Eddie Issertell
Alumni Engagement Director
Year: Senior
Hometown: Springfield, PA
Major: Science
Minor: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Previous THON Involvement
THON 2018: Special Event Committee Member
THON 2019: THON Nation Captain
THON 2020: Alumni Engagement Director
Why did you want to be a Director?
I wanted to be a Director so that I could pour my entire heart into the organization that has brought me so much joy and love during my time at Penn State. THON has the unique ability to illuminate the darkest of moments, and I want to ensure that the light that this community produces for so many children and families never dims. I have come to realize the profound impact THON can have not only for the children and families impacted by childhood cancer, but also for the volunteers who work day in and day out to ensure its success. I wanted to become the Director of Alumni Engagement so that I could inspire every THON volunteer, past and present, to continue their fight beyond four years at Penn State.
What responsibilities do you have as the Alumni Engagement Director for THON 2021?
As the Director of Alumni Engagement, I am the main liaison between THON and Penn State alumni. I work with the Penn State Alumni Association here in State College, as well as Alumni Groups all across the country who raise funds and spread awareness for THON each year. I also serve on the board of directors of the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group (DMAIG) where I work with a passionate group of Penn State alumni who continue to spread THON’s mission after graduation. Additionally, I lead a team of 15 Captains who work to further many of our different alumni initiatives and effectively communicate these opportunities with our Penn State alumni.
What is your favorite THON memory?
My favorite THON memory took place during the final four hour hours of THON 2020. During family hour, I stood side by side with the rest of the THON 2020 Executive Committee as we listened to the family speakers. As Derek Nesbit took the mic to speak, he took a pause before simply stating, "Dear cancer, this is our statement." In this moment, I looked around at the packed BJC and felt the magic of THON Weekend more than ever before.
Favorite Quote
"We’ve made leadership about changing the world, and there is no world. There’s only six billion understandings of it, and if you change one person’s understanding of it, one person’s understanding of what they’re capable of, one person’s understanding of how much people care about them, one person’s understanding of how powerful an agent for change they can be in this world, you’ve changed the whole thing." ~ Drew Dudley
What are you involved in outside of THON?
I am a counselor for Camp Kesem, and weeklong summer camp for children with a parent that has been impacted by cancer. Additionally, I have worked in a biochemistry lab in my time at Penn State.
What are your plans for after you graduate from Penn State?
I plan to go into the pharmaceutical sales and marketing industry after graduation.