Name: Nathan Reish

Major: Supply chain and information systems

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2023 — OPPerations committee member

THON 2024 — OPPerations committee member

THON 2025 — OPPerations Captain- Dancer Relations liaison

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

I wanted to serve on the THON 2026 Executive Committee because I want to do everything I can to help this incredible organization grow in a positive direction. Ever since I was young, I have watched the THON Weekend livestream and been in awe of what this community is able to accomplish. Since arriving at Penn State, THON has tremendously impacted my life in so many ways. I have made memories, met new friends, and learned what it means to be part of something bigger than myself. It has been so special to see countless college students selflessly volunteer their time, and I wanted to further my commitment to THON’s mission.

Children should never have to grow up in a hospital fighting cancer; families should not have to worry about paying medical bills when supporting a sick child. I have always been inspired by THON’s impact as we fight childhood cancer and support Four Diamonds families. I am truly honored to work with so many passionate student volunteers to strive for the day we may dance in celebration of a cure.

What are your responsibilities as a THON Director?

As the Hospitality Director, I am responsible for supporting 24 captains and approximately 350 committee members as we “Fuel The Fight” for all families, dancers, spectators, and volunteers. I work alongside my captains to procure and serve all food and beverage donations at THON events, and I support important initiatives such as accommodating special dietary needs, emphasizing sustainable practices, and following food safety guidelines.

To minimize internal costs, I work with Hospitality’s donors to ensure that all food and beverages are 100% donated. This requires maintaining strong relationships with current donors while seeking new partnerships to support THON. In addition to acquiring donations for THON Events, HOS organizes many profit-share promotional events at local restaurants where a percentage of sales is donated to THON. Promos are an exciting way to fundraise, support local businesses, and give volunteers a place to bond. On the Executive Committee, I represent HOS and collaborate with the directors to execute THON-wide initiatives and grow the organization.

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

I hope to implement thorough event data tracking. By recording the number of people served, times when menu items run out, and quantities of leftovers in a well-organized manner, future Hospitality Captains and Directors may use that information to make better decisions on donation proposals. Accurate event data can eliminate excessive leftovers, which will support THON’s sustainability initiatives.

New to THON 2026, the Hospitality Committee has added two additional captains, bringing the total to 24. We have also implemented a new committee structure with a Meals Team and Donor Relations Team, each led by a coordinator captain. The new positions and committee structure are helpful additions, and it has been rewarding to implement this expansion with my captains. We have already seen the positive effects of this change, and I am excited to see how it supports Hospitality captain committees for years to come.

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

I love Hospitality because of the incredible committee culture. No matter if committee members are working the fryers in the Bryce Jordan Center concession stands during a basketball game or having fun dancing with their committee at HOS Got Talent, volunteers always embrace the HOS culture. Seeing a community of volunteers all wearing HOS Pink makes each event even more special. Hospitality committee members get to support many different groups during THON Weekend, including serving spectators at concession stands, dancers during dancer meals, and Four Diamonds families during family meals. Hospitality’s culture, mixed with unique experiences, provides committee members with the opportunity to make memories and an impact.

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

I hope to fulfill the food and beverage needs of every single family, dancer, volunteer, and spectator at pre-THON Events and THON Weekend. My goal is for each menu to be full of tasty options that fuel attendees and improve their event experience. A special dietary need should never be a barrier to an individual enjoying a THON Event, so I hope to create menus that properly accommodate everyone’s individual needs.

Further, I strive to cultivate new partnerships with donors while sustaining existing relationships. Hospitality feeds thousands of individuals throughout the year entirely through donations, so donor retention and expansion are crucial. We are very grateful to have so many generous partners in the fight against childhood cancer.

Why do you THON?

I THON for the joy that this amazing community creates. There is no better feeling than seeing Four Diamonds families smiling and enjoying THON Events. I am honored to work with countless volunteers who selflessly give their time to make a difference in the lives of families who need it most. I will always be grateful for this opportunity to help children grow up, make memories, and smile.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory is the time I spent with my family on the event floor during THON Weekend 2025. I loved showing them around, supporting my friends who were dancing, and embracing the sea of colors and joy within the BJC. There are so many other great moments that I will never forget, like watching The Fray perform, total reveal, and even teardown!

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

Sauropod— these dinosaurs were so big that they ate constantly just to survive. Sauropods would have appreciated the Hospitality Committee back in the day to fuel their lifestyle!