It’s a bird… It’s a plane… Actually, it’s Superman.

One Penn State student decided to dress up head-to-toe as the famous comic book superhero throughout THON Weekend. Complete with a muscle suit and cape, this is certainly interesting for THON, but who else will ensure crime rates are low and morale is high inside the BJC?

We chatted with Mr. Superman to hear his story and learn about his experiences with THON.

Onward State: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What’s your real name, major, and where are you from?

Superman: My name is Cooper Cox, and I’m a senior majoring in health policy administration. I’m from Chincoteague Island, Virginia, and I love Penn State.

OS: What motivated you to dress up as Superman for THON 2025?

CC: I’m with Phi Sigma Kappa and Trilogy this weekend. Our theme is superheroes, and I just care so much for Cameron, Willow, and Janae that I decided I had to go all out and get a Superman costume with all the big muscles. That’s how we like to do it. We had to show out.

OS: Have you seen any crime in the area this weekend?

CC: Well, I saw some littering here and there, and I had to stop myself from flying up in the air and using my laser eyes because this is all about fun today. We can pick it up after. Everyone’s been doing great, not too much, not too many big things, but you’ll see me flying around. I’ll keep an eye out.

OS: What’s your favorite part about being Superman at THON?

CC: Honestly, all the support. I walk by people and they go, “Superman! Superman!” I’m like, “Hey, that’s just my job. It’s my responsibility.”

OS: Why do you THON?

CC: I’ve had many members of my family die from cancer. I just thought to make sure that every kid, especially at this age, can live a beautiful life like I did myself.

OS: What would you say your kryptonite is?

CC: Those $15 chicken baskets outside gotta be. They’re making these abs look a little less defined.

OS: What reactions have you seen while dressed as Superman?

CC: The amount of people just walking into the BJC, and said, “Oh my God, it’s Superman. Can I take a picture?” It’s amazing, and it just makes me even more happy to be wearing my uniform, not my costume, my uniform. It’s just a great time.

OS: What’s in your fanny pack?

CC: All the things to save the world: wallet, keys, phone, Superman belt.

OS: What are you looking to get out of this experience?

CC: The four years that I’ve done THON, it’s always been just the most amazing experience hearing the stories of all of these different families, and that’s what I look forward to every year. What I’m really just trying to get is some smiles on people’s faces. Make the kids’ time better, make my friends’ time better, make some new connections, meet some great people.

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

CC: Probably a T-Rex. It’s a pretty generic answer, but giant head, small arms — just like Superman.