Praharsh Upadhyaya

Fundraising Safety Director

Praharsh Upadhyaya

• Year: Senior
• Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
• Major: Finance
• Previous THON™ Involvement:

  2023: First-year Committee Member

  2024: Finance Captain: Administrative Assistant

  2025: Finance Captain: Assistant Treasurer

• Why did you want to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world?  I have been involved with THON since 6th grade through Mini-THON and fell in love with the cause and community immediately. Experiencing THON Weekend and the community/environment through my First-Year Committee was incredible, and I knew instantly that I wanted to further my involvement and find more ways to make an impact. Being involved in the THON Community at Penn State has shown me the true power of unity, compassion, and purpose. Through my time, I have learned what it means to lead with empathy, to work alongside some of the most passionate and driven students, and to witness firsthand how a collective effort can create lasting change. I pursued a Director role to help foster that same sense of belonging and purpose in others and to open the door for more students to make a difference, grow as leaders, and carry our mission forward to one day dance together in celebration of a cure. 

• What are your main responsibilities as a Director for THON™ 2026?  As the Fundraising Safety Director, I am responsible for ensuring that all of THON’s fundraising efforts are conducted safely and with integrity. This involves overseeing the implementation of the THON Rulebook and leading the Rules and Regulations Fundraising Safety Committee. I also collaborate closely with the Online Giving team to maintain and manage THON’s sole online fundraising platform, DonorDrive, ensuring its secure and effective use. In addition, I partner with fellow Directors and Committees across the THON Community to help elevate our organization’s visibility and uphold our mission.
  

  During events, including THON Weekend, the Fundraising Safety Committee works in tandem with the Event Safety Committee to ensure the well-being of our families, volunteers, and the entire THON Community.

• What is your favorite THON memory?  My favorite THON memory is the total reveal from THON 2025. It was my first time experiencing the reveal from the floor, and it truly was magical experiencing the energy and emotions with my co-captain. It will be a memory I will never forget!
• What is your favorite quote?  “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention” – Kahlil Gibran
• What are you involved in outside of being a THON™ Director?  I am on the Executive Board for the Nittany Lion Fund and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi.
• What are your plans after graduation from Penn State?  I will be working in Healthcare Investment Banking.