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.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY TODAY!

Cristina Mac Cormac

President

Class of 2027

Major: Economics & Political Science

Hometown: Hawthorn Woods, IL

What’s your outlook on the role of President?

Lion Caucus is at an exciting turning point, where we have the opportunity to strengthen our internal culture and expand our external impact. In the year ahead, my vision is to create a culture of accountability, connection, and purpose, where every member feels empowered to lead and make a difference. By deepening our commitment to advocacy and elevating student voices, we can expand our mission beyond our meetings and into every part of the Penn State community. Through grassroots initiatives and intentional outreach, Lion Caucus will strengthen its presence on campus and create a lasting impact on student advocacy and engagement across the Commonwealth.

Why do you advocate for Penn State?

I advocate for Penn State on behalf of every student who cannot advocate for themselves. The opportunities I have found here have allowed me to pursue my passions, grow as a student and individual, and build a community that inspires me every day. I am deeply grateful for my experience, and I recognize that financial barriers often prevent others from having the same chance. As an out-of-state student, I was drawn to Penn State by its incredible alumni network, resources, and supportive environment. I am committed to ensuring these opportunities remain accessible, so that higher education can become a reality for more students across Pennsylvania and beyond.

Jude York

Vice-President, Advocacy Committee Chair

Class of 2028

Major: Political Science & Sociology

Hometown: Garnet Valley, PA

What’s your outlook for VP and Advocacy Committee?

Lion Caucus has done incredible work advocating for fairer state and federal funding, and as a result, many legislators, alumni, and students are beginning to learn more about our organization and immerse themselves in our advocacy efforts. As the Vice President of Lion Caucus, I want to work with the broader Penn State community to make sure legislators understand the incredible value of a Penn State education. I plan on curating an advocacy plan focused on both diverse student perspectives and how investment into Penn State helps the commonwealth as a whole.

Why do you advocate for Penn State?

As a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, I advocate for Penn State because I see the incredible effects the university has on the commonwealth. Whether it’s providing education to over 89,000 students, adding thousands of Pennsylvania jobs, Penn State consistently enriches our state. I want to ensure our university continues to leave this impact while guaranteeing educational opportunities to as many students as possible.

Eva Ingram

Secretary

Class of 2027

Major: Political Science

Hometown: Leesburg, VA

How do you see the role of Secretary?

I see the role of Secretary as a key part of keeping Lion Caucus connected, organized, and moving forward. This organization has grown so much — in impact, in membership, and in what we’ve been able to accomplish — and I want to help continue that momentum. For me, it’s about maintaining clear communication, supporting our initiatives behind the scenes, and making sure every member feels informed and involved. I’m excited to help strengthen what’s already here and be part of what’s next.

Why do you advocate for Penn State?

I advocate for Penn State because I believe in what this university stands for, especially the values that shape our community. I care about the student experience — not just mine, but for everyone who comes after me. I also want to help make sure voices are heard, resources are protected, and students from all backgrounds feel like they belong here. Being a part of Lion Caucus lets me give back to a school that has truly shaped me. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and one that I’m proud to carry forward.

Hasini Dharmasena

Director of Outreach

Class of 2027

Major: Criminology

Hometown: Staten Island, NY

How do you see the role of Director of Outreach?

As director of outreach, I plan to continue the outreach efforts to make Lion Caucus a well-established and well-known organization on campus and encourage advocacy from all students. Lion Caucus is the voice of Penn State students, therefore, it is vital that all students are heard and aware of the work being done on their behalf, and most importantly, know how they can get involved. This year, I hope to continue spreading the Lion Caucus’ name and mission across campus by expanding recruitment, building inter-organizational connections, and introducing more professional development opportunities.

Why do you advocate for Penn State?

I advocate for Penn State because, as a 1+3 student who spent a year at Penn State Harrisburg, I was able to experience the expansive influence of Penn State and the opportunities that come with it. Penn State provides its students with a multitude of incredible opportunities, and I believe no student should be stripped of those opportunities simply because they can not afford them. All students should have the chance to explore those opportunities, and I hope that my work in Lion Caucus will make that difference.

Lindsay Freedman

Director of Communications

Class of 2028

Major: Criminology & Sociology

Hometown: Thousand Oaks, CA

How do you see your role as Director of Communications?

I see my role as an opportunity to expand into the student body and make our presence more known on campus. Between our current students, faculty, and alumni, I think this role allows us to ensure everyone can stay up to date on what the Lion Caucus is doing. I hope to encourage more student engagement across the entire university, branching out into underrepresented groups. It is my goal to do the best job possible of clearly and consistently communicating matters between Lion Caucus and the Student Body.

Why do you advocate for Penn State?

I advocate for Penn State as a way of giving back to the school. It truly is a community that has provided me so many opportunities, and I think it is important to give back how I can. Penn State impacts hundreds of thousands of people, and every who has attended is incredibly proud to have been a part of such an amazing institution. I advocate not only for my future, but for everyone who came before me and everyone who will come after.

Lincoln Hall

Treasurer

Class of 2026

Major: Political Science

Hometown: Columbia, MD

Why do you advocate for Penn State?

I see this role as an opportunity to bring greater funding through a larger network to Lion Caucus. I have a range of ideas I would like to implement during my time as Treasurer in Lion Caucus. One is a Rainy-Day Fund that would put 5%-10% of the annual budget away for safekeeping, being proactive about handling unexpected expenses and future costs. Another was an emphasis on cross-organization collaboration. Collaboration with more organizations outside of Lion Caucus could yield greater fundraising potential, further spread Lion Caucus recognition around campus and expand our fundraising efforts to companies downtown. Finally, I would like to expand the size and utility of the Treasurer Committee. The current committee has 2 members and should be expanded to 3-4 members. This would give the treasurer and Lion Caucus greater outreach and fundraising potential through more hands to handle the new and growing responsibilities within Lion Caucus. I am extremely ambitious and know that with support from others I can continue to steer Lion Caucus in the right direction!

How do you see your role as treasurer?

I advocate for Penn State because Penn State offered a unique opportunity and experience that I could not get at another University around the United States. Penn State offered me the 2+2 program as a way to save money and still attend Penn State. As an out of state student, it was options like these that made my pursuits of higher education possible. Now at University Park, I take it upon myself to advocate for Penn State in a variety of ways, to ensure that these opportunities remain available for all students moving forward.

Ella Jones

THON Chair

Class of 2027

Major: Political Science & Sociology

Hometown: Greensburg, PA

Why do you advocate for Penn State?

Undertaking the position of Lion Caucus’s first THON Chair, to me, means that I will be responsible for facilitating the exposure of a new group to the mission of THON. I hope to spread awareness and increase funding for a cure through an advocacy-based organization doing what it does best, advocating. I feel as though this is a natural continuation of the work we have already done, and I hope that our executive board and general body are prepared for a different type of advocacy, one that is for the betterment of something bigger than ourselves. I hope to bridge the gap even further between Penn State student life and government relations as we create ties with a new demographic of our university!

How do you see your role as treasurer?

I advocate for Penn State for not only my future, but the futures of those who will come after me. Penn State is a nexus of opportunity and experiences that are priceless to a growing student and professional. The institution behind these experiences is reputable for a reason. As a student from Pennsylvania, the effects that Penn State has on this region, not to mention this country, are beyond evident. The pride that beams from any Penn State student or alumni can prove to anyone the importance of this place and this community. Advocating to maintain these experiences and this community comes as a natural instinct when you understand the tangible effects.