Where else would you rather be than an arena full of Penn Staters?

That’s what Penn State Alumni Association CEO Paul Clifford asked the Bryce Jordan Center Saturday afternoon to kick off THON 2022’s Alumni Celebration. For a few moments, he joined a handful of Penn State alumni to commend the THON community on its annual event.

“You are demonstrating to the world the impact of philanthropy and what it means to be a Penn Stater,” Clifford said. “The Penn State Alumni Association is powered by pride, and what you’re doing here today is fueling that pride.”

Clifford, who speaks at THON annually, doubled down on his comments, noting that the event is far more than just a fundraiser for pediatric cancer research.

“THON isn’t a place. THON isn’t an event. THON is a movement,” Clifford said. “THON grows leaders. It inspires community. It changes lives. THON saves lives.”

Before handing off the microphone, Clifford belted out a hearty “We Are” chant to energize the crowd.

Representatives from the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group joined Clifford Saturday afternoon. A number of them, including Onward State alumna Maddy Pryor, congratulated the crowd and dancers, including DMAIG’s own Holly Maitland-McKenna.

Before departing, the entire group led the BJC with a rendition of Penn State’s Alma Mater. After all, it’s the only way a proper Penn State event can end.

We’ll hear more from the Alumni Association later tonight. After all, the organization is once again the official sponsor of THON’s Saturday night Pep Rally.