Imagine THON in the twenty-first century without a website. What would happen with the committee applications, online fundraising, and frequently asked questions? It’s a scary thought, but thanks to the Technology Committee, it’s not a problem.

The main goal of the Technology committee is to make life easier for the other thirteen committees by utilizing the most up-to-date technological advancements. Three main components that Technology is responsible for is THON.org, the PASS System, and THINK, the THON Information Network which many other committees utilize.

One big difference between the Technology Committee and other committees is that there are no committee members for Technology, only captains, and the captains are chosen late in the spring as opposed to the beginning of fall semester. This year, they are led by Technology Overall Andrew Ogburn and his twenty-two captains. They all worked hard last summer, writing code to overhaul the PASS System, and began working with Rules and Regulations captains in the fall to make the system more efficient and user-friendly, utilizing text-messaging and a virtual line.

In addition to their behind the scenes work, Technology runs the PASS system at Family Carnival in November as well as several simulations during the year. Their hard work culminates in overseeing the PASS System throughout THON weekend to ensure that the number of spectators on the floor is at a safe level.

All of the Technology captains can be spotted with their safety green shirts inside the Bryce Jordan Center THON Weekend, hanging out by the PASS tables with Rules and Regulations to ensure that everything runs smoothly and to address any problems that may occur.

Be sure to thank a captain after receiving a text indicating that a pass is ready. THON Weekend without the Technology Committee is a frightening thought.

More information can be found about the Technology Committee on THON’s official website. If you missed it earlier or just want to read it again, check out another feature on Technology including a Committee of the Week video, and make sure to look for more stories and updates from Onward State leading up to and through THON weekend.