Name: Hunter Dorfner

Major: Supply chain and information systems 
Minors: International business and information sciences and technology

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2023: Rules & Regulations Event Safety Captain
THON 2022: Supply Logistics Captain
THON 2021: Communications committee member

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

Over the past three years, THON has had a huge impact on my life. I joined THON because I wanted to make a difference. I have continued because THON and its community have become a family to me. I wanted to be a director on the executive committee to support the kids and their families who inspire me. I wanted the opportunity to be a leader to the other student volunteers and help them reach their full potential as a THON volunteer while helping them see the magic of THON.

What are your responsibilities as a THON director?

My main responsibility is to ensure the safety of every family, volunteer, and spectator at all THON events. I serve as the main contact between THON and Penn State University Police, Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Human Safety, and Emergency Medical Services, and work closely with other committees to ensure that all rules and policies are enforced.

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

I have devoted significant time to standardizing our security protocols and benchmarking them against industry norms. We’ve reviewed our practices rigorously to guarantee the safety of everyone participating in THON events. Additionally, I’ve focused on enhancing education and outreach within the THON community to ensure the best overall experience at any THON Event.

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

Members of the rules and regulations committee have the chance to engage with families, dancers, spectators, donors, and fellow volunteers throughout their shifts. You can spot us throughout the Bryce Jordan Center, serving as the initial and final points of contact for spectators arriving and departing during THON Weekend. We truly get to see every part of THON Weekend.

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

My aim is to continue growing the rules and regulations committee into a valuable resource for the THON community. I’m encouraging my committee to review our past and explore fresh, innovative approaches to propel the event safety committee. We remain committed to relentlessly striving for excellence in order to ensure the utmost satisfaction and experience for all participants at THON.

Why do you THON?

I THON for the smiles. During my freshman year, THON was virtual because of COVID-19.  One of my core memories was spending time via Zoom with our committee’s Four Diamonds pen pal and her family.  We had fun coloring pictures and playing games, and seeing all the happy smiles made my day and has stuck with me over the years. I THON to help create more smiles like those.   

What’s your favorite THON memory?

I joined THON during my freshman year in the fall of 2020. It was a unique year because we were working under the COVID-19 restrictions. During that time, I had my first opportunity to meet a THON family. I can still remember my first THON Weekend. I had the chance to spend time coloring and having fun with Aubrey Evans and her brother Ellis on Zoom.

During COVID-19, I feel like a lot of us thought about what we lost out on or were missing. Aubrey Evans and her family put things into perspective for me. They taught me how to be strong in the face of adversity. They taught me how to overcome obstacles with grace. They taught me how to be my best and make the most of each day. I want to continue making a difference for Aubrey and other children who have had to face the most difficult fight of their lives. 

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

I would want to be a T-Rex just to be able to say I’m a T-Rex because it sounds cool.