Two days, 48 hours, 2,880 minutes, 172,800 seconds-- either way you split it-- it's a long end to a years worth of work.

For the 32nd year, Penn State community members put their lives on hold to come together for the Interfraternity Council/ Panhellenic Dance Marathon and help support the Four Diamonds Fund.

At a time when most students would have been out celebrating yet another week done with classes, dance groups such as Whiplash and Orchesis performed in front of Rec Hall's packed stands.

Then, in the early hours of Saturday morning, The Penn State Singing Lions tested the strength of their early-morning vocal chords as they led the dancers in the Penn State fight song.

Penn State's athletes came out to play with the Four Diamonds children during Athlete's hour. This year was a little more meaningful to Penn State soccer player Grady Renfrow, who came out the champion in the battle with leukemia.

The athletes turned their efforts from the kids to the dancers Saturday night, as they led the overwhelming crowd in a Pep Rally -- Thon style. Each group presented a skit to entertain the group, breaking it down for the kids.

Throughout the weekend, local bands came to rock Rec Hall, bringing the energy of live music to the floor. And though there were times when the bleachers thinned out, there was never a time when the stands were cleared. Some students even vowed to stay in the stands for all 48 hours--supporting for the kids.

CATA bus drivers took on extra shifts to keep the Blue and White Loops running 24 hours a day, helping committee members make it back and forth for their shifts safetly.

University celebrities such as Penn State President Graham Spanier and former Undergraduate Student Governemt President Ian Rosenenberger made appearances to keep up dancers' morale during those sometimes long hours.

Every aspect of the Penn State community, from athletes to administration, from students groups to student supporters, showed up at some point this weekend to show they care for the cause.

And it payed off. Seven-hundred dancers made it from Friday to Sunday with no sleep. And the entire effort raised a total of $4,122,483 for pediatric cancer research.

Congratulations on raising more money than ever before!

Today, the Penn State community can be proud of what these dedicated people have done this weekend.

It's amazing what we can do when we come together for a cause.