State College Mayor Don Hahn, opened up THON at 5 p.m. stating that, once again, State College will be renamed “City of THON” for the next 46 hours, starting at 6 p.m.

Hahn is graduate of the State College Area High School and later received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Penn State. He spoke to the dancers telling them that they are the ones who are making a difference this weekend.

Hahn knows the importance of being a dancer at THON. He said, “Say to yourself, ‘I am capable of great things…because I was a THON dancer.” No matter what happens in their lives, the dancers here can be happy and proud of their work this weekend.

“The memories and the friendships you make this weekend and in the weeks and months leading up to this event will live on forever,” Hahn said.

The change made tonight will having a lasting effect on the future and Hahn knows that.

Stay tuned for the official name change at 6 p.m. when we officially become the “City of THON” for the weekend!