Name: Sydney Boutcher

Major: MAcc Program and Finance

Committee: Finance

Past THON Experience:

Finance Committee Member in 2012 and 2013, Finance Captain in 2014 and 2015

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

I used to work at Subway in high school and had “sandwich artist” on my resume for longer than probably acceptable.

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

Ever since I came to Penn State, THON has provided me with an unbelievable amount of perspective; perspective towards the battles many families and children are fighting every single day. I have the opportunity to ease those battles by going to Penn State, and I will take every chance I get to do just that.

I understand the Finance committee which led me to apply, but I was also excited at the idea of being a part of the larger conversations that surround THON as a whole. This organization is at an exciting time, and I wanted to be a part of pushing it forward.

What are your responsibilities as the Finance Director?

As the Finance Director, I am in charge of creating and maintaining the THON 2017 budget. Additionally, I work to assure that all monetary donations are processed with integrity by my 28 captains and 125 committee members.

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

While the Finance committee has solid processes that have been used for years, I have made it a goal for myself and my captains to look at each process and see if it could be done better. We are also looking to get more detailed financial information to THON chairs in a faster and more organized way in order to allow them to improve their fundraising capabilities.

What makes the Finance committee so cool, fun, and/or important?

The Finance Committee is a committee where each and every day you see, touch, and tangibly understand the impact this organization will have. Whether it is processing an alternative fundraiser, or entering a check, you know that the money raised during THON weekend will go towards fighting pediatric cancer.

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

I hope that myself and my captains leave the Finance committee better than when we found it (although it was already great before). I am surrounded by 28 incredibly smart, driven, and inspiring people so I hope that during our time here we can add value to this organization that will be felt by Finance committees for years to come.

Why do you THON?

I THON because when I got to Penn State, I had no idea what I would do with my five years. From the day I walked into my first THON committee meeting, and every day after, I became inspired to give more and more of myself to this cause. Whether it is a family I meet at an airport, or the laugh of a child I hear on the floor, or the passion of every THON volunteer, my love for this organization continues to grow. Families are fighting every single day, and although I may not have personally been affected by that fight, I feel that it is my duty to fight alongside them. I want to assure that this year’s THON is incredible, and that one day, we will all be dancing in celebration.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

Last year I was in the State College airport on my way to a job interview. I was extremely stressed and nervous. A Four Diamonds Father came up to me because I was wearing a THON t-shirt and thanked me for helping save his daughter. Although none of us do this for the thanks, it gave me so much perspective. Not only was I no longer worried about my interview, but I was excited and motivated to get back to State College and work even harder for families like this one.

If you could be any dinosaur, which one would you be and why?

Pterodactyl because they can fly so they are free and independent, but they are also still carnivores so they are not to be messed with when they are hungry.