Penn State is two weeks away from taking over the BJC and dancing for a cure. This week, the 708 dancers were finally announced and past dancers offered their guidance to those taking the floor for the first time. In keeping with the THON hype, our Director series returns with the leader of all social and brand management platforms and connections to all things FTK, Public Relations Director Lily Beatty.

Lily Beatty, Public Relations (PR)

Year: Senior

Major: Supply Chain Management

Past THON Experience: 2013­ Morale Committee Member, 2014­ Public Relations Captain, 2015 ­Donor & Alumni Relations Captain

Name an interesting, weird, or quirky fact about you: My hometown voted Taco Bell as the region’s top Mexican restaurant. It made it on Buzzfeed.

Onward State: What made you want to apply for the Public Relations Director position for THON 2016?

Lily Beatty: I wanted to commit myself fully to an organization that has given me so much during my time at Penn State. I have one year to make a difference, and I want to be able to improve THON while I am here.

OS: What are your responsibilities as the Public Relations Director?

LB: It’s my responsibility to uphold the brand and image of THON while ensuring that our mission is being spread on a local, state, and national level.

OS: What do you want to implement in your position this year that’s unique and differs from years past?

LB: THON is an amazing visual event and that is something that we are capitalizing on more and more. This year, the production team became a part of Public Relations, and it’s my goal to produce eye-­catching content that engages that public and spread the message and feel of THON.

OS: What you think makes the Public Relations committee so cool, fun, and/or important?

LB: Public Relations is a very multi-faceted committee that has many skilled volunteers working towards our mission. From graphic design to production to photography, it is amazing to see people use their talents to help conquer childhood cancer.

OS: What are the overall goals you wish to reach within your specific position and committee for THON 2016?

LB: I really want to work to insert THON in the national conversation about childhood cancer so we can broaden the scope of our reach while continuing to raise funds and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer.

OS: Why do you THON, Lily?

LB: I THON For The Kids, but I also THON for the parents of children with cancer. I can only imagine what it is like for a parent to have to remain strong for their children, but yet are facing an incredibly difficult situation. Parents love for their children is unmatched and I really do THON so no parents has to hear the words, “Your child has cancer.”

OS: Can you tell us about your favorite THON memory?

LB: There are too many just to pick one. But any moment where the entire community comes together for one cause is always emotional for me.

OS: Finally, as an Onward State tradition, if you could be any dinosaur, which one would you be and why?

LB: The Land Before Time was my favorite movie series when I was a kid, so I want to be Littlefoot.