THON 1997 Coverage

Feb. 14 - 16, 1997

Updated Photos from the 1997 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon

History of the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon and the Four Diamonds Fund

The Four Diamonds story by Chris Millard

Photos from past dance marathons

Daily Coverage of the dance marathon

Marathon stomps previous record
It happens nearly every year the event is held -- the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon tops the previous year's total.
Dancers' survival skills differ through marathon
Dance marathon is the ultimate test of one's endurance. It's survival of the fittest, and preparation is the key to survival.
Dancers older than 'Thon make it through
Couple number 274 -- they were different than the 548 other dancers, but they worked toward the same goal.
'Thon may be outgrowing White Building
Since 1979, the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon has called the White Building its home. Now, some involved with the marathon suggest moving the event in order to accommodate increasing attendance.
Time quickly ticks away for 'Thon dancers
Where did the time go?
Airbands energize sleepy dancers during weekend
The Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon has a number of traditions. Counted among the most popular is the Airbands Competition. This weekend, about 30 groups of students competed against each other in the form of small skits designed to keep the dancers entertained.
Late hours bring inebriated to White Building
It's Saturday night at dance marathon. The dancers, beginning to look a little sluggish, perk up during the pep rally. The stands are packed with people who are dancing and moving along to the pep rally's music.
Sweethearts share love at marathon
While some couples spent Valentine's Day together in a secluded spot, others spent it surrounded by 540 dancers, numerous Four Diamonds families and a gym full of cheering onlookers.
Families weather snow to visit 'Thon
A Thursday night snowfall and heavy fog did not stop families from traveling to visit loved ones participating in the 1997 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.
Student Book Store combines marathon and Valentine's Day
In celebration of Valentine's Day and in support of the 1997 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, the Student Book Store gave out prizes and 5,000 Kisses all day Friday and Saturday.

Collegian Dance Marathon Magazine

Dear Readers
Collegian Magazine Editor Jennifer Strawser gets a taste of being tired.
An unbreakable bond
Mothers and daughters have a special bond that nothing, not even cancer, can ever break.
Not all smiles
It doesn't look like the office of a man who occasionally has to sit down with a family and tell them their child is dying.
Line dance steps into tradition
They keep it under lock and key -- hidden in a small room in White Building -- until they know it is just the proper time for release.
Happy 25th
In the beginning, there were 39. Now, couples vie to fill nearly 300 spaces available in the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.
It takes two to tango, line dance
The second time's the charm for veteran Dance Marathon dancer Marc Lieberman. The first time he danced in the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon was in 1994 with a student service organization, Circle K. Now he's going it alone.
Local stars shine on marathon
Many people participate in Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon--from fraternity and sorority members, independents, morale members, spectators . . . even Willard Scott.
Moralers give dancers tons o' fun
They are yellow, and they are happy. Very happy. In a sea of weary faces and aching bodies, they can be easily spotted. They bounce around the room with yellow shirts and constant smiles. They are there to make everyone happy. And their job is not easy.
Cancer act shares 25th with marathon
It's easy to see how the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon has progressed during the past 25 years of its existence -- the money it has raised, the children it has helped and the hard work and time many students have put into it all contribute to its success.
Accentuating the positive
Sitting in the cafeteria at the University's Hershey Medical Center, Debra Shade's eyes alternate between tearing and sparkling as she talks about her job.
Dance Marathon Schedule