When Mike Hacke called Greg Tallman on Wednesday to ask him to be a member of the Thon 2009 overall committee, Tallman's first question was, "Is this an April Fools' joke?"

"My initial reaction was complete and utter shock. I was absolutely ecstatic," said Tallman (sophomore-finance and economics), the new communications overall chairman. "I gladly accepted the position."

Hacke, the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon 2009 overall chairman, announced the 16 other members of the Thon 2009 overall committee at about 10 p.m. Wednesday by calling each of them.

Hacke (junior-philosophy) said everyone who interviewed for a position on the overall committee received a phone call once the committee is chosen, regardless of whether they were chosen to be on it.

Annie Keyes, the new donor relations overall chairwoman, was in her apartment hanging out with her roommates when she received a call from Hacke.

"I was like, 'This is it. This is the call from Mike. I'll find out now,' " Keyes (senior- political science and finance) said. "No matter what, you're just anxiously awaiting a phone call, and you hope it's a welcome to the overall committee."

Hacke said applications for the overall committee were due March 28. The selection committee was made up of Hacke, Interfraternity Council Associate Vice President (AVP) of Thon Alex Middleton, Panhellenic Council AVP of Thon Caihlin Durkin, Thon Adviser Barry Bram and former Thon overall chairpersons. The committee began conducting interviews Sunday morning and finished interviewing applicants Wednesday.

"We asked them about 20 minutes worth of questions about Thon in general, their leadership skills and more specific questions about the committees they were applying for," Hacke said.

He added members of the selection committee considered a number of factors in choosing members of the overall committee.

"We all had input on each individual's strengths and weaknesses, and we considered how each individual would interact with the other people we interviewed," Hacke said. "Group dynamics were a big focus.

"We also wanted people who could really motivate volunteers, people who have a clear vision for Thon and people who are really passionate about the organization and dedicating time and energy for the kids."

Hacke said 40 applicants were individually interviewed.

"It was hard to narrow it down because the people who apply for the overall committee positions are some of the hardest working and most dedicated people," he said. "I would've loved to give positions to all 40 people. Everyone who was in the room deserved to be there."

After the members of the overall committee were announced, the new Thon 2009 overall committee gathered at Middleton's fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, 351 E. Fairmount Ave.

"The overall committee is such a spirited and passionate group of students," Tallman said.

Keyes said she already knows some members of the new overall committee, but she is excited to get to know everyone else.

"As we always say," she said, " 'Family from the beginning.' "