Aralyn Hackney

Media Management Director

Aralyn Hackney

• Year: Senior
• Hometown: Feasterville, Pennsylvania
• Major: Public Relations
• Minor: ENTI

• Previous THON™ Involvement:
  

  THON 2024: Hospitality Committee Member

  THON 2025: Hospitality Second in Command Committee Member

  THON 2026: Public Relations Video Production Producer Captain

• Why did you want to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world? Being a member on the Executive Committee is an opportunity to give everything I have to a mission that has already given me so much. A chance to lead, to serve, and to make a lasting impact on both the THON community and the families we fight for. A chance to honor those we have lost. I am driven not only by what THON has meant for me, but also by what it can continue to be for others. Ultimately, I wanted to give the most of my time to this incredible organization, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to do so!
• What are your main responsibilities as a Director for THON™ 2027? As the Public Relations Media Management Director for THON 2027, I lead our Media Relations and Brand Development teams, ensuring THON’s mission is communicated in a clear and consistent way. I oversee the team responsible for amplifying the beautiful stories of our organization while building relationships with key stakeholders. I work with our media partners, influencers, athletes, and other key stakeholders to expand THON’s reach. Through strategic communication and storytelling, I work to build awareness and support for the families we serve while ensuring THON’s brand is protected and represented with integrity in everything we do.
• What is your favorite THON memory? My favorite THON memory is from THON 2026 during Saturday evening. I was hanging in the kids lounge, and we were throwing a balloon around. The kids were having the best time ever screaming “CHICKEN JOCKEY” every time they hit the balloon and they had the biggest smiles on their faces. In that moment, we were allowing the kids to just be kids. Something as simple as this lit up their world. It was the moment of pure joy we were able to share together that made this moment so special.
• What is your favorite quote? “Even if you just change one life, you’ve changed the world forever.”

• What are you involved in outside of being a THON™ Director? Outside of being a THON Director, I am involved in Penn State REACH serving as the Head Of Club Experience and running my own embroidery/button businesses. In my free time you can find me spending time with my friends, relaxing with family, or hanging at the beach!

• What are your plans after graduation from Penn State? After graduation from Penn State, I aspire to work in an Advertisement/Public Relations Strategy role. I plan to stay involved with THON through THON Nation!