Name: Lauren Mellas

Major: Criminology with minors in graphic design and sociology

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2024 Graphic Design Captain

THON 2025 Graphic Design Captain

What made you want to apply for a director position for THON 2026?

I wanted to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world so that one day, no family has to receive the news that their child has cancer.

Too often, someone around you has their own personal connection to cancer. It can feel all-consuming, like it’s taking over, but THON provides hope. THON makes me believe that one day, we will dance in celebration of a cure.

I never thought finding a cure was possible until THON Weekend 2023. That was my first THON Weekend. I was a first-year, out-of-state student on a first-year committee. I had never even heard of THON until a friend down the hall encouraged me to apply. Little did I know that decision would be the best one I ever made.

Being in the BJC that weekend was magical. It made me believe. It fueled my passion for the mission so much that I applied to be a THON Captain for THON 2024 and then again for THON 2025. That same passion and drive pushed me to apply for the executive committee for THON 2026.

What are your responsibilities as a THON Director?

As the Public Relations-Digital Content Director for THON 2026, I am responsible for serving as the voice of THON to spread awareness for THON’s mission on a local, state, and national level, uplifting and empowering the beautiful stories of our organization.

I lead a committee of 19 captains, including digital marketing, graphic design, social media, and video production!

The public relations committee is home to two CM committees, including photography and production, overseen by four of the Public Relations Captains. Being a director means serving as a member of the executive committee, where I work with the other 18 directors to share our mission. I work to promote campaigns, initiatives, and pre-THON Weekend events leading up to THON Weekend. 

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

This year, I’m looking to use analytics more to inform decisions around our content. Social media is a super useful tool to spread our mission, and I want to ensure that we are using it to its fullest potential. 

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

Something that makes Public Relations-Digital Content so special is that we can capture the magic of THON. Whether that’s through photography, videography, our digital marketing efforts, or anything that is posted on our socials, we can share the magic of THON with those who aren’t at our pre-THON Weekend and THON Weekend events. 

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with your committee for THON 2026?

My vision for the Public Relations-Digital Content committee is to strengthen THON’s digital presence through strategic storytelling that inspires, educates, and engages year-round.

I am to create inclusive, accessible content that reflects the diversity of our organization and empowers every volunteer, organization, and family to see themselves in our mission. By fostering cross-team collaboration and structuring the committee like an agency, we can elevate the impact of our digital efforts and bring us closer to the day we dance in celebration of a cure.

Why do you THON?

I THON so that one day, no family has to receive the news that their child has cancer, a feeling I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy. I have had many loved ones impacted by cancer. Unfortunately, my experience is not unique.

Too often, someone around you has their own personal connection to cancer. It can feel all-consuming, like it’s taking over, but THON provides hope. THON makes me believe that one day, we will dance in celebration of a cure. 

What’s your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory is being on the floor for the past two years when dancers stand. The energy in the BJC is amazing, and there are so many emotions. Seeing dancers, families, orgs, and other THON volunteers fill the BJC is so surreal, and it kicks off the best weekend ever! 

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

A pterodactyl.