We’re really cooking, folks! THON is only 133 days away and committees were selected and met for the first time this week. Here’s the second installment of our weekly THON Director Thursday feature. Meet Communications Director Jon George:

Name: Jon George

Committee: Communications

Major: Finance and Health Policy & Administration

Past THON Experience:

Public Relations, Communications, & Family Relations Committees

Name an interesting, weird, or quirky fact about yourself:

When I was little I convinced my little brother to let me cut his hair with safety scissors…Mom found out and I was grounded for two months.

What made you want to apply for the Communications Director position for THON 2017?

THON has made such an incredible impact on my time here as a Penn State student. By being part of the Executive Committee, I knew I would be able to help give my all to THON and in turn use my experience to provide that same positive impact to everyone else involved.

What are your responsibilities as the Communications Director?

As the Communications Director, I work alongside the rest of the Communications Captains to provide all THON Volunteers with important information throughout the year. We work hard to educate and empower these volunteers on how they can make a greater impact in the fight against childhood cancer.

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

This year my goal is to improve upon how we disseminate all of THON’s vital information to our various stakeholders. Because THON continues to grow and expand each year, it is important that we keep up to date with how we communicate these improvements. I also hope to continue upon the work that was set by previous Directors, and help provide sustainable and impactful changes that will help THON 2017 and future THONs to grow.

What makes the Communications Committee so cool, fun, and/or important?

Communications is really cool because we are the committee that connects all of our stakeholders together. We get to work with all of the Committees, Organizations, Families, Faculty and Staff, and new students looking to be involved, and help give them the knowledge they need to succeed — which I think is pretty awesome!

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with your committee for THON 2017?

Aside from improving how we communicate to our stakeholders, my two biggest goals for the committee are to really just enjoy the time together and to always remember why you got involved in THON! Every volunteer has the ability to make a difference this year and work towards achieving their goals. I hope to help the committee reach those goals, and to remind them that they too have the chance to help others in the process.

Why do you THON?

I THON in hopes that one day no child, family member, friend, or loved one will ever have to experience the evil that is cancer.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

Family Hour at THON last year — seeing everyone come together in that moment and lending support to the families that truly need it most.

Per Onward State tradition, if you could be any dinosaur, which one would you be and why?

I have to go with pterodactyl. How cool would it be to fly around up there? Definitely a pterodactyl.