Volunteer Logistics Director
Kristen Donahoe
- Year: Grad Student
- Hometown: Gibsonia, PA
- Major: Master of Business Administration
- Previous THON™ Involvement:
THON 2022: OPP CM
THON 2023: DRCM
THON 2024: Communications Captain (Hershey Tours/Events Coordinator)
THON 2025: Alumni Engagement Director
THON 2026: Volunteer Logistics Director
- Why did you want to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world? THON is the most beautiful thing I have ever known. The relentless efforts of our volunteers in the fight against childhood cancer is something that never ceases to amaze me. Upon coming to Penn State as a Freshman, I knew I wanted to devote my time here to THON. Throughout my time as a volunteer, THON has given me a home, a family, and a sense of purpose. Serving on the Executive Committee in THON 2025 allowed me to give more back to an organization that has given me so much in such a short amount of time. So, when I picked Penn State for Grad School, I knew I could not pass up the opportunity to serve our mission for another year!
- What are your main responsibilities as a Director for THON™ 2026? As the Volunteer Logistics Director, I am responsible for overseeing the efforts of our 17 unique committees. I plan events and create resources that promote education and awareness for our committee volunteers. I also make Committee Member shifts for THON Weekend, oversee the entire First-Year Committee experience, work to standardize the Committee Member experience, and act as an administrative resource to the Executive Committee of THON.
- What is your favorite THON memory? My favorite memory was the THON Football Game last year. Getting to go on the field with our families and see their faces light up as a crowd of 100,000 people cheered for them is a moment I will never forget. It truly showed the power of the Penn State Community and how we all come together in the fight against childhood cancer.
- What is your favorite quote? “No matter what life gives you, give more back.”
- What are you involved in outside of being a THON™ Director? I am on the Smeal Graduate and Professional Student Leadership Board, and I am also a Penn State Lion Ambassador.
- What are your plans after graduation from Penn State? I will be moving to Stamford, CT to work for Charter Communications as a Corporate Human Resources Associate.
