Alumni Association Overview
From a quiet gathering of alumni in a vacant Old Main classroom in 1870 to a powerful network of more than 169,000 members worldwide, the Penn State Alumni Association has been keeping alumni connected to the University and to each other for more than a century.
While the Alumni Association's roots lie in Happy Valley, its branches extend across the globe. Alumni Association members live in every county in Pennsylvania, every state in the United States, and in numerous countries around the world. For the past 10 years, proud Penn State alumni have made their association the largest dues-paying organization of its kind in the world.
Fast Facts
Founded: 1870
Members: 169,209*
Total Penn State Alumni: 560,658*
Leadership: Executive Director Roger L. Williams '73, '75g, '88g
Kathleen Arnold Smarilli '71
Mission
The mission of the Alumni Association is to connect alumni to the University and to each other, to provide valued services to members, and to support the University's mission of teaching, research, and service.
Today, that mission is brought to life through events and programs such as:
- City Lights educational and cultural programs in five major East Coast cities;
- pep rallies at all away football games;
- Huddle with the Faculty lectures before all home football games;
- reunion weekends;
- Homecoming events, and so much more.
The mission is also embodied in the Alumni Association's commitment to recognize outstanding alumni and alumni volunteers through its award programs.
Research and Reports
Alumni Opinion Survey Results **
The Penn State Alumni Association routinely conducts research of our alumni and members on a variety of issues to help improve our programs and services and inform decision-making.
- Alumni Opinion Survey Results—December 2012
- Alumni Opinion Survey Results—May 2012 (press release)
Strategic Plan 2008–2013
An 11-point Strategic Plan of the Penn State Alumni Association provides a roadmap through 2013 focused on enhanced member service, organizational growth, student engagement, staff development, and financial security. Click here to see the complete Strategic Plan.
* An annual snapshot of number of members and total Penn State alumni is taken each year on July 1.
**The Penn State Alumni Association follows market research standards on confidentiality and reporting. As such, all individual responses to our surveys are kept confidential and anonymous. Alumni and members are under no obligation to participate in any research undertaken. Candid feedback is encouraged, valued and important to our continued growth.
