Name: Kristin Bayuk

Major: Finance with a minor in information systems management

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2023 — Rules and Regulations Committee Member 

THON 2024 — Dancer Relations Committee Member  

THON 2025 — Dancer Relations Captain  

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

I wanted to be a director because I knew I had more to give back to THON. This organization has given me so much: a home, a family, and a community filled with passionate and kindhearted individuals. THON has shaped who I am, and I wanted to immerse myself even more in this space to give back to the cause that has given me so much. I wanted to continue serving our families in an even greater capacity, making sure they feel supported and loved. I wanted to help share THON’s mission with more people, inspiring others to join in the fight so that one day every child can simply be a kid, to play, laugh, dream, and grow without the burden of cancer. I am so grateful to play even a small part in making that future possible, and stepping into a director role allows me to make the greatest impact I can for our families and this mission. 

What are your responsibilities as a THON Director?

As the Special Events Director, I oversee the planning, logistics, and execution of all pre-THON events, such as the THON 5K powered by PNC, 100 Days ‘Til THON Celebration, Family Carnival, THON Athletic Events, THON Showcase, No Hair Don’t Care, and more. The Special Events Committee is committed to ensuring that the magic and excitement of THON is felt year-round by creating events to spark lifelong memories for Four Diamonds families, organizations, volunteers, and the entire THON community. 

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

This year, one of the biggest things we implemented was the THON Golf Scramble, which is something that had never been done before. This was a completely new and untapped area for THON, and it was really exciting to be part of starting something from the ground up. Hosting it at the Penn State golf course made it even more special, and it allowed us to connect with a new group of supporters while still staying true to our mission. I am really proud of the work that went into making this event successful, and I am excited to see it continue to grow and become a long-term part of THON in the future. This experience showed me how important it is to be creative and willing to take risks in order to keep our events fresh and impactful. 

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

What makes the Special Events Committee so special is that the love and support of the THON community extends far beyond just one weekend in February. Our committee helps organize several large-scale events throughout the year that keep the excitement, passion, and purpose of THON alive for our Four Diamonds families, volunteers, and the entire community. Each event gives people another opportunity to come together, celebrate our cause, and remember why we do this work. Being part of a committee that creates these meaningful moments is incredibly rewarding, and it makes every long meeting, late night, and challenge worth it. 

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

Going into this year, my main goal was to build on the strong foundation that previous Special Events committees had created while also finding ways to make our events even better. I wanted to take a critical look at every detail, no matter how small, and think about how we could use each event to better highlight our THON families, engage spectators, expand our outreach, and increase our fundraising impact. Another major goal was to strengthen collaboration across the entire THON community and truly listen to feedback from families, volunteers, and other committees. By doing this, we were able to create events that felt more intentional, inclusive, and meaningful. Overall, I hoped to leave the committee stronger than I found it and set future leaders up for success. 

Why do you THON?

My passion for THON has continued to grow every single day since I first became a volunteer in the fall of 2022. I am constantly finding new reasons to stay involved and give my all to this organization. Every time we hear a family story in a meeting or get the chance to interact with a THON family at an event, I am reminded of how powerful this community truly is. It amazes me that a group of students can come together and make such a life-changing impact. Cancer has unfortunately affected my family in difficult ways, and that has made this mission even more personal to me. I THON because I want to be part of creating a future where fewer families have to experience that pain, and where every child and family feels supported, loved, and hopeful. 

What’s your favorite THON memory?

It is so hard to choose just one favorite THON memory, but if I had to pick, it would be the total reveal from THON 2025. Being able to stand there with the people who had been by my side all year, sharing in that moment together, is something I will never forget. We got to see all of our hard work pay off and feel the impact it would have on so many families. There were endless hugs, so much joy, and tears that were filled with gratitude and love. In that moment, I was reminded just how special this community is and how lucky I am to be part of it. It was a memory I will carry with me forever. 

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

T. rex because they are iconic.