UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Kelley Lynch began her role as the 82nd president of the Penn State Alumni Association in July 2021, with last month marking one year in the role.
Since then, Lynch, an 1987 alumna, has traveled across the country representing the Alumni Association at away game tailgates for Penn State football, while also visiting numerous Commonwealth Campuses to connect with Penn Staters.
In the Q&A that follows, Lynch discusses her first year as president, visiting with Penn Staters across the country, her experiences traveling for Alumni Association events, and more.
Learn more about Lynch in this feature story from last summer.
Penn State Alumni Association: How would you say your first year as president has gone?
Lynch: It was fantastic — even more so than what I imagined! I was fortunate that in-person events started almost immediately, albeit with masks. My first opportunity was to welcome and induct new Alumni Association members at our summer 2021 commencements and then a couple of weeks later I headed out to Wisconsin to kick off the football season, along with thousands of other Penn Staters!
I have tried to attend as many functions and events as I can in-person, but if not, virtually. I love meeting and talking with our alumni from different eras, from all over the country, and quite frankly the world.
I have also had some wonderful opportunities to meet and interact with many students from our different campuses. A highlight for sure, was attending THON in person — it was my first time there live since I danced back in 1987. The event was always incredible, but now to see it in-person again, it is just mind-blowing!!!
PSAA: Is there anything about your experience that has stood out to you or surprised you?
Lynch: I always have known that Penn Staters are proud and passionate, and we have very involved alumni. But I am always amazed with how much they give back to our alma mater — whether at the local chapter levels, at any of the colleges or campuses, or with one of our interest groups.
We have about 300 different alumni groups around the world, and so many are involved with multiple groups. And when I meet alumni, they are so open with sharing what their groups are doing and ideas and thoughts on how as an Alumni Association we can continue to improve. The generosity of Penn Staters with their time and resources is truly humbling.
PSAA: We noticed you’ve been visiting various Penn State campuses across the commonwealth over the past few weeks and months. What’s it been like to connect with Penn Staters located outside of University Park and what’s been your motivation for doing so?
Lynch: Prior to becoming president, I had visited a few campuses and I always loved learning about their histories, and I always learn more about what Penn State has to offer students. I have also been on the advisory board of Penn State Greater Allegheny for almost 10 years, so I appreciate the importance that our Commonwealth Campuses can bring to students — whether for lower costs, closer to home, smaller classrooms, etc.
Shortly after I became president, Chancellor Jones from Schuylkill reached out to invite me to visit their campus. As it turned out, our executive board was going to meet at the Hazleton campus in March and Schuylkill was not too far away. I could visit the day before our meetings. So, planning that trip really is what motivated me to try to get to each campus I had not previously visited during my two-year term.
I have enjoyed meeting the chancellors, learning about their visions and challenges. I have met the campus alumni directors, students have given me tours, and I usually am able to meet and exchange ideas with the campus alumni society and local chapter leaders.
One of my main priorities during my term is to make sure ALL alumni, regardless of which campus they attended, feel they are members and part of our Penn State Alumni Association.
I have more campuses to visit and I cannot wait to see each of them!
PSAA: What’s it been like to travel with the Penn State family for away game tailgates when the Nittany Lion football team hits the road throughout the fall?
Lynch: I absolutely loved visiting alumni last fall and visiting them in their hometowns or meeting so many of our alumni who traveled to follow our Nittany Lions! Alumni passion for Penn State seems to grow even stronger the farther away from Pennsylvania they go! We all did our best to turn our competitors’ college towns blue and white!
Our local chapters do just an incredible job working together to welcome all of us, hosting our alumni at mixers on the Friday evening before the game, and then helping with the pregame pep rally!
I can’t wait for this fall to get back out there!
PSAA: You’ve spent a majority of your professional career in finance. What is it about that particular field that’s always held an interest for you?
Lynch: I love business and I love helping companies scale and grow successfully. I like working and partnering with leaders from across a company to make an organization thrive. I really enjoy learning more about the other functions in a company and figuring out how finance and accounting can be more valuable to them.
To me, finance is the center of the company — ultimately everything flows through finance with budgeting, cash flow and regular management reporting.
PSAA: Last one before we let you go and it’s a question you’ve answered before, but just in case there’s been an update, what’s your favorite flavor of Berkey Creamery ice cream?
Lynch: First and foremost, ice cream is no doubt my favorite treat! There really is no bad flavor. But, my decadeslong favorite, and I don’t see it changing anytime soon, is Bittersweet Mint!