Courtney O'Bryan's death was and is, unmistakably, a tragedy. I think I speak for all of Penn State when I say how shocked and saddened we were to hear the dreadful news. But when I found out that THON had responded by mandating attendance at canning workshops, I wondered if the lesson her death taught us had actually been learned, or if the organization simply aimed to obfuscate the real risk.
With a little less than a month until our favorite weekend of the year, this week will offer a variety of events for students to get involved and hyped for THON. Starting tonight with a THON Bowl, see what other events are scheduled for the rest of the week.
In my article announcing the newly established Canning Workshops, I expressed my views on their purpose. While I still have no doubt that these came largely from University pressure, I believed vital information could be taken in by attentive participants, and that a review of basic safety tips never does one wrong. After having attended the very first workshop Monday afternoon, I was not shocked to find my opinion realized.
Yesterday evening, THON Overall Elaine Tanella released a statement declaring announcing mandatory Canning Workshops for all students who plan to participate in Canning Weekend #3. From Monday, January 16 to Wednesday, January 18, students canning will have to attend one of the 30-minute workshops (times listed after the jump). Tanella stated that the workshops will "overview safe canning practices, travel safety guidelines, general courtesy, and THON information," so as to ensure that each student is aware of and understands all canning policies.
However, why has the Overall Committee decided to institute these workshops, and is it necessary? Find out more information on the workshops and my thoughts after the jump.
THON wants you to go green by collecting cans and bottles for the THON Four Diamonds Recycling Effort (4DRE). Kicking off this past Monday, the event is an effort to help the environment while also raising money FTK. Find out how to join in after the jump.
What's with that blood stuff anyways? Apparently vampires don't exist (damn you, Twilight), so we're practically overflowing with that stuff. So what to do with it...How about donating it to THON? How about donating it today at the THON Kickoff Blood Drive?