Documentary Shines on Penn State’s Thon

Penn State’s Thon is one of the biggest fundraisers in the country.  Thousands of Penn State students participate to raise money for the kids every year in a giant dance marathon.  The fundraiser raises money for pediatric cancer and has received national attention every year.   Now, this national attention is shows in a new documentary to air next month.

Each February, thousands of Penn State students take part in the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, better known as THON, to help combat pediatric cancer. Many people know that students collect money and dance for 46 hours. But few realize how much year-round planning goes into this no-sitting, no-sleeping phenomenon.

For the first time ever, audiences will get a behind-the-scenes look at the largest student-run philanthropy in the world benefitting the Four Diamonds Fund when Penn State Public Broadcasting presents the documentary “Why We Dance: The Story of THON” at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, on WPSU-TV.

 

A sneak peek can be seen at http://live.psu.edu/youtube/hsxrWfkX4kw online.

That same night, the documentary will air across Pennsylvania on the following public television stations:

-- WVIA-TV in Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton at 8 p.m.
-- WQED-TV in Pittsburgh at 8 p.m.
-- WQLN-TV in Erie at 9 p.m.
-- WITF-TV in Harrisburg at 9 p.m.

A live, online stream of the 8 p.m. premiere will be available at wpsu.org, and then posted to Vimeo and YouTube at 9 p.m.

The 60-minute television program introduces viewers to Four Diamonds families battling childhood cancer. It also follows Penn State THON student volunteers as they plan and carry out logistics for fundraising events and share special experiences with their adopted THON families throughout the year.

“Some people think that it’s just a dance party, but it’s so much more,” said Jeff Hughes, executive producer of the documentary. “Not only is raising money to combat childhood cancer a wonderful cause,

it’s a powerful example of college students making things better for these families.”

The money raised goes to the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, which provides specialized care, financial assistance for medical expenses and cancer research.

Since 1977, THON has raised more than $88 million.

Production of the documentary began in September 2010.

Additional events will also take place in the weeks leading up to the premiere, including a private screening

for THON families and guests on Sept. 14, at the Hershey Theatre, and screenings in select cities co-hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association and public television stations.

For more information, visit http://wpsu.org/thondocumentary online.

Penn State Public Broadcasting, licensed to Penn State, produces noncommercial television, radio and online media. Their public service media programming and complementary outreach materials address important societal issues for Pennsylvania, the nation and the world.

You can find more details at Penn State.

Move-In Weekend

Welcome Back Everyone!  Whether you are new to Penn State or this is your senior year,  welcome week is a fun filled way to get back into campus life.  There are tons of activities this year for you to participate in, and these will help you get involved in Penn State Campus Life. Check out the schedule below and we know you have a great semester ahead of you.

Friday, Aug. 22
LGBTA Student Resource Center Open House: Meet the staff and find out about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally Student Resource Center's resources and student groups, meet new people and enjoy refreshments from 2 to 4 p.m. in 101 Boucke Building.
Parent and Family Information Panel: Parents and family members are invited to learn about important Penn State resources and strategies for supporting a college student, and meet other families of new students. The one-hour panel begins at 2 p.m. in the HUB-Robeson Center Auditorium.
SPA-Movie on the HUB Lawn: Students moving into their residence halls on Friday will be treated to a large-screen movie under the stars. Sponsored by SPA, the Student Programming Association, the show starts at 9 p.m. behind the HUB-Robeson Center. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.


Saturday, Aug. 23
Resident Assistant (R.A.) House Meetings and Dinners (on-campus students only): This meeting, mandatory for all students in residence halls, is an opportunity for roommates and neighbors to share their first dinner together and learn about living on campus. Students should see their R.A. for meeting time and location.

Commuter Connection: First-year students commuting from home or living off-campus, new Change of Campus students and new Adult Learners are invited to this reception to meet other commuting students, learn tips for college success and gain insight on strategies to acclimate to the University Park community. The hour-long reception begins at 6 p.m. in Heritage Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center.
President's New Student Convocation: All new students are required to attend this program, which begins at 7:45 p.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center. "The president's New Student Convocation is really the official welcome to the Penn State family," said Shandol Hoover, coordinator of new student programs. "The convocation is one of two times the class of 2012 will be gathered together for one event; the second is their graduation."


Sunday, Aug. 24

Academic College Deans' Meetings: It's important for new students to attend their academic college orientation meeting to learn more about their academic careers. Times and locations vary by college.
Change of Campus and Transfer Student Connections: All of these students are invited to this reception to meet staff and connect with other new students. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall, HUB Robeson-Center. Snacks and information packets are provided.
Multicultural Resource Center and Paul Robeson Cultural Center Fall Orientation for New Multicultural Students: This session offers all new undergraduate multicultural students at University Park strategies for success as well as the opportunity to become familiar with academic and co-curricular resources available on campus. It begins at 5:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall, Hub-Robeson Center.
Be a Part from the Start: The Lion Ambassadors, Blue Band, leaders from Residence Life and student organizations, cheerleaders and the Nittany Lion will be on hand to teach new students what Penn State pride is all about. Students will learn the Alma Mater, fight songs and Penn State traditions. It begins at 8 p.m. in Rec Hall.


Monday, Aug. 25
Campus Information Stations: From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, these stations will be set up at various campus locations to assist new students who have lost their way. On-site volunteers will provide maps and directions.
Involvement Days: Student Organizations: Involvement Days are Monday through Thursday (Aug. 25-28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.) with different groups attending each day. Student organizations, campus resources, community service agencies and organizations, and fraternities and sororities (on Thursday) will be available at Alumni Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center to recruit new members and answer questions. Music and prizes will be available.


Tuesday, Aug. 26

Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) Change of Campus and Transfer Student Program: Undergraduate multicultural students (Black/African American, Asian and Pacific American, Hispanic/Latino American and Native American) can meet their MRC counselor and hear former transfer students' suggestions and strategies for social engagement and academic success at University Park. Refreshments will be provided. This event is sponsored by the Multicultural Resource Center and begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Grange Building.
Downtown Tour: Off-Campus Student Unions (OCSU) leaders will show new students around downtown State College and talk about community resources available to students. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Meet for the tour at 7 p.m. at the HUB-Robeson Center Information Desk.


Wednesday, Aug. 27
SPA Concert: An outdoor concert begins at 8 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Check out posters in residence halls and the HUB-Robeson Center for more details. Tickets will be available at 9 a.m. on the day of the concert at the Medlar Field ticket office. The concert is open only to Penn State students, and all attendees must present a valid Penn State student ID with a ticket to enter the baseball park.


Thursday, Aug. 28 SPA LateNight Movie: The film starts at 10 p.m. in the HUB-Robeson Center Auditorium.


Friday, Aug. 29

Habitat for Humanity's Operation HUB 2008: Help build a house — and friendships — on the HUB-Robeson Center lawn and make a difference in the community. The house work lasts from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The frame will be partially dismantled and components placed on a flatbed truck; the pieces will be transported to a permanent lot in the local community to be reassembled and completed. Sign up to volunteer.
Football Eve: Join in the annual rally held before the first home football game, at Beaver Stadium from 7 to 9 p.m.


Sunday, Aug. 31

Fresh START: The Fresh START 2008 Day of Service for first-year, change-of-campus and transfer students provides an opportunity to get involved in the community while meeting new people. Groups meet at 9 a.m. at Alumni Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center. Register at http://www.sa.psu.edu/engage.














  

For more information please see Penn State Live.

Tailgating and Penn State: A Long Tradition

College Football season is approaching and that means it is time for Penn State Fan's favorite weekend tradition.  Tailgating!  Blue and white will be everywhere, as Penn State fans gather as the sun comes up to eat, drink, and cheer on the Nittany Lions for the upcoming season.  

Fall is rapidly approaching, meaning Penn State Football and tailgating are quickly returning to Happy Valley.

It’s arguably the most anticipated time of the year in the region as fans flock to Beaver Stadium for seven weekends a year.

This year, there’s even more to be excited about as a brand new era of Penn State Football kicks off under new head coach Bill O’Brien.

And for the second straight season, there has been a change to the team’s iconic football jerseys. This time, with player’s names featured on the back of their jerseys along with a blue ribbon to promote child sexual abuse awareness.

The names on the jerseys are a tribute to the players’ loyalty for the decision to stay with the program in the midst of troubling times.

This will be a fun season, as Penn State fans can witness the brand new offense that Bill O’Brien will be calling on game day. It’s also a chance to see some of the very talented underclassman that now have the chance to prove themselves. 

While the football program has undergone some significant changes, one thing that will always stay the same is the way Penn State fans tailgate.

It’s a rite of passage to arrive at Beaver Stadium as the sun rises and leave the parking lot as the sun begins to set. It’s a day filled with the five Fs: family, fun, friends, food and football.

Whether you have an RV loaded up with the finest tailgating equipment and food, or a small car with a few lawn chairs and some cold cuts, it doesn't really matter. Just hanging out with over 100,000 of your closest Penn State friends is reason enough to tailgate. 

But the fun doesn’t have to begin and end a Saturday. From Friday to Sunday there’s plenty of ways to enjoy a Penn State Football weekend. 

For more information see Happy Valley.