As THON 2013 takes its first steps, I compiled a little background information on each of the overalls. Over the course of the next few days, you will get a chance to learn a little bit about each member. Today features Supply Logistics and Technology.

Matthew Scorzafave/Supply Logistics

Current Year: Junior
Major/Minor: Supply Chain and Information Systems/Spanish
Fun Fact: I have a clubbed thumb and an abnormally high belly button.

1. Why did you want the position of Overall, and why for the committee that you now lead?

I wanted to become an Overall for THON 2013 so that I can focus my attention and efforts to make the upcoming THON the best one yet. To me, there is no amount of hard work or time that is “too much” in the fight against pediatric cancer. One smiling kid is why I’m here. I want to help create that smile, even just for a second. I also think that this is an opportunity to not only make a difference in the life of a Four Diamonds Family, but in the entire Penn State and Pennsylvania communities.

As for Supply Logistics, I was fortunate enough to be a Supply Logistics Captain for THON 2012, and it really opened my eyes to the necessity for a committee like ours. We deal with a ton of in-kind donations throughout the year that are used by every single other committee so that all of THON’s various events are successful. We also have the incredible opportunity to spread THON’s message and mission to every single donor we touch throughout the year. We not only allow THON to save on expenses, we also are advocates for the entire THON community. I wanted to lead this committee so that we are being as proactive as possible in meeting the needs of THON from an internal standpoint, as well as fostering invaluable relationships with donors who allow THON to be as successful as it is today.

2. What are you most looking forward to in THON 2013?

As of right now, I am looking most forward to Harvest Day coming up next semester. This is an amazing opportunity for the Overall Committee and Family Relations Captains to play with the Four Diamonds children and their families in a very relaxed and personal setting. Though THON Weekend will be an amazing time for the families, Harvest Day is a chance to really connect with the families we impact every day.

Chris Kessler, Technology

Current Year: Junior
Major: Information Sciences and Technology
Fun Fact: I have a ukulele, but I do not know how to play it.

1. Why did you want the position of Overall, and why for the committee that you now lead?

For many decades, THON has defined Penn State as much as any other facet of our community. On a personal level, I view THON as one of the defining factors of my Penn State experience and moreover of my personal development. This philanthropy — this family — has come to shape who I am and who I will be in the future. The relationships I have made, the tremendous change I have witnessed due to our work, and the amazing opportunities I have been granted through THON remain as treasured parts of me that I will never yield. In order to better aid the Four Diamonds Fund and Penn State Hershey Medical Center, I decided to apply to become an Overall for THON 2013.

I chose to become a Technology Overall in order to better aid THON’s growth and development in the coming years. Year after year, Technology becomes more and more important to THON’s effectiveness and success. That innovative nature and the constantly changing challenges are direct reasons that the Technology Committee was so appealing to me.

2. What are you most looking forward to in THON 2013?

Getting to work closer with the Four Diamonds families and view the impact that our work has on these families on a daily basis. Seeing the smiles that THON and our yearly events put on the children’s faces is something we all strive for.