THON

The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) is a year-long fundraising and awareness campaign that culminates in a 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon every February. More than 15,000 student volunteers dedicate their time and effort to THON, making it the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.

Campus Culture, THON

Dancing For Hope

By

Senior elementary education major Ali Smith will be standing 46 hours this weekend with over 700 fellow dancers, 3,400 committee members and 15,000 student volunteers. However, there’s only one person Ali regrets won’t be there to hold her hand on the BJC floor this year.

Read More
THON

THON 2015: A Senior’s Last Stand

By

For most Penn State students attending THON at least once during their time here at University Park is an obligation rather than just a suggestion. For 703 Penn State students this year, they not only fulfilled this obligation but went the extra mile. This year over 700 students didn’t just attend THON, they danced at THON.

Read More
Campus Culture, THON

THON 2015: Music To A Dancer’s Ears

By

The entertainment committee has a hard job of picking songs and bands to please not only the volunteers and spectators, but the dancers as well. After all, they’re the ones on their feet for 46 hours! Valley talked to a few of this year’s dancers to see what songs they’ve liked dancing (or singing!) along to, or what songs they’re hoping to hear:

Read More
Campus Culture, THON

THON 2015: Mail Call

By

As mail is lined up in the back of the Bryce Jordan Center, the dancers are called up group by group to receive envelopes spilling with supportive letters from their friends and loved ones. Reading these can give the dancers that extra boost of energy they need during the later hours of THON.

Read More
THON

Best of THON 2015: Socks and Shoes

By

The floor of the BJC is a sea of neon Nike’s every third weekend of February for THON. Dancer’s embrace the bright colors while staying comfortable and practical by wearing one-of-a-kind socks with their favorite sneakers. Valley hit the floor and met the owner’s of some of the brightest, cutest shoe/sock combinations at THON 2015.

Read More
Campus Culture, THON

THON 2015: If You Could Have One Wish

By

When you are on the dance floor, looking around at all the upbeat individuals resisting the urge to sit down all in the name of fighting for the cause, you can’t help but be incredibly proud of them. We couldn’t help but wonder what these dedicated dancers are wishing for or thinking about during this time. Valley had a chance to catch up with some of the dancers for THON 2015 to find out just what that might be.

Read More
Campus Culture, THON

THON 2015: Wigs for Kids

By

When it comes to THON, everything is for the kids. In this case, THON participants were more than willing to share some of their luscious locks in order to provide wigs that can withstand everyday activities that kids partake in such as playing a sport or taking a shower. This is all made possible through the Wigs for Kids organization.

Read More