Samuel Barker
Lindsay Czekaj Anna Farantzos Kayla Moninger Gabby Ranieri Alexa Steltz |
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Carrie Little Major: Human Development & Family Studies Minor: Psychology “Penn State Hillel travelled to Roatan, Honduras, an island off the mainland that is overrun by poverty. Our group got to interact with locals and experience their culture while also helping the community. We built a water drainage system that will now help prevent flooding in people’s homes and allow the expanded road to be accessed by emergency vehicles. It was by far one of the more life-changing experiences I’ve ever had.”
Nicole Hingos
Major: Biomedical Engineering “This year, I had the opportunity to stand for 32 of the 46 hours at THON. It was such an amazing experience to see the Penn State community come together for a cause that has hurt so many families, including mine. I participated in fundraising for THON over the past few weeks, and being able to see the total amount raised by the university and knowing that I took part in that was such a rewarding feeling. I think the best part of the weekend was seeing the THON families and children in the stands and on the floor with smiles on their faces. It made me so happy that people experiencing so much pain found comfort and happiness through the support that we were able to provide them.”
Kate Colgan
Major: Public Relations Minor: Sociology & Psychology “I'm a Rules & Regulations Fundraising Safety Captain for THON 2020. I'm one of the Online Giving Captains, meaning that I work with DonorDrive, ensuring that all students have the tools and resources they need to fundraise successfully on this website. I also educate the THON Community about online fundraising practices, and facilitate messaging to past, present, and future donors. Additionally, I am a Security Captain for THON Weekend, so I spend all year reviewing our security practices and preparing to secure the BJC THON Weekend. I can be found anywhere in the BJC, helping spectators and volunteers wherever needed and ensuring that we provide a safe environment for our Four Diamonds Families to have a fun and enjoyable weekend free of any worries!”
Katie Shaak
Major: Agribusiness Management “I am a security leader through the Rules and Regulations Committee. I will be taking over leading my individual committee during THON weekend. Being involved in THON is very important to me because of the Four Diamonds Families I met throughout my high school miniTHON. Penn State THON has brought me so many new friends and experiences I will forever be grateful for.”
Jackson Doheny Major: Psychology Minor: Human Development & Family Studies “THON hospitality is dedicated to raise as much money for THON as possible throughout the school year. We also participate in events before THON weekend, such as working concessions at the Bryce Jordan Center, and handing out water during the THON 5k. However, our main job is working during THON weekend. Hospitality members are in charge of working concessions/snack shacks, serving family meals, handing out beverages to the dancers, and more! I’ve had such a great time, and I’ve learned so much. I feel so grateful to have such an amazing opportunity to give back to the community, especially FTK!”
Gina Rucci Major: Communication Sciences & Disorders Minor: Special Education “During THON I will be working in various areas, such as portal closure, scanning people in and out, and just making sure everyone is following the directions (no sitting!!!). As someone whose cousin had childhood cancer, THON is very important to me because we make such a huge difference. Even with the long hours - leading up to THON & THON itself - it is completely worth it because I know I am making a difference.”
Caity Young Major: Communication Sciences & Disorders Minor: CMAS & HDFS “The Safe and Healthy Communities Initiative has opened my eyes and allowed me the opportunity to make a difference in my community! We work to prevent sexual abuse through different outreach programs, one community at a time.”
Risha Rathod Major: Business Management Minor: International Business, Spanish & Legal Environment of Business “I made the most of my Summer 2019 by studying abroad in Shanghai, China. During my stay there I earned credits for my international business minor. It was an exhilarating experience as it made me step out of my comfort zone to become a more culturally intelligent person as well as become tolerant of the communication barrier. After this study abroad experience I found myself able to analyze different lifestyles and learn to be open-minded about various countries, including my home country India. I definitely recommend a study abroad to enhance your Penn State experience or make new friends from all around the world while earning credits.”
Rachel Luke Major: Biology - Genetics & Developmental Biology Minor: Bioethics & Medical Humanities "I accepted an internship with the 2019 Cancer Systems Biology Consortium (CSBC) & Physical Sciences in Oncology Network (PS-ON) Summer Research Program, held by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health. For the past several weeks, I’ve been conducting research in Dr. Tim Huang’s Lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, focusing on epigenomic changes that fat cells have on the progression of endometrial cancer. I had the pleasure of presenting the cancer research I’ve done at the National Institutes of Health and meeting all the amazing interns of this program."
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