Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro took the stage and spoke at THON 2023.

Shapiro addressed the crowd with Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi and THON Executive Director Lily Pevoto joining him on stage, shouting out the “big hearts” everyone in the crowd has.

“It’s Gen Z every day, making a difference to protect our freedoms to make sure we solve the big problems,” Shapiro said.

This marks Shapiro’s first known appearance in Happy Valley since he was elected governor back in November. The governor, who was sworn in on January 17, took a trip to Penn State on November 2 and held a rally alongside John Fetterman at Old Main ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.

Shapiro joins his predecessor, Tom Wolf, in showing support for the 46-hour dance marathon. Wolf spoke at THON 2017 and publicly voiced his support for THON in other years.

Shapiro’s appearance at THON just adds to his recent connection to the Nittany Lions. He nominated four Penn State alums to serve in his cabinet last month.