For students, families, and volunteers, THON™ isn’t just a weekend in the Bryce Jordan Center, it’s a year-round commitment built on love, support, and passion. Every moment leading up to THON weekend shapes the love built behind the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. There are multiple ways to get involved throughout the year, and everyone has their own experiences and memories.
For Juliana Carbone, a Hospitality Committee Member, and Malina McManus, a member of the THON committee for Epsilon Sigma Alpha, their favorite moments centered around the Final Four at THON 2026.
“Getting to be with my friends after all the hard work of the weekend was an amazing way to end an even better weekend,” Juliana says. She also loved helping clean up the BJC to help with all the hard work that goes into THON.
Final Four was also an incredible experience for Malina that cannot be forgotten. “My friend and I stood the entire time leading up to it, and getting to experience such an emotional moment with all of my friends around me made it unforgettable,” said Malina.
Zach McCasland, a Dancer Relations Committee Member, was happy to be part of THON’s volunteer effort, where his goal was to help support dancers throughout the weekend. He was impacted by his paired dancers pushing through the last hours of THON Weekend 2026. “It was so rewarding to know that I played a role in that major accomplishment. I was so proud of everyone on that floor,” he said.
Ali Loya, who was a photographer for 46LIVE in THON 2025, said her favorite memory was the pep rally. “I was in the front row taking photos of the athletes. It was so surreal to see students come together to have a fun moment in times of need,” Ali said.
Aaron Klein, President of Nittanyville, said standing with his org during Final Four was a dream come true, especially with Nittanyville being a first-year THON organization in 2026. From brainstorming ways to make the group a THON org to seeing the vision come to life, Aaron says, “…to see it finally happen was not only a dream come true for me, but for past Nittanyville presidents as well!”
Katie Behler, a 2026 Rules and Regulations Event Safety Captain, said one of her favorite memories was during the Kids Fashion Show. She had her parents on the floor during the show, and one of the kids wearing bright blue sunglasses and carrying a boombox started leading Katie’s dad into a handshake. Katie’s mom was filled with emotions from the interaction.
“They felt the love and power of THON, and it is something I will take with me forever. We have the power, love, compassion, and strength to help others. Let’s do it today, tomorrow, and every day until a cure is found,” said Katie.
Jess Phillips, the Director of New Member Education for Alpha Delta Pi, says her favorite THON memory was during Go Go Gadget’s performance! With emotions from the weekend flowing, Phillips found support with the people around her.
“My friends and I were all crying and enjoying being with each other while swaying to the songs!” Jess remembered.
Kate Hancock, a Sustainability Pioneer Committee Member on the OPPerations Committee, will never forget the feeling when she stepped onto the floor for the first time. In that moment, she could feel all the love and positivity in the BJC. “It was so amazing to see and feel the impact of all the hard work we do.”
Whether you have a memory like these ones, or one completely different, it is in these moments where we remember what we are fighting for, and who we are fighting with. These memories remind us that one day we will dance in celebration of a cure For The Kids®.
THON™ is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital because of supporters like you. Your generosity creates moments of joy for Four Diamonds children and families and empowers our volunteers through year-round events, fundraisers and THON Weekend.
