Meet Sarah Leonard, the designer behind the THON 2024 logo, whose design was revealed in December at the THON Family Carnival. The logo encapsulates all of the comfort, joy, and adventure that each child should get to experience. Her logo can be found on all official THON 2024 merchandise and branding.

Leonard answered some of our questions to help folks understand what the logo design process looked like and what this task meant to her. We dance in 21 days, Penn State!

Onward State: What is your year and major at Penn State?

Sarah Leonard: I’m a sophomore and a graphic design major.

OS: What else are you involved with on campus?

SL: I’m the treasurer of the Traditional Japanese Tea Club, as well as a member of the Traditional Chinese Tea Club over at the Ritenour Building.

OS: What does THON mean to you?

SL: To me, THON is all about us as a community here at Penn State coming together to help children in need.

OS: Where did you source your inspiration for the logo from?

SL: The source of my inspiration was the Four Diamonds story written by Christopher Millard, from which I took the idea “fantasy” and refined it into the 2024 logo.

OS: What was the coolest part of the logo design process?

SL: For me, the coolest part of the design process was refining the logo in Adobe Illustrator and watching as it came to life before my eyes. 

OS: Do you have a favorite THON memory or moment?

SL: My favorite THON memory was, undoubtedly, the 2024 logo reveal. During the event, as I walked around and saw the different dragon and fantasy-themed booths, it hit me for the first time just how much my logo actually influenced this year’s THON. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the feeling of wonder and accomplishment I felt then for as long as I live.

OS: If you had to spend 24 hours in one building on campus, what would it be and why?

SL: The building I would spend 24 hours in is, assuming “my room” isn’t an option, Ritenour. Specifically, my club room in 34 Ritenour. Not only because it’s almost always occupied by another member I could talk to but also because I’m almost positive someone HAS spent 24 hours in that room, so I know it’s possible.

OS: What is your favorite part about Penn State?

SL: My favorite part of Penn State is the community and the small part of it that I’ve become a part of. Without the people around me, I could never have gotten as far as I have, and I’ll always be grateful.

OS: What inspires you?

SL: I’m inspired by the world around me. The nature, changing seasons, assignments, classes, media I consume… I try to take a bit of inspiration from everything in my life and find myself looking at the world brighter because of it.

OS: Per Onward State tradition, if you were a dinosaur what would you be and why?

SL: I’m not very well versed in dinosaurs, but if I had to choose one I know, I’d say velociraptor! They’re small, fast, and deadly, and isn’t that what we’re all aiming to be these days?