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Behind the Scenes of THON: David Cruz, Public Relations Captain

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Kelsie Ahern
Rebecca Sorensen
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Allie Maniglia
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter.

We’ve all heard the numbers before: over 16,500 student volunteers, more than 136 million dollars raised and over 400 organizations participating.  However, what actually goes on leading up to and during the 46 hours that is the culmination of the largest student-run philanthropy in the world?  We’ve interviewed students in different roles to figure out how they’re contributing to making THON 2018 the best one yet.

Name: David Cruz

Year: Sophomore

Major: IST

Role: Promotions Captain

Committee: Public Relations 

 

Her Campus: What’s your favorite part of THON weekend?

David Cruz: Dancer stand is my favorite. It just is such a symbol of the beginning of such a great weekend. It is the culmination of all our year-long efforts and the beginning of the best weekend.

 

HC: You’re a sophomore. What made you want to be a captain after attending just one THON?

DC: I felt like I just got so much out of THON last year, and so much of that was because of my captain. It was truly so empowering, and then after talking to him about it, I was even more sure. THON is a great organization, and I am really so appreciative to have the position I have. Capitan is just a title really, I would be fine in any role, as long as I’m helping the cause.

 

HC: What is your favorite part of working with promotions?

DC: Well, in general for PR, I like having a say in how we outwardly face THON. With Promotions, I like having the ability to speak to others and talk about THON. Promotions is really just outreach, and I love just spreading all that THON really is. I think everyone should know what it is, so we never hear, “What exactly is THON?”

 

HC: What specifically does your committee during the year to prepare for THON?

DC: We help promote events and spread the word of THON. Throughout the year we help create posts for the social media pages and promote events such as the 5K, family carnival, different THON sporting events, and many more.

 

HC: So, what do you all do during THON weekend?

DC: The Public Relations committee is in charge of escorting press for THON weekend. We act as the face for THON making sure branding and messaging stays in line with our core values. We also are in charge of selling Diamond Guides.

 

HC: What are you looking forward to for THON 2018?

DC: I am looking forward to all the new THON volunteers on my committee, no words could describe how amazing THON weekend is, and just seeing their initial faces; smiles bright and hopes high.

 

Header Image: THON Public Relations

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Kelsie Ahern is a Sophomore at Penn State majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Art History. She has a love for everything fashion, french bull dogs, and a good brunch.
Becky Sorensen is a senior at Penn State, double majoring in Public Relations and Political Science. You can find her on campus with an iced coffee in one hand and an everything bagel in the other. Clear your schedule before asking her how she feels about the Harry Potter series, New York City, or about the next trip she’s planning - she tends to ramble. Loudly. You can follow her at @beckylalalaa on Twitter and @beckysorensen on Instagram for hilarious puns or her undying love for THON and Penn State football.
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Allie Maniglia served as the Campus Correspondent for Her Campus at Penn State from 2017-2018. She majored in public relations with minors in international studies and communication arts and sciences. If she's not busy writing away, you can find her planning her next adventure (probably back to the U.K.), feeding an unhealthy addiction to HGTV or watching dog videos on YouTube.