Editor’s note: The Alumni Association and a local alumni chapter traditionally co-host a mixer the night before each away football game. This season, the Alumni Association will spotlight alumni volunteer leaders as they prepare for these events that bring together Penn State alumni, fans and friends.
UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State football’s on the brink of a 10-win season, as the Nittany Lions travel to face Maryland on Saturday afternoon Nov. 25. The game is set for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff, with the Alumni Association’s Metro Washington, D.C. Chapter preparing for a fun and busy weekend.
The Alumni Association and Metro Washington, D.C. Chapter will co-host an alumni mixer Friday night, giving Penn Staters an opportunity to come together and get ready for Saturday’s game.
Check out the Alumni Association’s Q&A with chapter president Mike Edwards (2011 Penn State graduate), and visit the Alumni Association’s website to find an alumni group near you.
Penn State Alumni Association: What are your expectations for the weekend, and how long have you been planning for the Penn State-Maryland game?
Mike Edwards: We always look forward to the Penn State vs. Maryland game. Although we love heading up to State College for home games, it's nice to be able to catch the Lions in our backyard.
Penn State Alumni Association: How much of an opportunity is this weekend for your chapter, and what will your messages be for alumni/Penn Staters you meet?
Mike Edwards: It is a big opportunity for our chapter to meet alumni and World Campus students in the area who may not have known about our chapter. It's our hope to share our experiences and resources while bringing the Penn State community together in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Penn State Alumni Association: Following up, what’s your message when you meet Penn Staters who don’t have any experience or prior knowledge of your chapter? How do you get them excited/engaged with what you’re doing, and how important is it to get new members into the chapter?
Mike Edwards: We host a number of events throughout the year, like our professional development seminars or our football watch parties. Often times at these events, we will meet new potential members. It's their Penn State story that we find most interesting. They share with us where they came from, their Penn State experience, and what they are doing now. This allows us to build and cultivate a unique experience for them while providing a stage for them to give back and get involved with Penn State.
Penn State Alumni Association: On a personal level, how exciting is it when Penn State football comes to Maryland and Penn Staters converge on the city?
Mike Edwards: Our chapter members all live and work in the area. It is a really fun experience to get to "host" the team. It just really brings joy to have Penn State so close to home.
Penn State Alumni Association: What led you to Penn State as a student, and how has Penn State prepared you for your personal and professional life? Are there any lessons you learned at Penn State that have stayed with you?
Mike Edwards: Personally, my family bleeds blue and white. My father was a Penn State graduate student, my mother worked at Penn State, and both of my bothers are graduates of Penn State. There was only one place I wanted to go. On top of that, the education you receive both in and out of the classroom is unbeatable. No one lesson stands out, but I always reminiscence on experiences.
Penn State Alumni Association: What are some things you’re especially looking forward to during weekend? Seeing the Pep Band, cheerleaders, and Nittany Lion? The game? Tailgating?
Mike Edwards: We are all really excited for the Blue Band Pep Band, and of course, the Nittany Lion. I have to say we are really excited for State College's own Velveeta. This mixer is going to really get us pumped to face Maryland the next day.