Interested in Joining?

Eligibility for student membership:

• A Pennsylvania State University Park campus student with at least two semesters remaining.
• A full time student with a grade point average of at least 2.5 (undergraduate) or 3.0 (graduate).
• Final selections will be based on the application and a personal interview.

Applications open at the beginning of each academic semester.

Mitch Scordo

President

Class of 2024

Major: Telecommunications and Media Industries/Political Science

Hometown: Mount Joy, PA

What’s your outlook on the role of President?

Lion Caucus has grown significantly in size and presence since I joined during my first year at Penn State, and my vision as President focuses on strengthening our organization, community, and advocacy efforts to build upon that growth. This year, I look forward to restructuring our general body and committee meetings to enhance our advocacy and outreach initiatives. My plans also include efforts to grow our physical presence on campus by hosting more events throughout the year that focus on achieving our dual mission of advocating for the University and educating our fellow students on the state appropriations process and other legislation that directly impacts them. Ultimately, my job as President is to provide our members with the tools and opportunities to achieve success as student advocates.

Why do you advocate for Penn State?

Penn State has provided me with opportunities and experiences I will remember for the rest of my life. During my time here, I’ve been able to explore who I am, pursue my interests, and make some of the best friends I’ve ever had. I advocate to ensure that long after I’m gone, others can continue to afford the incredible experiences I’ve had as a Penn State student.

Hunter Steach

Vice-President, Advocacy Committee Chair

Class of 2026

Major: Political Science

Hometown: Harrisburg, PA

What’s your outlook for VP and Advocacy Committee?

This year presents us with one of the more unique advocacy environments in recent memory. Given the recent tumultuous nature of Penn State funding in Harrisburg, combined with the persistent efforts from the University to achieve fairer funding, student advocacy is more consequential than ever. I am looking forward to leading our advocacy committee and developing a cohesive environment of the best student advocates our university has to offer.

Why do you advocate for Penn State?

My upbringing instilled in me the qualities of being a leader and speaking for what is right. I have learned throughout my life that advocacy is action and action is what makes change in this world. When presented with the disparaging facts regarding Penn State funding in the opening weeks of my freshman year, this only influenced me further to act. I realized that this world-class institution in which I fell in love with and would defend with all my willpower needs passionate individuals like me to act and make a difference. By advocating, I hope to fight for and inspire our Penn State community, of whom I call family.

Mike Fowler

Secretary

Class of 2026

Major: Political Science

Hometown: Sparta, NJ

How do you see the role of Secretary?

A key way to strengthen Lion Caucus’s advocacy is through bonding as a group of people. With mentors helping to make our new members feel welcome, continued attendance at our committee meetings, and innovative operations within our org, Lion Caucus’ impact at Penn State will only increase.

Why do you advocate for Penn State?

I advocate for the betterment of Penn State, as well as its over 100,000 undergraduate students across all of its campuses. At its core, Lion Caucus works to fight on behalf of Penn State, and increased state appropriations is essential to continuing to benefit and develop every student that enrolls here.

Hayden D’Elena

Director of Outreach

Class of 2024

Major: Political Science & Communications

Hometown: Mahwah, NJ

How do you see the role of Director of Outreach?

Building off the success of the first ever on-campus Capital Day, I am hoping to continue this momentum this year through establishing new liaison positions, pushing out our newsletter more, contacting other Big 10 and Pennsylvania schools about creating their own version of Lion Caucus, and working with the Lion Caucus Advocacy Committee to help throughout the year and especially during Capital Day

Why do you advocate for Penn State?

I advocate because I can. It’s a simple answer but it is the right one. I advocate because so long as there are student voices championing fairer funding, student voices promoting what’s important to them, and speaking for what is right, then we are helping to leave this University better off than how we found it. I advocate to help fight for that goal.

Allison Schaedler

Director of Communications

Class of 2024

Major: Political Science

Hometown: Harrisburg, PA

How do you see your role as Director of Communications?

As the Director of Communications for Lion Caucus, I hope to expand our online presence and increase awareness of our organization on social media. Social media is a critical tool for us as we approach another year of advocacy. It is even more important that we remain engaged online, as we are the students at the forefront of the mission towards fair funding for Penn State University. After the first ever Capital Day on campus last year, I hope to bring even more awareness to the mission of our organization through reaching as many Penn State students and alumni as possible over social media.

Why do you advocate for Penn State?

As a Penn State student from Pennsylvania, I see the impact of Penn State University on the Commonwealth. I advocate for others to have the same incredible opportunities and experiences that I have had here. I advocate so Penn State can continue to impact my home state through research, world-class education, and agricultural development. I advocate so that the influence of Penn State can be experienced by students all around the world long after my graduation.

Cristina Mac Cormac

Treasurer

Class of 2027

Major: Political Science & Economics

Hometown: Lake Zurch, IL

Why do you advocate for Penn State?

I advocate for Penn State on behalf of everyone who cannot advocate for themselves. The opportunities I have experienced here on campus have enabled me to develop my passions, and grow as a student, and everyday I am blessed by this. Financial limitations have stopped others from the opportunity to experience Penn State the way I have been able to, therefore I advocate to help others reach the same incredible experiences I have been blessed to, and to show the power of students advocating for students.

How do you see your role as treasurer?

Lion Caucus’s success has been derived from exposure, passion, and outreach. In order to utilize these facets to the best of our ability, I aim to use my role as Treasurer as an opportunity to provide as much funding as possible to bolster our advocacy efforts. I plan to increase our fundraisers, create financial partnerships, and utilize our social media accounts to expand our fundraising efforts. By doing so, I hope to allow Lion Caucus to develop our advocacy initiatives to our greatest potential, and to benefit the most students as possible.