Julia Wary

Dancer Relations Director

Julia Wary

• Year: Senior
• Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Major: Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering

• Previous THON™ Involvement:
  

  THON 2024: Dancer Relations Committee Member

  THON 2025: Dancer Relations Committee Member

  THON 2026: Dancer Relations Dancer Wellness Captain

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

  THON showcases the collective passion, dedication, and love of thousands of students coming together for something bigger than themselves. Each person, whether a volunteer, committee member, or captain, contributes to our mission in a meaningful way. I wanted to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy to deepen my impact on this organization, while shaping and guiding the future of this organization. While supporting our mission will always be my top priority, I am equally passionate about supporting the people who make that mission possible.

  Every child deserves the chance to grow up, celebrate more birthdays, make lasting memories, and experience all the joy life has to offer. It is my goal to foster an environment that empowers volunteers, strengthens our community, and continues to push THON to new heights as we work toward a future free from childhood cancer. I love being a part of a community of people that will continue to fight until we dance in celebration of a cure and no family has to hear the words, “your child has cancer” ever again.

• What are your main responsibilities as a Director for THON™ 2027? As the Dancer Relations Director, I serve as the primary liaison for the 700+ students selected to dance during THON Weekend. I help coordinate all logistical aspects of the dancer experience to ensure their well-being and safety from the moment they register to dance until they leave the BJC after THON Weekend. I have the opportunity to lead 24 Captains and support them with their projects throughout the year. Together, we plan Dancer Pre-Registration and Registration, Dancer Meetings #1 and #2, the Commonwealth Dancer Retreat, Yellow Shirt Orientation and University, the Dancer Mentor Panel, the Dancer Wellness Event, and so much more!

• What is your favorite THON memory? One of my favorite memories from this past year was gifting honorary captain jerseys to our Family Voiceovers during THON Weekend. It was such a special moment to give them their jerseys, and it was incredibly heartwarming to see them wearing them throughout the weekend. I also had so much fun participating in the Family Line Dances alongside all of our families!

• What is your favorite quote? “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

• What are you involved in outside of being a THON™ Director? Outside of my role as a THON Director, I serve as a Teaching Assistant for Biology 161 and Biology 162, am a member of the Society of Women Engineers, and am actively involved with the Newman Club on campus. I also volunteer with Life Teen in my hometown and enjoy opportunities to serve both my campus and local communities.
• What are your plans after graduation from Penn State?  After graduating from Penn State, I hope to pursue a career in prosthetics. I want to create solutions that improve people’s lives and make a lasting impact on those in need! I also plan on continuing my involvement in THON through THON Nation!