Name: Kaitlyn Wolfe

Major: Advertising

Minor: English, Digital Media Trends and Analytics

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2023: R&R Committee Member
THON 2024: Public Relations Captain

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

I wanted to be a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world because ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. In elementary school, I held bake sales and sold bracelets in the lobby before class to raise money for the fight against cancer. My friends stood beside me, my family stayed up late on school nights to make bracelets, my mother taught me how to bake, and my fellow classmates, neighbors, and peers donated money to support the cause. Growing up in a community that supported each other in times of darkness, I knew that’s where my heart and passion lay. I saw the best in humanity and wanted to foster that type of hope and compassion in everything that I do.

I came to Penn State and had my full circle moment working alongside a new community of supportive, passionate, dedicated, and empathetic volunteers who are equally as committed to finding a cure. I love this community and want to dedicate my time at Penn State to being a part of the most beautiful display of humanity I have ever seen.

What are your responsibilities as a THON Director?

As the Public Relations director for THON 2025, my responsibilities include overseeing 28 Public Relations captains in all graphic design, social media, publication management, video production, photography, brand development, and media relations efforts. The Public Relations Committee is home to four CM committees, including photography, production, and media development, overseen by eight of the Public Relations captains. As a member of the Executive Committee, I work collaboratively with the other 16 members of the committee to promote campaigns, initiatives, and pre-THON Weekend events.

Outside of my tangible responsibilities as the Public Relations director, I have a responsibility to all of our volunteers to create a space within the THON community to be creative, innovative, and passionate in serving our mission. I want to become a resource in our yearlong efforts in the fight against childhood cancer and foster a community of love, teamwork, and appreciation.

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

Some implementations for my position this year as the Public Relations director include a data-driven, intentional social media strategy, new Public Relations captains to continue pushing our organization forward in exponential growth, and increasing our reach to national outlets to continue spreading our mission outside of the Penn State and Pennsylvania community.

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

The Public Relations Committee is crucial to spreading awareness of our mission and the impactful stories within our organization. We connect people to our “why” and inspire people to join the fight. It’s so cool to meet new volunteers, dancers, families, and alumni supporters who each have their own reason to THON. We have the opportunity to amplify and showcase their stories through various internal and external initiatives, campaigns, and outlets. That’s what makes this committee so special.

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

I have a million goals within the Public Relations Committee and the Executive Committee for THON 2025. Overall, I hope to continue expanding our reach to engage individuals within this organization and inspire new supporters to join our mission. I want to continue showcasing and amplifying the beautiful stories of this organization which inspire us all to continue fighting. I want to foster a community of hope, passion, teamwork, dedication, and appreciation, not only within my committee but all volunteers.

Why do you THON?

I THON for the day we dance in celebration of a cure. I THON to provide emotional and financial support for our children and families impacted by childhood cancer. I THON for research, and ground-breaking trial drugs that create hope for a future without cancer. I THON for the 16,500 student volunteers who dedicate their college experience to our mission. I find new reasons to THON every day, and that is why I THON.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory occurred during THON Weekend 2024 as a Public Relations captain. I stood arm in arm with my co-captains alongside the stage during the total reveal. We watched the Executive Committee slowly unveil the numbers representative of our yearlong efforts. Confetti and tears filled my vision as I embraced my best friends and celebrated raising $16.9 million in the fight against childhood cancer. “Long Live” by Taylor Swift played in the background and as cliché as it sounds, it felt like I was experiencing the happy ending every movie deserves.

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

I would be a T-Rex. They are so cute with their little arms.