Not many Penn State students can say that they’ve been bleeding blue and white since they were diapers. In particular, only one student can say that their parents and grandparents have, too.

Emma Cohen, a junior political science and economics major, is a THON 2021 dancer and the youngest in a Penn State legacy family of nearly 90 years.

Cohen’s mother, JoAnn, graduated from Penn State in 1990 with her bachelor’s degree. Cohen’s grandfather, Joseph Frankenfield, graduated in 1964 with his bachelor’s degree and in 1968 with his master’s degree. Additionally, Cohen’s great grandfather, Simon Willis Frankenfield, graduated in 1936 with his Bachelor’s degree and in 1940 with his Master’s degree. 

Cohen always knew that she wanted to attend Penn State. She loves the school spirit and big-school atmosphere and knew from her sophomore year tour that it was the school for her.

“I definitely felt pressure from my grandpa to go to Penn State, but my parents were the ones dragging me to tons of other colleges for tours when I was set on Penn State,” Cohen said. “My family has always been super supportive in all aspects of college. When I did officially decide on Penn State, my grandpa was so happy he cried. So a little bit of pressure, but I’m so happy to have such a cool legacy and to be where I ended up.”

Cohen is dancing for CHAARG, a women’s health and fitness club. It is her first year dancing, though she stood in the stands of the Bryce Jordan Center with CHAARG for the last two years.

“A few months into my freshman year, CHAARG was planning a trip to visit our THON family and needed people to volunteer their houses for some of us to sleep overnight,” Cohen said. “I didn’t know too many people in CHAARG or at Penn State in general at that point, but since the family lived in my area, I decided to volunteer my house. We all carpooled over and had the best night. That’s when I first realized the magic of THON and how it brings people together.”

Cohen’s mother attended THON when it used to be in the White Building. She supported the dancers of Phi Delta Theta and was a little sister at that frat.

Additionally, Cohen claims her crown as the favorite child since her sister is a junior at Pitt.

“THON is the most amazing part of Penn State,” Cohen said. “It’s a weekend where everyone stops and comes together to support such a meaningful cause. Through THON, I’ve met too many kids and families who have been affected by childhood cancer. Because of THON, no Four Diamonds family ever has to worry about money. Offering love and support to these families is truly incredible.”

With THON being virtual this year, Cohen needs to get creative with how she will stay busy. She plans to play Just Dance, color, sing karaoke, and eat lots of “yummy” food. Her parents are also visiting for THON Weekend, so she’ll be sure to spend time with them.

In the spirit of THON, Cohen is choosing to remain positive and think about the positives of virtual THON…like being able to shower.

As a lifetime Nittany Lion, Cohen could write books filled with her favorite Penn State memories. In particular, her favorite Penn State tradition was attending a volleyball game and eating at the Corner Room with her high school team every year. Once she finally became a student, she enjoyed seeing everything through a new light.

“When I first heard about THON, I thought I could never do that,” Cohen said. “I’m the kind of person who likes to get her eight hours of sleep. I looked at the dancers with such awe. Last year, I spent about 37 hours at THON, and something just clicked for me. Standing there, surrounded by so many inspiring people, I knew this was something I wanted to do. I want to give everything I have to THON. I’m so excited for the opportunity to represent CHAARG and our families and everything about THON.”