Meet Kyle O’Keefe, the designer behind the THON 2023 logo. The design was revealed in December and aims to represent this year’s theme: “Foster The Magic.” O’Keefe’s creation will be featured on all THON 2023 branding and merchandise.

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

Onward State: What is your year and major at Penn State?
Kyle O’Keefe: I am a fourth year at Penn State majoring in elementary education.

OS: Why did you come to Penn State?
KO: I went to high school in New York with a graduating class of 58 students. I thought I wanted to go to a smaller college, but after visiting a bunch of small schools I couldn’t find a right fit. I applied to Penn State since some of my closest friends did, and after visiting, I fell in love and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else!

OS: What does THON mean to you?
KO: THON has been a key part in my Penn State journey. Sharing family stories and spreading awareness is a key aspect that motivated me to get involved. Seeing the THON community join together for all of the year-round efforts and culminating in THON Weekend is so inspiring.

OS: What is your all-time favorite THON moment?
KO: Something about THON Weekend 2022 was so magical. Being able to reunite with the THON community and our families was special to me. I was able to coordinate and sit in on interviews with our families through my position on the Family Relations Committee. Getting to hear and share these families’ stories with the THON community was really inspiring and rewarding.

OS: What was the process of creating the THON 2023 Logo like?
KO: The theme, Foster the Magic, immediately reminded me of Christopher Millard’s story, “The Four Diamonds,” which is at the core of our mission and a source of magic in itself. In a symbolic representation of his own cancer journey, Chris left a legacy of inspiration throughout a quest for courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength. I wanted this year’s logo to encapsulate how Chris inspired the THON community to create magical moments for all our families.

OS: What pop culture moment do you think absolutely NEEDS to be included in the THON 2023 line dance?
KO: Definitely something with Harry Styles and BeReal.

OS: What campus organizations or activities are you involved in?
KO: I have been a THON Captain for the past three years, and have been on the Public Relations and Family Relations Committees. I am also the instructor for Harmony, an inclusive theatre organization for individuals with and without disabilities. I have been involved with Camp Kesem for the past four years as well.

OS: What is your go-to downtown State College late-night restaurant and why?
KO: El Jefe’s! I love Mexican food but the queso is the main reason why I keep going back. Plus, the guac is not extra.

OS: What is your favorite Penn State tradition?
KO: The Whiteout game is one of my favorites and all the tailgates during the football season!

OS: Per Onward State tradition, if you were a dinosaur what would you be and why?
KO: I would say dinosaur chicken nuggets. Just because they are unproblematic and delicious!