Preparation for the 48-hour marathon starts a year in advance, and thousands of Penn State students, representing every campus location, volunteer their time each year. It’s no wonder that this event has grown to be much more than just a student event—as the number of alumni and friends who return to University Park for the weekend continues to grow.

The Penn State Alumni Association again joined efforts with organizations throughout the Penn State community in support of this year’s event. In addition to cash donations, the Association organized the annual THON Alumni & Parents Weekend, offered free student memberships to THON dancers, and assisted in the sponsorship of other THON-related events.

More than 600 former dancers and parents of current dancers traveled back to State College for Alumni & Parents Weekend. The three-day program included emotional speeches from two Four Diamonds Fund Families, parent and alumni hours on the dance floor, and a well received “Learn the Line Dance” session.

The Association’s two student groups also participated in THON activities. The Lion Ambassadors sponsored two couples and raised more than $6,000. In addition to the sponsored couples, 18 other Ambassadors danced and 19 served as overall chairs and captains. The Blue & White Society, student members of the Association, also sponsored two couples and raised more than $18,400.

The weekend also provided members of the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group (DMAIG) an opportunity to reconnect and relive their THON experience. Many DMAIG members returned for a weekend filled with social and THON-related activities.