What We Do
Our Vision
We are a resource enriching the Penn State experience for all parents and families.
Our Mission
The Penn State Parents Council is comprised of a representative group of University Park parents and family members who:
- Make a commitment to volunteer our time and to share our knowledge and expertise across a range of initiatives and programs that support the mission and the goals of the Penn State Parents Program
- Act as an advisory group working in close collaboration with the Parents Program to help undergraduate parents, families, and students foster a positive and lasting connection to Penn State
Responsibilities Include:
- 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 Penn State Parents Program staff
Member Benefits Include:
- 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
Qualifications:
- 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 the Parents Program
- The Parents Council strives to recruit members that represent the diversity of Penn State’s undergraduate student population
Applications:
Recruitment and application details will be shared in the Parent and Family Experience. The applications are typically available in January.
Please note: 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.
Who We Are
Parents Council Leadership Team
- Clare McGee (LIB'95) P'23, P'25 | Chair | Warrington, PA
- Michele Petras (HHD ’90) P’26 | Vice Chair | Bel Air, MD
Members
Class of 2025
- Stephanie Black (COMM'87) P'25 | Bloomsbury, NJ
- Charles DeLisio (ENG ’77) P’25 | Gibsonia, PA
- Kellie Friel (BUS’93) P’21, P’22, P'25 | North Wales, PA
- Rita Healy P’25 | San Antonio, TX
- Jonathan (EDU ’96) and Alison Kircher P’25 | Perkasie, PA
- Ning Li P’25 | Pittsburgh, PA
- Edward Manns (ENG '87) P'20, P'25 | Bethel Park, PA
- Tom (BUS ’91) and Pam (SCI ’90) Marakovits P’23, P’25 | Bethlehem, PA
- Jenn Seidel (ED'93) P'22, P'25 | Mount Airy, MD
- Lynn Shavinsky (HHD'86) P'22, P'25 | Fairfield, CT
- Michelle Simkonis P’25 | Woodbridge, VA
- Kathleen Waters P’13, P’15, P’25 | Glen Mills, PA
- Jennifer Young (LIB ’95) P’25 | Gilbertsville, PA
Class of 2026
- Maureen Buckley (BUS'88) P'25, P'26 | Aldie, VA
- Robert Carroll (LIB'83) P'17, P'26 | Yardley, PA
- Jeff Crosten P’26 (BUS’92) | Schwenksville, PA
- Michael & Jennifer Flanagan P’26 | New Vernon, NJ
- Todd (ENG'93) & Trish Garing, P'24, P'26 | Perry Hall, MD
- Manish Gorawala P'26 (Great Valley'00) | Ambler, PA
- Murli Iyer P’26 | State College, PA
- Tysen Kendig P’26 (COM’95) | Port Matilda, 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
- Jenn Winters P’26 | Arlington, PA
Class of 2027
- Melissa Coudriet P’27 | State College, PA
- Stephen Deal P’27 (BUSg) | Glenshaw, PA
- Jen DiManno P’27 | Charlestown, MA
- Johanna Garcia P’27 | Elkins Park, PA
- Deborah Greenspan P'24, P'27 | Chalfont, PA
- Amy King P’27 (g’06) | Fallston, MD
- Justin Kukura P’27 (AG’89) | Palmyra, PA
- Michael Lukac (BUS'89) P'23, P'24, P'27 |Pittsburgh, PA
- Lori Mann P’27 | Hillsborough, NC
- Peter Micca P’25, P'27 | Berkeley Heights, NJ
- Heidi (LA’91) & Tom Ramsbottom P’27 | Mohnton, PA
- Ari Rosenbaum (LA91) P’27 | Ridgefield, CT
- Brian & Liza Rudick P’27 | Sparks Glencoe, MD
P’ = Graduation Year of Penn State Student
Alumni = (COLLEGE'Grad Year)
