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“I chose to become a Penn State Family Ambassador because I remember how overwhelming the transition from high school to college felt. Having a supportive community can make all the difference, and I want to be that source of guidance and reassurance for incoming student and their families. Penn State is an incredible place, and I’m excited to help others navigate this journey, build connections, and feel at home in our community!”
Elizabeth Songer
Class of 2026, Biobehavioral Health
Campus Involvement: Volunteer at Jana Marie Foundation
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“I became a Family Ambassador because I know how confusing and tiring the transition to college can be-- and how helpful the presence of supportive, knowledgeable people around campus is! The goal of the ambassador program is to help students and families find the path at Penn State that is right for them, which is an important mission that I am proud to be a part of.”
Avery Snowden
Class of 2027, Political Science
Campus Involvement: Liberal Arts Ambassadors
Why did you become a family ambassador?
“I became a Family Ambassador because when I was going through the process of touring, applying to, and researching colleges, my family and I were very new to the process and had difficulty figuring out what school would be the best fit for me. My struggles with the college search and decision process led me to the family ambassadors because I want to help students and their families connect to Penn State, and help to promote the welcoming atmosphere I have found within Penn State.”
