Blue & White Society president on Penn State’s millionth degree, alumni connections

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When Gorja Yadav first visited Penn State, she never imagined she would one day lead one of its student organizations. Now a senior and president of the Blue & White Society, Yadav is helping students build connections that extend beyond their time at the University.

As Penn State celebrates the recent awarding of its one millionth degree, Yadav reflects on what the milestone means to current students and future alumni. Through her leadership in the Blue & White Society, the student arm of the Penn State Alumni Association, she hopes to help students find community, develop professionally and establish lifelong connections with fellow Penn Staters.

Yadav spoke about her journey to Penn State, her experiences leading the organization and the importance of staying connected to the University after graduation.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and why you chose Penn State.

Yadav: I’m a senior from Raleigh, North Carolina, double majoring in supply chain management and telecommunications. Funny enough, I originally never wanted to come to Penn State, but that changed when I was accepted. My parents and I decided to visit campus, and I immediately fell in love with it. It was the college experience I wanted. The energy on campus and seeing the business school made me realize this was the college experience I wanted. Coming from out of state also gave me the opportunity to become more independent, grow personally and gain confidence in myself.

Q: What inspired you to join the Blue & White Society and eventually become president?

Yadav: During my sophomore year, one of my friends was president of the Blue & White Society, and I wanted to become more involved on campus, so I joined. I started as a programming board member, became an executive board member during my junior year and eventually became president. Coming from out of state, I really appreciate everything Penn State does for its students. I wanted to give back and create that same experience for others.

One of my favorite things is seeing students from different backgrounds, majors and experiences come together and build a community. I was also drawn to the professional opportunities and connections available through the Penn State Alumni Association.

Q: What are some of your goals as president of the Blue & White Society?

Yadav: One of my biggest goals is making sure everyone feels involved, included and heard. I want every member to feel excited about being part of the organization. This year, we introduced welcome bags for new programming board members with name tags and Alumni Association goodies to make the onboarding experience more personal. I’m also focusing on increasing accountability and participation at our events while maintaining a strong relationship with the Alumni Association. Ultimately, I want to make sure we’re giving students meaningful experiences and opportunities to connect with one another.

Q: How does the Blue & White Society help students connect with Penn State alumni and prepare for their careers?

Yadav: One of our biggest resources is the Quick Connect program, which pairs programming board members with alumni mentors based on their career aspirations. One of our former presidents actually received an internship through her Quick Connect mentor, which shows how valuable these relationships can be. We also host professional development events where students can meet alumni and learn about résumé preparation, cover letters, career fairs and networking on LinkedIn. These experiences help students build professional relationships and prepare for life after graduation.

Q: Penn State recently awarded its one millionth degree. What does reaching this milestone mean to you as a current student and future alumna?

Yadav: When I first heard about it, I couldn't believe we had already reached one million degrees. It’s incredible to think about how many people have graduated from Penn State and gone on to accomplish amazing things.

Recently, our Blue & White Society members attended an alumni awards event where we had the opportunity to meet graduates who have written books, started businesses and made incredible contributions. Experiences like that remind me of why Penn State is such a special place. I’m incredibly thankful to be part of a community that continues to support students even after graduation.

Q: How did the millionth-degree milestone influence your perspective on leading the Blue & White Society?

Yadav: It has definitely given me an even greater sense of pride in representing the Blue & White Society and the Penn State Alumni Association. It’s something I want to emphasize at our meetings because I want members to recognize the significance of being part of this University and its growing alumni community. Knowing that we’re part of such an important moment in Penn State’s history makes me even more grateful for the opportunities and connections we have.

Q: What has been one of your most meaningful experiences through the Blue & White Society?

Yadav: One of the most meaningful relationships I’ve developed has been my adviser, Mara Ryan. She’s been a constant source of support throughout my time in the organization. She genuinely cares about students, advocates for us and does everything she can to help us succeed. Balancing classes with being president of such a large student organization can be challenging, but she’s always there to offer guidance and encouragement.

Q: How has leading the Blue & White Society helped you grow personally and professionally?

Yadav: Being part of the Blue & White Society has helped me develop confidence, leadership skills and a stronger sense of purpose. Giving back is especially important to me because I remember how much the organization gave me when I joined as a sophomore. Now, as president, I get to create those same experiences for other students. I want every event we host to be as meaningful and impactful as possible.

Q: What would you tell students who are considering joining the Blue & White Society?

Yadav: I would absolutely encourage them to join. You get to meet so many people from different backgrounds, cultures and majors while also gaining access to incredible professional resources. Whether you’re looking to make friends, develop leadership skills or build connections with alumni, there are so many opportunities available. Most importantly, the Blue & White Society makes such a large university feel smaller and less intimidating; it gives you a community where you can feel included and supported.

Q: After graduation, how do you hope to stay connected to Penn State and its alumni community?

Yadav: I’ve already signed up for a four-year Alumni Association membership, and I hope to continue renewing it after graduation. I definitely want to come back for football games and alumni events, but I also want to stay involved with the Blue & White Society and support future student leaders. Our past presidents have been such an incredible source for me, and I want to do the same for the next president. I hope to continue giving back to the organization and making an impact even after I graduate.