Meet Caitlyn McHenry, the designer behind the THON 2022’s logo. The latest design was revealed in December and aims to represent this year’s theme, “Spark Endless Light.” McHenry’s creation will be featured on all THON 2022 branding and merchandise.

McHenry took the time to sit down with Onward State to tell us more about her experience creating this year’s logo. We dance in 32 days, folks!

Onward State: What is your grade and major at Penn State?

Caitlyn McHenry: I’m a second-year student studying graphic design.

OS: How did you get into graphic design?

CM: I have always loved art since I was a kid. I took classes with my amazing instructor Sue Hand at her art studio from seventh grade to my senior year. I wanted to tie my passion in with my career.

OS: What does THON mean to you?

CM: THON gives me the opportunity to volunteer and be a part of an amazing organization where I can surround myself with individuals who are as passionate as I am in helping better the lives of children impacted by childhood cancer. THON has helped me meet my friends at school, and it encourages me to be a better person through my involvement.

OS: Are you involved in anything else on campus?

CM: I’m involved with the THON organization Apollo.

OS: What was the coolest part of the logo design process?

CM: During the design process, I thought it was really cool getting to see everyone else’s past designs and drawing inspiration from past amazing logos.

OS: Do you have any future graphic design plans?

CM: I’m planning on majoring in advertising and pursuing a minor in graphic design. My future plans after graduating are to hopefully utilize my artistic background to design logos and advertisements for businesses and companies.

OS: If you could choose a favorite Berkey Creamery flavor, which would it be and why?

CM: If I could only eat one Berkey Creamery flavor, it would be Peanut Butter Swirl because it’s my go-to order and it tastes delicious.

OS: If you could have dinner with one famous Penn Stater, dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

CM: I would have diner with Ryan Manderbach because his TikToks are really funny and he was my RA last year.

OS:  What’s your favorite part of being a Penn State student? 

CM: Being able to socialize with my friends through all of the awesome opportunities Penn State has to offer. I love being able to go downtown to eat and hang out at football games.  

OS: Per Onward State tradition, if you were a dinosaur what would you be and why?

CM: If I were a dinosaur, I would be a Pterodactyl because I’ve always wanted the ability to fly and it would be easy to avoid predators.  

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Editor’s Note: Responses were slightly edited for length and clarity.