Pictured: J. Randall Woolridge.

​Lion's Paw Medal 2024:
J. Randall Woolridge

We are pleased to announce that J. Randall "Randy" Woolridge is the recipient of the 2024 Lion's Paw Medal. During his 44-year tenure as a Professor of Finance, Randy has spent a lifetime in service to Penn State and has put Penn State on the map within the Finance industry. He has done everything, from mentoring and coaching students, fostering job and internship opportunities to building relationships with financial institutions, and fostering fundraising connections for Penn State. 

Randy's focus has always been on the students, going over and above his teaching and job responsibilities. His impact has benefited the entire Penn State community. His work in founding and cultivating the Nittany Lion Fund, a student-managed investment fund, has created countless opportunities for both students and alumni within the Finance Industry. His creation of and work with the Wall Street Bootcamp has given students the valuable tools they need to prepare themselves for a job in the Finance World. Randy has also created another group called Leverage Lion Capital to create a second fund. Leveraged Lion Capital is the nation's first student-run syndicated loan and high-yield bond paper portfolio. 

Through his tenure as a professor, his work with these organizations, and the relationships and reputation he has built within the Finance Industry he continues to open new doors and opportunities for his students and the University. Because of Randy’s consistent actions, dedication, persistence, passion for the work, and commitment to teaching and his students, he has established himself as a pillar of the Penn State Community and has been going above and beyond for decades. Lion’s Paw is proud to welcome Randy into our family. He will receive the award at the Spring Convocation on Saturday, April 13, 2024 in the presence of his family, Lion's Paw actives, taps, alumni, and former Lion's Paw Medal recipients. 

Thank you to the members of the Lion's Paw Medal Committee for volunteering your time to continue this longstanding Lion's Paw Tradition: Ben Bronstein, Bonnie Shaul, Brad Nestico, Larry Patrick, Michael Day, Michelle Harmon-Madsen, Sally Anderson, Sarabeth Bowmaster, Dean Phillips, PJ Burkin, and Lisa Bistline. Finally, thank you to our Committee Chair Becky Friese for leading the charge and facilitating this process, we truly appreciate your service. ​