Lauren Mellas

Executive Director

Lauren Mellas

• Year: Graduate Student
• Hometown:  New Canaan, Connecticut
• Major/Minor:  MPS in Strategic Communications

• Previous THON™ Involvement:
  

  THON 2023: First Year Committee Member

  THON 2024: Public Relations Graphic Design Captain

  THON 2025: Public Relations Graphic Design Captain

  THON 2026: Public Relations Digital Content Director

• Why did you want to become the executive director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world? I wanted to become the Executive Director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world so that one day, no family has to receive the news that their child has cancer. Too often, someone around you has their own personal connection to cancer and it feel all-consuming, like it’s taking over, but THON provides hope. THON makes me believe that one day, we will dance in celebration of a cure. I never thought find a cure was possible until THON Weekend 2023. That was my first THON Weekend. I was a first-year, out-of-state student on a first-year committee. I had never heard of THON until a friend down the hall encouraged me to apply. Little did I know that would be the best decision I ever made. Being in the BJC that weekend was magical and it made me believe in finding a cure. Each year my involvement and passion for this organization has grown. THON has given me a home at a school of over fifty thousand, my best friends, a purpose, and a chance to be a part of something bigger than myself. It has given me more than I could have ever asked for and I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director for THON 2027.
• What are your main responsibilities as Executive Director for THON™ 2027? As the Executive Director for THON 2027, I am responsible for leading the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, overseeing 16,500+ volunteers, 300+ organizations, and an 18-member Executive Committee to advance fundraising, operations, and stakeholder strategy. I help direct fundraising campaigns, corporate partnerships, and cross-university collaborations with Penn State University, Penn State Health, and Four Diamonds while serving on the Four Diamonds Advisory Board.
• What is your favorite THON memory? My favorite THON memory is from THON Weekend 2026. At the end of Final Four, the 2026 Executive Committee got to perform the Line Dance on stage. After the line dance, we counted down the dancers until it was time to sit. Looking around the full BJC and seeing all of our hard work pay off was truly indescribable. For a weekend, college kids take the time out of their busy schedules to come together and take a stand against childhood cancer. To watch it all come together is truly magical.
• What is your favorite quote? “Just Keep Swimming” – Dory from Finding Nemo
• What are you involved in outside of being the THON™ Executive Director? During my time at Penn State, I served as the Vice President for Standards on the 2025 Panhellenic Council. I was a member of the Beta Eta chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma. As for work, I was a Junior Collegiate Sales Manager and NIL Social Media Manager at Campus Ink. I also am a Graphic Design intern for Attitude Effort Results Podcast.
• What are your plans after graduation from Penn State? After I finish my Masters, I am hoping to work in Strategic Communications or Partnerships in the sports industry!