Four hours before 708 dancers will rise to their feet for the weekend, Four Diamonds founder Charles Millard addressed the press to discuss THON 2015. Alongside him were Suzanne Graney, the director of the Four Diamonds Fund, and Megan Renaut, the Executive Director of this year’s THON.

Renaut kicked off the press conference, discussing her excitement for the start of THON weekend, and also stressing how this is simply the culmination and celebration of a yearlong effort. “All the hard work is finally paying off,” Renaut said.

When asked what she is most looking forward to this weekend, Renaut revealed that simply seeing the BJC fill out this evening will be the highlight of her THON experience. “At 4:30 a.m. this morning, it looked like a gym,” she joked, and by the end of today, she’s excited to see the BJC filled up with color, music, and love.

Graney spoke of the steadfast relationship between THON and the Four Diamonds Fund. The relationships cultivated between the THON volunteers and Four Diamonds children are special to Graney, and she emphasized that the most important aspect between the two groups is that the student volunteers “show [Four Diamonds children] the love and support, and show up when there are hard times.”

As for Millard, he was excited to announce that this is the 37th THON he is attending — “and it may be close to the last one!” he added playfully. As one of the founders of the Four Diamonds Fund, he has witnessed THON grow forward from its very starting point, and spoke fondly of the dedication and drive of Penn State students. Millard ended the press conference and summed up the feelings of many when he said, “I’m glad to be here.”

We couldn’t be here without you, Mr. Millard. Thanks to you, Graney, and Renaut, this year’s THON is bound to be the best one yet.

Photos: Morton Lin/Onward State