UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Randy Houston began his term as the 81st president of the Penn State Alumni Association back in July, with Jan. 1 being the six-month mark in his role.

Since then, Houston has traveled across the country representing the Alumni Association at Alumni Association programs such as away game tailgates for Penn State football and has also returned to Happy Valley for numerous award ceremonies and events.

He’s connected with hundreds of alumni and friends who share his passion for Penn State.

Houston earned a bachelor of arts degree from Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts in 1991 and a juris doctor degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1995.

The Alumni Association caught up with Houston for a special Q&A during his busy schedule to discuss his first six months as president, what it’s been like connecting with Penn Staters everywhere and much more.

How have your first few months as president gone, what’s the experience been like for you?
RH: With my presidency almost starting right along with the football season, it’s kind of been a trial by fire. From Labor Day on, I didn’t have many weekends where I was home, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

It’s great to see alumni when they come back to Happy Valley, but it’s also special to go out where they live now and see how they live their Penn State lives in Iowa, in Michigan, in Minnesota. It’s incredible. There’s no other way to describe it.

The love that people have for Penn State and their allegiance to the Alumni Association, seeing it firsthand is special. I wish every Penn Stater could feel the power of this network and feel how much love there is among Penn Staters for their alma mater. It’s been tremendous.

To continue reading, check out the full story on the Alumni Association's website.