Name: Tyler Dum

Major: Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2023: Rules & Regulations Pass Committee Member
THON 2024: Rules & Regulations Pass Captain

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

I wanted to apply to be a director for THON 2025 to be a part of a cause much larger than myself. One of my goals after my academic career is to be able to help people in any way that I can. THON has provided me with the opportunity to fulfill my dream of helping those in need, specifically families with children impacted by childhood cancer.

What are your responsibilities as a THON Director?

Some projects I work on throughout the year are the entrance plan, the pass system, THON Weekend wristbands for all spectators and volunteers as well as helping where needed!

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

This year, I would love to implement various activities that can improve the committee member experience. It is a goal of mine to make sure that the committee members have a positive experience and want to stay involved for years to come!

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

My committees’ responsibilities are very unique as we are fortunate enough to work with a multitude of committees leading up to THON Weekend.

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

My main goal is for my committee to experience the magic of THON. THON has touched me in so many ways I never thought possible. This organization has brought me memories that will last a lifetime. I wish the same upon them!

Why do you THON?

I THON for the Jesse King family, as well as our paired families of my organization, Phi Gamma Delta along with our partner, Sigma Kappa. We have been so fortunate to have been touched by the Knepps, Baptists, Kribys, and the Smiths, whom we fight for every day. Growing up, Jesse and I had many mutual friends as we attended the same high school, and I was absolutely broken by his diagnosis.

Seeing my local community come together in support of him and his family really showed me what THON is all about, and I was beyond inspired by the warrior he became, as well as the passion of the community to support him and his entire family. It was at this point that I knew I wanted to be a part of something larger than myself and help others fight this gruesome disease that we call cancer.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory would have to be the total reveal for THON 2024. It was truly magical and all of my hard work that I dedicated to THON had paid off and made me realize that we will find a cure one day. Until then, we will dedicate countless hours until we dance in celebration of a cure!

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

I would have to be a pterodactyl so I could fly!