THON™ Glossary

Written By: Justin Lejeune, Ryan Murphy, and Alexis Lubart 

As THON™ 2026 approaches, it’s important for students, organizations, and volunteers to brush up on some of the key terms used before and throughout the weekend. Staying educated on words and phrases such as Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) locations and THON acronyms helps to both coordinate better communication and foster the best possible environment for everyone.  

COMM: Communications: Ready to help you with any questions about THON. Volunteers will be around the concourse, and you can ask questions at any Info Booth and Donation Station found across each gate. 

Concourse: Bustling walkway surrounding the BJC arena with food options, vendors, and bathrooms. 

Dancer Mail: Letters written to dancers by friends and family encouraging them to stay strong during the event. 

Dancer Storage: Cubbies located in the back of the BJC where dancers store props, clothes, games, and other personal items to stay comfortable and occupied during THON Weekend.

DAR: Donor & Alumni Relations: Builds and maintains relationships with THON’s growing donor base and educates the entire THON community on effective fundraising. 

DR: Dancer Relations: Serves as the primary liaison to student volunteers selected to dance THON Weekend. 

Family Hour: In the final four hours of THON Weekend, Family Hour dedicates an hour to hearing Four Diamonds Families and their stories. 

FEP: Family Education Program: Serves to educate the THON community about the experiences, challenges, and terminology related to childhood cancer. Every committee reads a family story from the FEP at weekly meetings! 

Final Four: The last four hours of THON Weekend. 

FIN: Finance: These volunteers will be at the Info Booth and Donation Stations and collecting cash or check donations throughout the weekend. 

Floor Pass: A way to get on the floor to see your friends if you are not dancing or on-shift. 

Four Diamonds: THON’s sole beneficiary, responsible for covering costs of treatment not paid for by insurance. 

FTK®: For The Kids: A term that reminds us who we’re dancing for. It should always be followed by the registered symbol! 

HOS: Hospitality: Working with donors both within and outside of the State College community to acquire and serve all food and beverage donations at THON events. 

Human Tunnel: A tradition where volunteers and supporters line the walkway from Holuba Hall to the BJC to welcome the dancers as they enter the Bryce Jordan Center to begin their 46 hours of dancing. 

IDC: Independent Dancer Couples: Two dancing partners who have the opportunity by lottery to stand all 46 hours of THON Weekend. 

Line Dance: This dance is designed to help dancers stretch, stay awake, and stay moving. With a fun year-in-review video covering campus life, pop culture, and more, Dancer Relations Captains will perform for all dancers and spectators to participate in. 

Merch: Merchandise: The committee responsible for all things THON merchandise related.  

Mezz: Mezzanine: The area of the BJC where captains sleep, committees write blogs, and meetings are held. 

National Act: Major surprise musical performance held on Friday night of THON Weekend. Previous performers include The Fray, Walk the Moon, and Natasha Bedingfield.  

OPP: Operations: Responsible for setting up and tearing down the event and keeping the BJC clean throughout THON Weekend. 

Pep Rally: A fun Saturday night event during THON Weekend with athlete performances, contests, celebrity appearances, and so much more. This event pumps everyone up and the BJC nearly reaches capacity leading up to it. 

R&R: Rules and Regulations: Oversees safety and floor and entrance security. 

Slides of Strength: OPP tradition at THON Weekend where dancers get a 10 second break to lay on a baby powered mat and receive a massage from volunteers. 

SME: Show and Media Entrance: The location in the BJC where Public Relations committees will be stationed to escort press onto the floor. 

THON Nation: The global community of students, alumni, families, and supporters who fundraise and show support for THON’s mission throughout the year and during THON Weekend.  

THON Store: The spot in the HUB where THON merch is sold. THON merchandise is also offered online.  

THON Weekend: A 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon in the Bryce Jordan Center. Committee Members, Student Organizations, Four Diamonds Families, Donors, and general spectators come together to celebrate yearlong efforts and show support for the families and dancers. 

Total Reveal: The amount of money raised in donations is revealed at the conclusion of THON Weekend. 

Water Social: A surprise hydration break during THON Weekend to encourage dancers and volunteers to drink water and rehydrate. 

46Live: Student-run production team that broadcasts all pre-THON events and the official THON Weekend livestream.