Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to sit down with THON 2010 Overall Chairperson Caitlin Zankowski to talk about her experiences heading up the world's largest student-run philanthropy. Sitting around a table in 210 HUB, where so many crucial decisions regarding THON and its direction are made, we talked about her experiences as Overall Chair and where she would like to see THON go in the future.
Read on for the full interview.
Less than a week after the debauchery of State Patty's Day ended with some of the highest crime rates in years, students are looking to create another drinking-centric holiday. Luis Ramos (Sophomore - Civil Engineering) and Gustavo Caldeira (Junior - Finance) cited on the Facebook group that they created the fact that Cinco de Mayo falls during finals week as another reason to create a fake holiday and get drunk. They're asking students to "get your sombreros, mustaches, ponchos and margaritas ready, should be a good day no matter where you drink." As of writing, the group has over 1000 members (and was growing rapidly).
Read on for my take on this idea, as well as a sweet Five Second Film.
Encampment was launched by President Eisenhower (of Penn State, not the United States) way back in 1952 as an annual event bringing together all types of student leaders to promote dialogue within the student body.
When Gavin Keirans ran for his second term as president last spring, one of his major platform planks was the revival of Encampment (the last one was held in 2001).
This fall, President Keirans installed Greg Tallman as the Director of Encampment. At that time, Keirans described Tallman as a "prime time" person. Though his resume is indeed pretty rocking (THON Overall, Homecoming King), his success at reviving the inititve won't be clear until Sunday March 21, when Encampment opens once again.
Tallman describes the motivations behind the event,
Through Encampment, we hope to create a forum to better enable the students of this University to be recognized. We also hope that you take this time to reach out to other student leaders and create a dialogue voicing any issues you see lacking focus at Penn State.
We met with Greg last night in Old Main to help him announce a special offer for the Penn State undergraduate community. He has 25 spots to offer the free-agents, so to speak, of Penn State-- those students who are engaged and committed to the betterment of our university, but perhaps aren't involved in leadership positions with any major campus organizations.
Encampment will be hosted by the UPUA at the Penn Stater Conference Center on Sunday March 21 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and transportation between the HUB and the Penn Stater will be available. Students interested are asked to email [email protected] expressing their interest no later than Friday March 5.
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That's right, ladies and gentlemen. LaVar Arrington, one of the most astounding products of Linebacker U is now part of the blogosphere.
In what our very own Publisher has called "Kanye-caliber" writing, Arrington has been sharing his thoughts on everything from D.C. Sports to Tiger Woods on the site since February 20th. He could use a proofreader and tends to slip into TYPING IN ALL CAPS, but otherwise it's a great resource for tapping into the mind of a former Nittany Lion.
Over 50 high schools throughout Pennsylvania danced in Mini THONs this past weekend, helping raise considerable funds for Four Diamonds. One such school, Cumberland Valley, raised $61,792.05 this year.
According to the THON website, Mini THONs made up for 10 percent of donations to the Four Diamonds Fund in 2008 and have raised about $4 million to date!
After the jump, check out this video of the Cumberland Valley Mini THON 2010 Line Dance!
Do you love Apple and are currently looking for a job post graduation? Then this is your lucky day! According to Twitter (and to a lesser extent Nittany Lion Career Network), there is an info session on Thursday night at 6:00pm in 112 Thomas for the Apple Store Leader Program.
That is right! Apple will be here at Penn State for an information session regarding this job posting. The Apple Store Leader Program is "a 24-month immersion in every aspect of managing and operating an Apple Retail Store." It seems like a great way to launch a career, especially if you are interested in retail.
Seems like a great way to kick start your resume and work on your leadership skills. It also gives you a chance to be a part of one of the coolest and most respected companies in the USA! Maybe even you'll get close to Steve Jobs' inner pot-smoking, yoga-practicing circle! Apply here!