Ben Roitman

Executive Director

Ben Roitman

• Year: 5th Year
• Hometown: Chicago, IL
• Major/Minor:  Education and Public Policy
• Previous THON™ Involvement:
  

THON 2022: R&R CM 

THON 2023: DR CM

THON 2024: SL Captain: Inventory Liaison

THON 2025: Supply Logistics Director

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

THON has been a home for me at Penn State and has allowed me to give as much of myself as possible to a mission that is very important to me. Growing up, I watched as a friend and community member battled Leukemia. Understanding the support they needed from their community has driven me to give whatever I can to the families we support.

THON is at a moment of such opportunity and growth, and I wanted to have a chance to assist and observe this community dedicate so much to the fight against childhood cancer. I wanted to bring people together who will think about how to best increase our impact in the fight against childhood cancer and be a resource for them every step of the way. Lastly, I wanted to give back as much as possible to an organization that has given me so much in my time at Penn State.

• What are your main responsibilities as a Director for THON™ 2026? 

The Executive Director is primarily responsible for selecting and supporting the Executive Committee. I love getting to watch the 18 members of the executive committee as they operate as the experts and leaders of their committees. I work to empower each member to seek out the growth of their committee and cohesively provide building blocks for THON’s future. The Executive Director also works closely with various external stakeholders, including Four Diamonds. 

• What is your favorite THON memory?

I have two favorite THON memories. The first was the THON 2025 total reveal. It was truly incredible to get to watch the reactions of each key stakeholder group as the numbers went up. The moment is such an incredible display of joy, pride, and hope for a future without childhood cancer. The second favorite memory would be the day I selected the members of the THON 2026 Executive Committee. It was amazing to bring the team together and watch them make the connections that would help to bring THON’s efforts to new heights.

• What is your favorite quote? 

 “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt

• What are you involved in outside of being a THON™ Director? 

In the summer of 2023, I participated in the Penn State DC Social Justice Fellowship in collaboration with Georgetown Law. Through this experience, I got the chance to teach in DC Public High School classrooms and develop a civic action plan to address an issue of my choosing.

• What are your plans after graduation from Penn State?

I am interested in working on corporate partnerships professionally for either a professional sports team or a nonprofit. I would love to one day be a High School teacher of American History and coach lacrosse at a public High School.