Peter Shoemaker, C'86

Most of us have hobbies -- the thing outside of work or home that is our passion. For Peter Shoemaker (C '86), Penn is that hobby. Not only has he devoted his personal time in numerous leadership roles at Penn, he has also participated in cold calling for The Penn Fund, held welcome receptions for students in his home, and served as President of the South California alumni group for six years. He also checks in on the Quaker football score whenever they have a game, and makes it a priority to meet one-on-one with alumni new to the Los Angeles area. He also makes it a point to check the Quaker football score. What is it about Penn that makes him willing to give up so much of his personal time to remain dedicated to ensure its continued success? "Well, Penn was a wonderful experience for me as a student, and that connection has stayed with me," Shoemaker explains. "I've moved to a number of cities over the years and the Penn community has always provided my first contact with people who share a common bond and interest.  Not only that, but we have a common goal---to make the University an even better place than it already is."

Shoemaker points to the advantages of remaining active and engaged with Penn, particularly with the many regional clubs. With the Penn Club of Los Angeles, for example, where numerous Penn people are connected with the entertainment industry, Shoemaker saw the Rolling Stones up-close-and-personal, attended many movie screenings, and has found himself behind the scenes on the set of more than one popular television show. "The clubs are always offering these one-of-a kind opportunities," he says. "And along with those unique situations, you meet fascinating people who doing really interesting things and you want to share those things with the wider Penn community."

Shoemaker's affinity to Penn runs in the family. "My father, my two brothers, and my sister are all graduates of Penn. My dad was a trustee and also very involved with the University. I learned from him to give back to the institutions that helped you get to where you are," he says.

He last visited campus in 2008 to attend the Alumni Award of Merit Gala (he is also one of the youngest award recipients himself and the current chair of the Awards and Resolutions Committee). And, he plans to return this fall to celebrate Homecoming Weekend 2009.  "I come back to Penn about once a year. I'm a big fan of the Quakers." During those visits, he has witnessed the extraordinary growth of the University. "The campus is transforming all the time. For instance, you can walk into one of the College Houses, and see that the infrastructure is the same, but when you go into the rooms, they are completely renovated. These changes are really a testament to the work and dedication of President Gutmann and the University leadership over the years."

When it is pointed out that he too could be categorized among the great leaders, Shoemaker shrugs it off.  "There is a long list of people who work hard for Penn and help spread the word about Penn. We all do it because we love the school and believe in what we are doing."