Name: Courtney Proulx

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Minor: Engineering Leadership Development

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2022: Dancer Relations Committee member
THON 2023: Merchandise captain – Order Management
THON 2024: Merchandise captain – Special Event Sales

What made you want to apply for a director position for THON 2025?

I wanted to apply to be on the THON 2025 Executive Committee because I wanted to fully immerse myself into this community, which I will forever feel indebted to. THON is a special community that creates such love and comfort for all those involved, and it truly changes lives.

There is no other way I would want to be spending my college experience than having the ability to create such a meaningful impact and change for children and families impacted by childhood cancer. I hope that through my efforts we are able to come one step closer to dancing in celebration.

What are your responsibilities as a THON Director?

The Merchandise Committee contributes to THON’s mission by developing, marketing, and selling unique merchandise that represents this community. We work to fundraise throughout the year by selling this quality merchandise, while also creating brand awareness of THON’s Mission.

As the Merchandise director, I oversee all operations of both the in-person and online THON Stores, while leading an incredible group of 23 captains and over 40 committee members. This group works all year to equip all THON supporters with merchandise that represents their unique THON journeys.

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

This year, I have been looking for ways to increase the THON Store’s online presence. Through increased professionalism and marketing, the online THON Store allows THON supporters globally to feel connected to the mission through our merchandise (check out store.thon.org).

Additionally, I have been increasing the use of data to make informed decisions on various aspects of the merchandise committee’s operations. Marketing, customer experience, purchasing, and order fulfillment can all be improved by analyzing new collections of data. By making actionable decisions based on new data, we can maximize the dollar amount that is donated to Four Diamonds.

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

I love the Merchandise Committee because we get to generate excitement in the THON community by selling our merchandise. It is impossible to walk around campus without seeing a piece of THON merchandise. THON’s supporters wear these pieces with pride creating a physical representation of the community. We also get to quantify our impact by seeing the direct contribution our profits have towards the THON 2025 total.

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with your committee for THON 2025?

My overarching goal for THON 2025 is to create an environment where every volunteer feels that they are making a difference. The theme for THON 2025 is “A Home for Hope,” and I want all volunteers to feel connected to that theme, knowing that they have a home within THON where they can be their true authentic selves.

Why do you THON?

I THON to actualize a future in which no family has to hear that their child has cancer. Our impact goes far beyond Pennsylvania, and it is through groundbreaking research that we will create this future. On top of that, the families in this community fight with such strength and poise and I want to emulate the courage that they show. They are true heroes in this community and continue to inspire me every day to fight for a cure.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory came during my first THON Weekend as a volunteer. I was able to help a kiddo finish their scavenger hunt, which brought the biggest smile to their face and mine. Knowing that even the smallest effort on my part could create such an impact on someone else’s was a realization that has driven me through every other year of my involvement in THON.

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

I would be a pterodactyl so that I could fly and travel all over the world!