46 hours of THON 2013: A multimedia blog | Sunday
The organizers of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon -- better known as THON -- estimate that 15,000 students participate directly in the event, which last year raised more than $10 million to benefit the families of children with cancer. On the University Park campus, nearly all of the 40,000 students come in contact with the 46-hour event, one way or another. These are their stories from Sunday, the final day of THON. View more stories from Friday and Saturday.
And the total is ... another record for THON
After 46 hours on their feet, the dancers get to sit down and learn how successful they've been in helping to raise money for the Four Diamonds Fund. The effort in 2013 did not disappoint.
-- by the College of Communications webcast team
Picturing the best of THON
A collection of the best photos from College of Communication students taken over the 46 hours of THON 2013
-- by the College of Communications photojournalism students
A different viewpoint
International student Daniel Tshieh describes his thoughts on THON as a foreigner and how his experiences may influence his life in the future and the way he related to other people.
-- by Michael Benavides
Dialing for dollars
Penn State student Jared Mihaly raises money for THON by making calls for Lion Line. Mihaly has raised $55,000 calling for alumni relations.
-- by Wilson Maguwah
Over-capacity BJC leaves a Moraler's mom out in the cold
Anita Muhammed, parent of moraler Shahkila Daniels, traveled to State College to support and assist her daughter all weekend. Instead, she was disappointed to find herself marooned in long lines outside the Bryce Jordan Center. After experiencing an extended wait Saturday she slept in her car in the BJC parking lot overnight, waking up at 4 a.m. to get in line again. On Sunday, after waiting for hours in the cold, she learned that the BJC was over capacity and she wouldn't be able to attend THON.
-- by Amanda Rodriguez
I THON for Sydney
For Alexis Rogers the motivation to dance comes from her cousin Sydney who died at a young age.
-- by Kimberly Valarezo
Dancing for her dad
2013 THON dancer Aleeza Michael dances in memory of her father and in honor of her mother. She is one of six dancers for the special interest organization FOTO. Michael kept a positive attitude the entire 46 hours, and stresses that there is a light at the end of every tunnel.
-- by Sara Selverian
Staying connected to THON
Lauren Busik is a Penn State alum who lives four hours away from the University Park campus in New Hope, Pa. Every year she tunes into social media and the news to get updates on THON. She says she is surprised at the progress of technology, she never thought it would be this easy to stay connected. Busik donates to THON every year so it's a special moment for her to see where her contributions are going when they reveal the total at the end of the weekend.
-- by Jenna Busik
Preparing to go on stage
Dominique Smith rehearses with the Alpha Omega Step Team as the group prepares to perform at THON Sunday. Smith is a junior at Penn State and is a captain on the step team.
-- by Wildamie Ceus
Inspired to help
It’s Brittany Trappe’s first year being a moraler.The first time she saw people at THON she made up her mind that she would be on the ground one day, accompanying the dancers, the kids and their family.
-- by Siru Wen
Keeping the BJC clean is a challenging OPPeration
Sabrina Stewart is apart of the THON OPPerations committee. During THON, they were responsible for cleaning, sweeping and picking up trash. The committee also played with the Four Diamonds children and were in charge of cleaning the Bryce Jordan Center floor at the event level when the dancers were finished.
-- by Jasmine Janifer
Small groups, big efforts
While THON is a major collaboration of student groups, there are many organizations that play minor but essential roles. This is the 'Plight of the Small Org'. Despite not receiving much recognition for their efforts, small organizations put in countless hours and work to do their part for THON. For the Orthodox Christian Fellowship org, or OCF, every ounce of effort is worth it, even without the recognition.
-- by Sallie Sharer
First THON, First Person
As a senior at Penn State, it’s hard for anyone to believe that I had never been to THON. I’ve been anticipating this for a long time and after the long wait…I made it! I was overcome with pride to be a part of this University. Here is my story.
-- by Lauren Weaver
Together we can
Dancing in THON for the first time was an inspirational time for Stephanie Liu and helped her get through the 46-hour-long marathon.
- Yujun Shao
If it's lost, she found it
Keegan Carroll joined a THON communications committee during her freshman year. The sophomore enjoyed being a part of THON so much that she returned this year. Her duties include answering guest's questions, organizing the lost and found, and waking up THON committee captains.
-- by Paul Sweeney
Going to the well
Even in 46 hours, not everyone can take the stage at THON to express their hopes and dreams. So THON organizers have responded by setting up wishing wells at strategic points on the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center so the dancers and their supporters can put pen to paper and share their thoughts.
-- by Dave Cole