Colin Spear

Hospitality Director

Colin Spear

• Year: Senior
• Hometown: Trevose, Pennsylvania
• Major: Mechanical Engineering

• Previous THON™ Involvement:
  

  THON 2024: Hospitality Committee Member

  THON 2025: Hospitality Captain – Beverages

  THON 2026: Hospitality Captain – Dancer Meals

• 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 to further the impact this organization has on children and families. Going to events and seeing children laughing, smiling, and playing provides a feeling that simply cannot be put into words. By volunteering in this organization, you get to see your work put into a cause that positively effects so many people. Over the past three years, my love and passion for this organization has grown, and I am incredibly grateful to further THON’s impact by serving on the Executive Committee.

• What are your main responsibilities as a Director for THON™ 2027? As the Hospitality Director, I am responsible for supporting 24 captains and approximately 350 committee members as we work to “Fuel The Fight” for all families, dancers, spectators, and volunteers. I work alongside my captains to procure and serve all food and beverage donations at THON events, and I push important initiatives such as accommodating special dietary needs, emphasizing sustainable practices, and following food safety guidelines. To minimize internal costs, I work to maintain strong relationships with Hospitality’s donors to ensure that all food and beverages are 100% donated. On the Executive Committee, I represent HOS and collaborate with others to consistently find ways to improve THON.

• What is your favorite THON memory? My favorite THON memory comes from final four during THON 2025. The song “Home” by Phillip Phillips started playing, and my captain committee huddled together. We sang, jumped, and cried after feeling all the emotions that THON Weekend has to offer. The energy in the Bryce Jordan Center at that moment is something I will never forget. Hearing 16,000+ people come together for the same cause was so inspiring, and I had never felt more proud to be a part of a community like that.

• What is your favorite quote? “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. No matter what life gives you, give more back.” — Derek Nesbit

• What are you involved in outside of being a THON™ Director? Outside of THON, I like to spend time with family and friends, watch and play sports, and play the guitar. Over the summer, I worked as a Materials Field Engineer at Allan Myers.

• What are your plans after graduation from Penn State? After graduation, I plan to land a full-time job within my major that is hands-on and works with a team.