Emerson Brown Saville

Communications Director

Emerson Brown Saville

• Year: Junior
• Hometown: Auburn, New York
• Major: Public Relations
• Minors: Sociology, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• Previous THON™ Involvement:

  THON 2025: Merchandise Committee Member

  THON 2026: Communications Greek Organizations Liaison Captain

• Why did you want to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world? 

  I wanted to become a Director for THON because this organization has shaped my life long before I ever stepped foot on Penn State. Growing up, I listened to my mom’s stories about her experience in THON, the families she met, and the impact students like herself could have when they came together for something bigger than themselves. Those stories inspired me to choose Penn State.

  Over the past year, that connection became deeply personal. In May 2025, my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. Throughout his battle, he remained one of my biggest supporters and never stopped asking about THON. Even during the most difficult moments, he wanted to hear about the organizations I worked with, the events we were planning, and the difference we were making. Seeing firsthand the impact cancer has on an individual and an entire family changed my perspective on why THON matters. When I received the call that I had earned an interview for Communications Director, my dad was in the hospital. It became one of the last conversations I had with him and one of the last accomplishments I knew made him proud. Less than twenty-four hours later, he passed away. In that moment, my reason for wanting to make as big of an impact for THON became even clearer.

  I wanted to become a Director because I believe leadership within THON is an opportunity to create lasting impact for families facing challenges no family should have to endure. THON has given me purpose during some of the hardest moments of my life, and serving as a Director allows me to dedicate myself to advancing the mission that has inspired me for as long as I can remember.

• What are your main responsibilities as a Director for THON™ 2027? My role can be broken down into four areas: volunteer recruitment, volunteer and organization education, organizational relations, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives. Through these responsibilities, I work to connect students with meaningful opportunities to get involved in THON, provide volunteers and organizations with the resources and support they need to be successful, and foster strong relationships across the Penn State community. At the center of my role is ensuring that every student feels empowered to make an impact and contribute to our mission For The Kids.
• What is your favorite THON memory? My favorite THON memory was helping create and lead the Greek Appreciation Event during THON 2026. My co-captain Gina and I were responsible for developing a 45-minute segment that celebrated the dedication and impact of the Greek community throughout the year. We incorporated personal stories, multimedia, and performances that reflected the passion behind THON! Seeing students, families, and organizations share their experiences was incredibly rewarding, and it reminded me that while everyone’s path to THON is different, we are all united by supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer.
• What is your favorite quote? “I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” — Booker T Washington
• What are you involved in outside of being a THON™ Director? I am involved in Greek Life through my sorority, Tri Sigma, and am also a member of SEAC.
• What are your plans after graduation from Penn State? To make a difference in the world!