Name: Bobby McLuckey

Major: Biobehavioral Health
Minor: Global Health

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2023: Alumni Engagement Captain, Dancer
THON 2022: Communications Captain
THON 2021: Rules & Regulations Committee Member
Penn State Snowboard Club THON Chair

What made you want to apply for a director position for THON 2024?

Throughout my time at Penn State, THON has always been a place I could call home. I have met so many incredible people in THON. I wanted to be a Director to give back to this organization which has given me so much, and to support our children and families to the greatest potential I can.

What are your responsibilities as a THON Director?

As the COMM Director, I facilitate all communication between THON and its volunteers and supporters. I also work to maintain relationships with and support THON chairs and organizations. I also oversee the implementation of DEI efforts across THON and help plan volunteer recruitment and education.

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

One of the biggest areas that I hope to implement progress during my time as the COMM Director is in our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts by expanding them across all 16 committees in THON. I am also hoping to better use the feedback we receive from THON chairs to better support organizations this year and in the future.

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

COMM is like a bridge between committees, organizations, and other groups who all work to support our mission. This allows our committee to see THON from so many different angles, which is a really cool perspective to have throughout the year.

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with your committee for THON 2024?

Some of the largest goals that I have for COMM this year are to better support all of the organizations that support THON’s mission and ensure we are working to empower all organizations and their chairs. I also hope to expand THON’s DEI efforts with my captains and ensure that any Penn State student who wants to join our community feels safe, welcomed, and supported within it.

Why do you THON?

I THON to support the children and families that have endured so many struggles, to work towards the day that we dance in celebration of a cure, and to give back to the entire THON community which has given me so much during my time at Penn State.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory comes from THON 2023 when I danced. During the Final Four, one of my friends and previous co-captains, AJ Jacunski shared the story of his brother, Jay. Hearing him speak was so inspiring and motivated me to make it through the last few hours of dancing. This is a memory I will remember for the rest of my life.

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

I would want to be a triceratops. They just always seem like they would have been really cool.