CEO Insights: Why We THON

It was approximately 8:30 on the Sunday morning of THON Weekend when Lion Ambassador and 2021 THON Communications Director Conor Barber took the stage and asked, “Why do you THON?” What followed was a video featuring our amazing student proclaiming why they THON. Their responses were both sincere and Inspiring.

This year was a THON like no other. Cardboard cutouts replaced the usual 17,000 rainbow-clad supporters that annually pack the Bryce Jordan Center. Live streams replaced in-person participation. And our line dances were social distant with dancers all around the world. 

It was also very similar to THONs of the past. Go Go Gadjet and My Hero Zero once again energized our dancers, more than 500 dancing in dorms, apartments, on commonwealth campuses, and many more locations. The families and kids were featured all weekend on the livestream. And our students once again shocked the world by raising of $10.6M in the face of unprecedented challenges!

As you know, the Penn State Alumni Association is a significant supporter of the annual 46-hour no-sleep, no-sit dance marathon. The last two years, we brought the White Out to the BJC for THON, and this year, we sponsored the virtual White Out all around the world. We are able to do this because of you, our loyal members, and your support of the Alumni Association.

When Conor asked that question, I thought, “How would the Alumni Association answer his question? Why does the Alumni Association THON?” 

Here is what I came up with.

We THON because you THON! At the Alumni Association, we aim to connect Penn Staters to what they love most about Penn State. There is no doubt that you love THON.

We THON because we believe in our students. More than 15,000 of them annually volunteer for what is known the world over as the largest student-run philanthropy in existence.

We THON For The Kids! I was reminded of this on Saturday night of THON Weekend as the Pep Rally was ending when I got the following direct message from a THON family.

Mr. Clifford,

As a THON and Four Diamonds family, we cannot thank you enough! It is because of THON, and every PSU student, that our daughter is 7 years with no evidence of disease. It is also because of all of you that my 12-year-old has gotten two pediatric cancer research bills passed (here in PA) and she's working on her third. 

WE ARE proud to be one of your families!! We get to sing PSU's praises to all of our elected officials and every single person we meet. We always tell the students that they helped save our daughters life, we want to protect their future kids. [Our daughter] survived stage 4 Wilms’ tumor (kidney cancer) and she wants nothing but to protect future kids. Thanks to THON and PSU, she has the opportunity to focus on changing things for future generations. And because of all of you- my baby is still here. The love we have for all of you goes beyond measure.

THANK YOU!!! WE ARE forever grateful. 

This is why we THON. It is who We Are!

Why do you THON? Share your story on our Facebook page.

For the Glory,

Paul