Last night just before 9, Dan Cocco (senior-public relations) had one of his dreams come true: He became the Overall Chairman for Thon 2008.

"[Being Overall] means to me that I could greater impact the lives of Penn State students and Four Diamonds families that I've learned to love and work for since I was a freshman -- that I could take on a bigger role for Thon," Cocco said.

This year's Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon Overall Chairman Mike Funk, Four Diamonds Coordinator Sara Firestone, Thon adviser Felicia McGinty, Interfraternity Council Associate Vice President (AVP) of Thon Jason Giner and Panhellenic Council AVP of Thon Kathleen Asklar came to Cocco's door to tell him the news.

"They didn't really say much. They pretty much opened up my door and walked in. and the expressions on their face -- I knew," Cocco said. "There was no words they could have to describe the news."

Cocco waited nearly nine hours to hear the news.

He was interviewed yesterday at noon.

During the interview, Cocco discussed his leadership qualities, his vision for next year and how he would deal with various challenges.

Waiting all day was a challenge in itself. "It was a very long day," Cocco said. "But it's something that I'll remember for the rest of my life."

Cocco was Communications Chairman for this year's Thon, and when he saw the Bryce Jordan Center packed and felt the energy, he knew he wanted to become Overall, he said.

Cocco said that he will be putting out the applications "in the very near future" for the remaining Overall committee members.

He, along with Giner, Asklar, McGinty and this year's Thon Overall Committee, will choose next year's Overall committee.

Thon will be in the BJC again, however Cocco did not comment on the time length.

"No matter what [the time] is, it's going to be an amazing weekend in the BJC," he said.