Special Events
Aidan Johnson
he/him/his

Special Events Director

4th Year Student
Hometown: Allentown, PA
Major: Biobehavioral Health

Previous THON™ Involvement

THON 2021: Hospitality Committee Member
THON 2022: Hospitality Cadet
THON 2023: Hospitality Captain

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

It's hard to find another community as selfless and passionate as the students involved in THON. Those who I have had the pleasure of working with within THON have left a lasting impact on my Penn State experience. I wanted to become a director to try and elevate the experience of every member of the THON Community to give back to the community that has given so much to me

What are your main responsibilities as a Director for THON 2024?

As the Special Events Director for THON 2024, I am responsible for the planning and execution of all pre-THON Weekend events. This includes events such as the THON 5K powered by PNC, 100 Days 'Til THON Celebration, Family Carnival, THON Showcase, all of our THON athletic events, and more! These events foster excitement throughout the community, engage our volunteers, and provides an avenue to outreach to audiences who may not know about our mission.

What is your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory is from this past year's Family Carnival. A few co-captains and I had the opportunity to play with a few Four Diamonds children and seeing them running and laughing around the event space showed how much THON means to the families we support.

As a director, what are you most looking forward to for THON 2024?

I am most looking forward to the THON Football game! I have always been an avid Penn State Football fan, and I could not be more excited to experience the environment in Beaver Stadium with the rest of the THON Community.

If you could give your high school self one piece of advice, what would it be?

You only cross this path once, be sure to make the most of it!

What are you involved in outside of THON?

I am involved in Camp Kesem, and I do research for the Biomechanics Lab.

What are your plans after graduation from Penn State?

After graduating from Penn State, it is my goal to attend medical school in pursuit of a MD/MBA degree!

Who is your role model? Why?

My role model is my dad because even though he has a demanding job he always prioritized putting our family first and taught us how to work hard while still caring for others.

What Disney character do you identify with the most? Why?

Lightning McQueen—I love racing and he learns so much about himself throughout the course of the movie and I find that admirable.

What is one thing you think everyone should try at least once?

Floating on your back in the ocean! As long as there aren't any big waves, it is the most peaceful thing in the world!