Administration

Penn State mourns the loss of former vice president Michael DiRaimo

Michael DiRaimo, former vice president for Government and Community Relations and director of state relations, died on Friday, July 29, at the age of 66. DiRaimo retired from Penn State in 2016 following a career that spanned 15 years in government affairs at the local, state and federal levels. During his time at Penn State, he also provided guidance and insights on governmental issues for University leadership and served as the face of Penn State in Harrisburg, Washington, D.C., and with local government agencies. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Michael DiRaimo, former vice president for Government and Community Relations and director of state relations, died on Friday, July 29, at the age of 66.  

DiRaimo retired from Penn State in 2016 following a career that spanned 15 years in government affairs at the local, state and federal levels. During his time at Penn State, he also provided guidance and insights on governmental issues to Penn State leaders, including President-emeritus Eric Barron.  

As vice president, DiRaimo was the face of Penn State in Harrisburg, Washington, D.C., and in interactions with Centre Region and State College government agencies.  

“The Penn State community mourns the loss of Mike DiRaimo,” said Zack Moore, vice president for Government and Community Relations. “Mike was a powerful and effective advocate for his alma mater. He believed deeply in our mission and worked tirelessly to advance Penn State’s interests at all levels of government. He was a terrific colleague to many in the University and was liked and respected by elected officials and staff. His wise counsel and quick wit will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”  

In 2015, DiRaimo oversaw the office’s name change from Office of Governmental Affairs to the current Office of Government and Community Relations to better reflect its expanded focus on local government and community relations in addition to state and federal interests.   

He always made sure that legislators were apprised of the University’s priorities and ardently advocated for Penn State on budget matters, including during budget impasses and proposed cuts to higher education funding. 

“I had the pleasure of working with Mike since I started with Penn State in 2004, through his retirement, and we remained close until his passing,” said Sheilah Borne, associate vice president for Government Health Relations. “Mike provided invaluable guidance when I was new to the University, and it was clear he had the respect of legislators and staff inside the state capitol as we traversed the halls together. I was pleased to walk beside Mike during those early years in the capitol and to have spent time with him more recently since he retired. Although he was taken far too soon, my time at Penn State will prove more valuable because Mike was part of it. Godspeed, my dear friend.”   

DiRaimo earned a bachelor’s degree in 1979, and a master’s in history in 1998, both from Penn State. When he was appointed to lead the office, he already had more than 30 years of government and lobbying experience, including serving 10 years as the University’s director of state relations. 

Before joining Penn State, DiRaimo served as a legislative assistant and researcher in the state House of Representatives and worked as an advocate for basic education, including representing educational institutions. 

Following his retirement, DiRaimo was named to the Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors, where he served on the board from 2017-2021. 

DiRaimo is survived by his wife Jackie, son Michael and his wife Sarah, daughter Danielle and her husband Patrick, and two grandchildren. For those who would like to learn more about his life, you can do so by reading his obituary.  

The DiRaimo family asks members of the Penn State community who wish to honor his memory to consider a memorial gift to the American Cancer Society.  

Last Updated August 3, 2022