One week, Penn State – that’s the tiny window separating THON 2016’s committed volunteers and dancers from their most celebrated weekend of the year. That fact leaves us with just a handful of Directors to formally introduce. A week ago, we had a discussion with THON’s chief officer of all social and and brand management platforms, Public Relations Director Lily Beatty. Delia Moran is the subject of our feature this week, as she informed us about all the workings of the incredibly important Finance committee.

Delia Moran, Finance

Major: Supply Chain Manangement

Past THON Experience: Finance Committee Member in 2013, Finance Captain in 2014 and 2015

Name an interesting, weird, or quirky fact about you: I was president of the Harry Potter Club at my high school.

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

Delia Moran: Throughout my time at Penn State, THON has made me into the person I am today. It has shown me true selflessness and love that Penn State students have for Four Diamonds families and our school. I am so lucky to be a part of an organization that has given me so much more than I could ever give it. So, applying was my way of giving back.

OS: What are your responsibilities as the Finance Director?

DM: As the Finance Director, I create and maintain THON’s budget throughout the year. Additionally, I oversee the processing of all monetary donations by my 27 Captains and 150 Committee Members.

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

DM: I want to focus on the professionalism, integrity, and efficiency of the Finance Committee. Donors trust the Finance Committee with millions of dollars every year, so it is our job to ensure these donations are processed correctly and in a timely manner. By moving to more technical processes, I hope this results in sustainability in the future and maintained respect for Finance.

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

DM: For me, the coolest thing about Finance is that we are completely behind the scenes! I am so inspired by my Captains and Committee Members who work tirelessly all year doing work that they may never be thanked for.

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

DM: As stated above, my goals for my committee and myself are to maintain Finance’s professionalism and integrity. I hope to lead by example and make sure my Captains have the best year ever!

OS: Why do you THON, Delia?

DM: I THON because I think that THON is a miracle. Before I was a student at Penn State, I couldn’t understand how college students could raise millions of dollars in one year. Now that I am a student and really see what goes into it, I think THON is a miracle because of the passion that every single volunteer has for THON. Nowhere else in the world can you find so many college students fighting for children and families that they may never know. I am proud to be a leader in this organization and hope that I can inspire others like they inspire me.

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

DM: My favorite THON memory is from the Sunday of my first THON. I was in complete awe when the total of $7,490,133.87 was raised and knew that I had to go to Penn State and be a part this great organization.

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

DM: I’d be a Pterodactyl, because they can fly, duh!