This weekend Penn State students showed the world what it truly means to be a Nittany Lion.

More than $5.2 million was raised for the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, an increase of more than $1 million from last year's total, and for everyone who helped make Thon so successful, you should be proud.

For almost a year now, thousands of people have been working together to make this one weekend a success, spending countless hours working out the tiniest details. Students have dedicated their time, ideas and money for a common purpose, and the end result shows how successful this philanthropy has become.

With the move to the Bryce Jordan Center, some were worried how the new environment and shortened time would affect the response to Thon. But, for the most part, the larger arena seemed to be a much better situation than the cramped confines of Rec Hall.

Not only were there more entrances, making it safer for people to maneuver around, but also the extra space meant that everyone who wanted to could come support the cause, even during the most populated final hours.

Just a few gripes: Coming to Thon to support the dancers is great, but have the courtesy to stand for the time you're there.

While the BJC was a great venue for the beginning and end of Thon, the time when most people came out to support the cause, the empty seats in the wee hours of the morning seemed even lonelier than they did in Rec Hall. Perhaps more curtains next year would help alleviate that emptiness when the arena isn't as filled.

However, low crime reports and fairly disguised alcohol-induced visitors also led to a successful weekend. Only one trip to Mt. Nittany Medical Center is not only impressive, but it is extremely fortunate given the physical taxation of what the weekend requires of its participants.

Many thanks should go out to everyone who reached into their pockets and donated what they could to a cause that benefits the most precious of lives. And to those who donated their time and efforts, never forget what our generation can accomplish with a little motivation.

For one weekend, Penn State students put aside differences and came together.

Thon weekend is more than just 46 hours of standing and line dances. It's a time when students stand collectively and gave the whole world 5.2 million reasons to take notice when Penn State students and alumni say, "We are."