Name: Brian Seitz

Major: Rehabilitation and Human Services and minors in psychology and deafness and hearing studies

Past THON Experience
THON 2018 Dancer Relations Committee Member
THON 2019 Family Relations Captain (Family Events Coordinator)
THON 2020 Dancer Relations Captain (Event Coordinator)

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

I have six older sisters, four of whom have graduated from Penn State!

What made you want to apply for the Special Events Director position for THON 2021?

After three years of involvement, I have seen the ever-lasting and immense impact that THON leaves on volunteers and Four Diamonds Families. I wanted to be a director so I can continue to stand alongside families and this relentlessly hopeful community in our fight to end childhood cancer. After reflecting on these past three life-changing years, I knew that I needed to do more for this community and continue to pour my heart and soul into our mission. Penn State might be my school, but THON has made it a home for myself and tens of thousands of others. As an event planner, I love watching all of the small details and moving parts of every event come together to create something that is truly beautiful.

What are your responsibilities as the Special Events Director?

As the Special Events Director, I oversee the planning, logistics, and execution of all pre-THON events, such as the THON 5K powered by PNC, 100 Days ’til THON Celebration, Family Carnival, THON Athletic Events, THON Showcase, and No Hair Don’t Care. The Special Events Committee is committed to ensuring that the magic and excitement of THON Weekend is felt throughout all 365 days of the year by creating lifelong memories for volunteers and Four Diamonds families at events.

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

Due to the circumstances of this year, the Special Events Committee has an
incredible opportunity to reach audiences around the world through our
events. Pre-THON events are typically confined to the physical boundaries of State College; however, our pre-THON events have reached alumni, donors, general supporters, and other stakeholders in various parts of the country and world. This year, our committee has a blank slate in front of us. We have reinvented what is typically done and have built out initiatives from the ground up that will hopefully last for many years to come, even when the pandemic is over. Although this can be viewed as a challenge, our committee has shifted our perspective to view this as an opportunity to explore unchartered territory and reach new heights.

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

The Special Events Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring that the magic of THON Weekend is felt throughout 365 days a year. Special Events
generates and maintains that THON Weekend excitement throughout the
year by giving Four Diamonds families, student volunteers, alumni, or any
supporter the opportunity to immerse themselves in the love and magic that radiates from every pre-THON event. Now more than ever, it is our
committee’s task to ensure that this excitement is still felt despite the
circumstances we are in.

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with your committee for THON 2021?

I hope to use this unique year as a platform to reach the THON community
that exists outside of State College. In years past, virtual events and live streams have never existed. Although this year has been mostly virtual
with a few in-person events in State College, I am hopeful that these initiatives and virtual events will remain long after this year for many years to come. This blank slate allows us to set up THON 2022 and beyond for an even more successful year, which is so exciting and cool to see.

Why do you THON?

The most magical and carefree time of life is childhood. When children can
run free and chase the boundless wonders of their imagination. I THON for
these endless opportunities and to ensure that no family ever faces childhood cancer alone. Every child deserves to dream with no limitations and make the most of the opportunities in their life. With a support system of tens of thousands of student volunteers and supporters rallying behind these families, I am hopeful for the day that cancer is a distant memory and we are dancing in celebration of a cure. Until then, I will pour my heart and soul into this organization and do everything in my power to provide support to the families who inspire me every single day.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

During THON Weekend 2019, I had the opportunity to plan and execute the Kids Talent Show that Four Diamonds families are able to participate in. As I stood from at the back of the stage, I was in complete awe as I watched Four Diamonds children and siblings perform in front of tens of thousands of students. Students were singing along, cheering, and putting their lighters to the sky as these children poured their hearts out on stage for the whole community to see. It was a powerful moment of pure joy, love, and hope that spoke volumes to me about the sense of belonging and family that THON fosters to students and Four Diamonds families alike.

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

Pterodactyl for sure. I would love to be able to fly!