Making An Impact One Drawing At A Time 

By Keona Montague, Landen Madalena, Sienna Pearce and Abigail Hancock 

The annual THON™ 5K was held on the chilly morning of Oct. 25. Penn State students, alumni and volunteers threw on their jackets and headed down to the Bryce Jordan Center to join the festivities.  

The first THON 5K was held on Oct. 28, 2001, and it was an overwhelming success. Ever since then, the tradition has continued to draw a crowd.  

Specifically, the caricature artist Chip Mock was in attendance this year. This was Chip’s first time attending the THON 5K, but he attends THON Weekend annually.    

Chip vividly remembers the days when THON Weekend took place in the White Building before it moved to hold larger crowds in the Bryce Jordan Center. The difference between the two locations is evident.  

 “The largeness…this is proof of how large it has gotten,” says Chip.  

During many pre-THON events and at THON Weekend, Chip draws caricatures of supporters, volunteers and community members, spreading smiles and providing a special memento of the occasion. 

Kristin Ketner is a proud Penn State alum who attended the THON 5K for the first time this year, but she participated in THON while she was a student.  

“It’s important to be bigger [and] to feel something bigger than yourself, and to be part of that,” says Kristin. 

Kristin was inspired to attend the 5K this year by her daughter, Sophia Ketner.  

Sophia Ketner, a recent graduate, got involved with THON as a first year student at Penn State. She remained involved throughout her time at the university. In her senior year, Sophia was a Family Relations Captain.  

“The love and support that you feel from everyone each year is amazing. The way that people show up for each other and getting to be there for the families is so important,” says Sophia.  

Now, as a graduate student working on her master’s in special education, Sophia remains very involved with THON and continues to contribute to the community. 

After hearing from Kristin and Sophia, it’s evident that THON’s impact extends far beyond a single event, bringing families, friends, alumni and volunteers together in support of a common cause. Dedicated supporters like Chip continue to return year after year, demonstrating the lasting commitment behind THON’s mission. And while this year’s THON 5K has wrapped up, the fundraising and fun are just getting started as THON looks ahead to its Dream Forward campaign and THON Weekend.