Name: Gwen Yetter

Majors: Biology & Psychology

Minor: Neuroscience; pursuing an MBA through the BS/MBA program

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2020: Rules & Regulations Committee Member
THON 2021: Communications Committee Member
THON 2022: Communications Captain (Outreach Coordinator)

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

I have a very strong disliking of bananas and my siblings use to chase me around with them to bother me.

What made you want to apply for a director position for THON 2023?

I’ve seen THON through three, and now four, unique perspectives: as a general spectator, a CM, a captain, and now as a director. Each year, I’ve learned invaluable lessons and met the most passionate and courageous individuals, all of whom inspire me. I’ve also seen first-hand that THON is not confined to any one building, but rather it is an ever-growing community centered around hope, a true testament to the strength of humankind that transcends across the world.

Every individual is impacted by cancer in one way or another, and I’ve seen the ways in which our hard work makes a positive impact on our families, no matter the struggles they are faced with. By being involved in THON, I can help to ensure that we as an organization can continue providing financial and emotional support for those impacted by childhood cancer for years to come, and ultimately, my past experiences have created a continuous, intrinsic desire to give back to this organization in every way possible. I hope to help pave the pathway for the future of THON while also providing more memories for children, teens, and families no matter where they are in their journey.

What are your responsibilities as a THON Director?

As the Supply Logistics (SL) Director, I oversee the organization, upkeep, and data tracking of all of THON’s inventory locations. I work with 19 SL captains to contact donors and obtain in-kind donations used at every event throughout the year. Additionally, I assist my inventory team to ensure supplies are readily available and provided to other committees as needed. Furthermore, Supply Logistics organizes the THON Raffle and other THON initiatives such as the Costume Drive, Hershey Holiday Toy Drive, Gift Card Initiative, and the Extra Items Drive which I oversee throughout the year.

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

I am a firm believer in the idea that small improvements over time can make a huge difference in the long run. While it is not a particular thing I hope to implement this year, my main goal is to bring a new perspective to Supply Logistics and challenge our past ways of thinking to better both SL and THON in the long run.

What makes your committee so cool, fun, and/or important?

Supply Logistics directly impacts every single committee and every pre-THON and THON Weekend event, which is so incredibly special. I love being able to help other committees bring their goals and visions to life, and I love engaging the local community, alumni, and students in various initiatives to make our efforts possible.

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with your committee for THON 2023?

One of my key goals includes assisting my captains in the expansion of seven key initiatives: Gift Card Initiative, Hershey Holiday Toy Drive, Costume Drive, Supply the Fight, Towel Drive, Extra Items Drive, and THON Raffle. These initiatives allow us to raise money and awareness for THON, keep internal costs down through in-kind donations, and provide us with an opportunity to give back directly to children impacted by childhood cancer. Additionally, I am working alongside OPP and HOS to improve our overall sustainability efforts. In terms of Supply Logistics, this includes moving away from single-use items and shifting towards multiuse sustainable alternatives for some commonly requested items.

Why do you THON?

I THON so every kid has the opportunity to chase after their wildest dreams and make them all come true.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

While I have many THON memories, my first is the one that sticks out to me the most. It was February 17, 2019, or the Sunday of THON Weekend 2019. I recall standing with the club cross country team and more specifically two girls who are now my best friends. I observed the individuals around me, the flashing lights, the smiles on the floor, and in the stands — it was incredible. But it wasn’t until the Celebration of Life video began that everything clicked and I truly gained an understanding of THON. It was in those very moments in which I stood with my arms locked around my teammates that my passion and desire to be involved in THON turned into a need, and I realized that THON is home to all. A community without judgment where I and everyone around me could feel safe, included, and happy. It was a place that students, kids, teens, and families alike could call home, a place where everlasting memories could be made, and a place where we demonstrated the power of hope as a community.

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

Stegosaurus Just a pretty solid option overall.