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
“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
“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
“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
“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!”
Josephine James
Class of 2026, Security and Risk Analysis
Campus Involvement: Presidential Leadership Academy, IST Diplomats and Family Ambassadors
“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
“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
“Make Penn State a better community”
Makayla McCall
Class of 2027, Public Relations and Advertising
Campus Involvement: Days for Girls and Project Paws
“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
“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.”
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
“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.”
Elizabeth Songer
Class of 2026, Biobehavioral Health
Campus Involvement: Volunteer at Jana Marie Foundation
“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
“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.”
