It's that time of year again - Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon captain positions will officially be up for grabs as they go live Monday.
According to THON Overall Communications Chair Jenna Adams, there is variety of different leadership roles students can apply for this year.
Each captain committee ranges from 20-34 members, with about 300 total positions available, Adams (senior-kinesiology) wrote in an email. The application process is designed to be easy for students to access and complete and is available at think.psu.edu.
Applications must be submitted online, at think.psu.edu, as well as in hard copy form, delivered to the THON office located at 201 HUB-Robeson Center by 5 p.m. on August 31.
Adams said the captain committees that students can apply for include: Communications, Donor and Alumni Relations, Entertainment, Family Relations, Finance, Hospitality, Merchandise, Morale, OPPerations, Public Relations, Rules and Regulations, Special Events, and Supply Logistics.
"Each year, the number of captain applications THON receives increases due to interest and the great leadership opportunities available. We hope and expect this trend to continue," Adams said.
Applying for a captain position, as opposed to solely joining a committee, has advantages that may not meet the eye for most interested students.
"A captain position allows a THON volunteer to invest more of their time to the organization throughout the year, have more frequent meetings and have various roles within their specific committee," THON Overall Chairperson Will Martin said. "As a captain, you will be able to see a different side of THON and how it operates."
Being a THON captain also allows students to delve into activities further than they ever have done in the past with the organization.
"The experience of being a captain is truly just an amazing experience," Cat Powers (senior-public relations), THON Overall Public Relations Chairperson, said. "It gives you more responsibilities, which is really great for students who are looking to make a bigger impact at THON in that aspect of helping throughout the year and in certain events."
With THON captains having such a large role in the organization, there are higher expectations of applicants that are interested in getting involved.
"An understanding of THON and its mission is very important. Understanding THON's relation with the Four Diamonds Fund and Penn State Hershey Children's Medical Center is a must." Martin (senior-communication science and disorders) said.
Martin said THON captains should also be self-motivated and be able to work with others. THON volunteers are required to communicate and network a great deal within such a large organization.
"It is such a rewarding experience being a part of THON." Martin said. "Yes, there is a significant amount of work and effort involved, but the reward of supporting a family or child facing cancer makes it worth every ounce."
