UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — On July 1, the Penn State Alumni Association welcomed Randy Houston as the 81st president in the history of the organization. Kelley Lynch started as vice president the same day, and both are longtime volunteer leaders for the Alumni Association and Penn State.
Houston and Lynch will serve in their respective roles for two years, with their terms concluding June 30, 2021. Houston earned a bachelor of arts degree from the College of the Liberal Arts in 1991, and Lynch earned a bachelor of science degree in finance from the Smeal College of Business in 1987.
“The Penn State Alumni Association is lucky to be led by Randy Houston — a lifelong, ardent volunteer who has provided exemplary service to Penn State in a variety of roles over the years,” Alumni Association CEO Paul Clifford said. “His vision to deliver the Alumni Association that all Penn Staters deserve will continue to build upon our legacy as an open and inclusive organization.”
Houston succeeds Steve Wagman, who will serve a two-year term on the Penn State Board of Trustees as the immediate past president of the Alumni Association.
“I am humbled to succeed a great Penn Stater like Steve Wagman and become the 81st president of the world's best and largest dues-paying alumni association,” Houston said.
“I intend to devote my term to, among other things, establishing once and for all that ours is an organization that exists for all Penn Staters, without regard to age, ethnicity, creed, preference or identity, ability, national origin or geography, or campus affiliation.”
Learn more about Houston and Lynch on the Alumni Association’s website.
Additionally, and in accordance with the Alumni Association’s bylaws, 10 alumni were appointed to Alumni Council and began their two-years terms on July 1. The 10 appointed alumni join the 10 alumni elected to Alumni Council, previously announced by the Alumni Association in June.