Julia Skrip

Alumni Engagement Director

Julia Skrip

• Year: Senior (2026)
• Hometown:  McDonald, PA 
• Major: Biobehavioral Health
• Minors: Biology and Psychology 

• Previous THON™ Involvement:

  THON 2023: Communications Committee Member

  THON 2024: Alumni Engagement Captain – Organization Liaison

  THON 2025: Alumni Engagement Captain – Alumni Communications Coordinator

• Why did you want to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world?  I wanted to become a Director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world to make the most impact I can in the lives of our Four Diamonds families, volunteers, and THON Community as a whole as I enter my final year at Penn State. This organization has given me a home where I feel constantly inspired by the unwavering dedication and selflessness of every volunteer, and I am lucky to have had three incredible, strong, and passionate female leaders on each of my three committees that have shaped me into both the volunteer and person that I am today. As a Director, I want to ensure our volunteers, no matter how near or far from Penn State, always feel the love and magic of this organization by distilling the passion for bettering the lives of THON Families that my past leaders have given me into them. Each year, I see the impact THON has on our families become greater and greater, and not only do I want to maximize the role I play in creating a difference, but I want to ensure the THON Community has increased opportunities and capacities to give back to our families as well. Whether it be by planning an event or executing a campaign, I want to inspire others to fight for our beautiful families and families affected by childhood cancer around the world.

• What are your main responsibilities as a Director for THON™ 2026?  My main responsibility as the Alumni Engagement Director for THON™ 2026 is to serve as the primary liaison between THON and our 25,000+ alumni supporters. I work closely with Penn State alumni chapters and affiliate groups, including the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group (DMAIG), to ensure they have the necessary resources and support to both fundraise and spread awareness about THON’s mission. I also help educate current students about the multitude of ways to stay involved as an alum because being a THON Volunteer does not have to end after your graduation from Penn State! Finally, I lead 16 wonderful Captains who plan and execute a variety of campaigns and projects to help our alumni base continue making a difference in the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer.

• What is your favorite THON memory?  My favorite THON memory is celebrating Dancers Stand with my co-Captains at THON Weekend 2025! 

• What is your favorite quote?   “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Winnie the Pooh

• What are you involved in outside of being a THON™ Director?   I am involved in Camp Kesem at Penn State (formerly Camp Kesem Central PA), which is an organization that provides year-round programming and a free week of summer camp to children affected by a parent’s cancer diagnosis. I also work as a Learning Partner in the Biobehavioral Health Student Center.
• What are your plans after graduation from Penn State?  After graduating from Penn State, I plan to take a gap year or two before applying to a masters program for genetic counseling. I am very interested in pediatric and cancer genetic counseling, and I would also love to teach at the college level one day!