Lauren Mellas

Digital Content Director

Lauren Mellas

• Year: Senior
• Hometown: New Canaan, CT
• Major: Criminology
  Minor: Sociology and Graphic Design
  Business Fundamentals Certificate
• Previous THON™ Involvement: THON 2024 and 2025 Graphic Design Captain
• Why did you want to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world?  I wanted to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world so that one day, no family has to receive the news that their child has cancer. Too often, someone around you has their own personal connection to cancer. It can feel all-consuming, like it’s taking over, but THON provides hope. THON makes me believe that one day, we will dance in celebration of a cure. I never thought finding a cure was possible until THON Weekend 2023. That was my first THON Weekend. I was a first-year, out-of-state student on a first-year committee. I had never even heard of THON until a friend down the hall encouraged me to apply. Little did I know that decision would be the best one I ever made. Being in the BJC that weekend was magical. It made me believe. It fueled my passion for the mission so much that I applied to be a THON Captain for THON 2024 and then again for THON 2025. That same passion and drive pushed me to apply for the Executive Committee for THON 2026.
• What are your main responsibilities as a Director for THON™ 2026?  As the Public Relations Digital Content Director for THON 2026, I am responsible for serving as the voice of THON to spread awareness for THON’s mission on a local, state, and national level; uplifting and empowering the beautiful stories of our organization. I lead a committee of 19 captains including Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, Social Media and Video Production! The Public Relations committee is home to two CM committees including photography and production oversaw by four of the Public Relations Captains. Being a director means serving as a member of the Executive Committee, where I work with the other 18 directors to share our mission. I work to promote campaigns, initiatives, and pre-THON Weekend events leading up to THON Weekend. 
• What is your favorite THON memory?  My favorite THON memory is being on the floor for the past two years when dancers stand. The energy in the BJC is amazing and there are so many emotions. Seeing dancers, families, orgs, and other THON volunteers fill the BJC is so surreal and it kicks off the best weekend ever!
• What is your favorite quote?   “Just Keep Swimming” – Dory from Finding Nemo
• What are you involved in outside of being a THON™ Director?   Outside of being a THON Director, I am the 2025 Panhellenic Vice President of Standards! I also am a part of Phi Sigma Sigma and work for Campus Ink as a Junior Collegiate Sales Manager & NIL Social Media Manager!
• What are your plans after graduation from Penn State?   After graduation, I want to make a difference. I hope to find a Branding or an Art Direction role in New York City!