Impact

University Libraries supports THON with live stream viewing, exhibit

Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From its 1973 inception with 78 dancers dedicated to raising money for a worthwhile cause, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) has grown into the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. This year, when the 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon is held Feb. 16-18, the University Libraries will again be participating with three events, in addition to serving in its role as the official archives of THON.

Returning during THON weekend at the Bryce Jordan Center, a five-panel display, “THON Then and Now,” with images, themes and fundraising totals from previous years, will be on the concourse for supporters and visitors to enjoy. The display is also part of the history tour.

The display panels at the Jordan Center are just one of the ways the Penn State University Libraries is involved with THON. Penn State students, faculty, staff, parents, community members and visitors to campus are invited to gather in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, on Sunday, Feb. 18, to watch the live stream of the final four hours of THON on a big screen. Doors open at noon and the event concludes after the final fundraising total is revealed at approximately 4 p.m.

In conjunction with the live-stream viewing, the University Libraries will offer activity stations to showcase a selection of photos, memorabilia and video from the Eberly Family Special Collections library representing the past 40 years of THON. Stations will include games, trivia, prizes and coloring pages, and will be open from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 in the Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, on Penn State’s University Park campus.

The schedule for University Libraries events for THON weekend is:

THON Museum and THON History Tour: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, through 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, Bryce Jordan Center concourse .

“THON Then and Now,” the University Libraries five-panel display, will be in the THON Museum throughout THON Weekend on the Jordan Center concourse.

Final Four-Hour Viewing: noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park.

The final four hours of the THON event will be live streamed on a big screen for students from all Penn State campuses, parents, community members, visitors, and everyone who wants to watch and celebrate with Penn Staters as the final fundraising total is revealed.

THON Activity Stations: noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, University Park.

In conjunction with the live viewing of THON, the Mann Assembly Room will feature activity stations that include games, trivia, coloring pages, and images of THON from the past 40 years.

Visit thon.org for more information about THON.

Last Updated March 6, 2018

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