Entertainment
Rene Richardson
he/him/his

Entertainment Director

4th Year Student
Hometown: Cranston, RI
Majors: Integrated Master of Accounting (MAcc)
Minors: Legal Environment of Business

Previous THON™ Involvement

THON 2020: Crowd Entertainment Committee Member
THON 2021: Entertainment DR/HOS DJ Captain
THON 2022: Entertainment Pep Rally Captain

Why did you want to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world?

One day we will all dance together in celebration of a cure. I wanted to be a Director for THON to help achieve that goal—that is why I THON. I believe that Entertainment provides the energy and lively spirit to THON that helps keep the families and volunteers thriving during pre-THON and THON Weekend events. We aren’t the people who directly interact with families, fundraise, or provide research, but the work we do makes an impact in its own special way. THON has given so much to me and I want to give my all back to this organization.

What are your main responsibilities as a Director for THON 2023?

As the Entertainment Director, I am responsible for leading a Captain committee of 25 to provide music and live entertainment at THON events throughout the year. The Entertainment Director also acts as the primary contact with Production Management at the Bryce Jordan Center and is in charge of contracting sound companies and performances in accordance to University policy. This includes setup of the stage, lights, and sound for THON Weekend. We ensure the best experience for spectators and families in person and digitally through our livestreams.

What is your favorite THON memory?

THON 2020 was my first ever THON Weekend. I remember being a committee member and hearing about how amazing THON Weekend was, but I could not really imagine it. My first shift of the weekend was on the floor right before the dancers stood. This was the best moment for me. There is a video capturing the awe and amazement in my eyes as I entered the floor for the first time ever.

As a director, what are you most looking forward to for THON 2023?

I am very excited to see the ways THON and the Entertainment Committee can continue to further THON’s mission, as well as our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts this year. I can’t wait to see how I can support my team in the goals and visions they have this year and see how far they’ll go.

Favorite Quote?

“Be where your feet are”

Are you involved in other organizations that benefit THON?

Atlas

What are you involved in outside of THON?

Lion Ambassadors, Bryce Jordan Center Stage Crew, Athletic Bands / Pep Band

What are your plans after graduation from Penn State?

I plan to become a Forensic Accountant. I’d love to work in NYC and do fraud investigation and litigation support.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would love to be a bear. I think they are the most squishy, and adorable animals. They definitely might not be the best to give a hug to, but I would love to encounter and be a bear. I like to think of myself as a big teddy bear!

Is a hotdog a sandwich?

By Google’s definition, yes. But we can’t always trust what we see on Google. I think I’d say yes because sandwiches are a dish that has meats and veggies in between a bun or two pieces of bread.