UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From its 1973 inception with 78 dancers dedicated to raising money for a worthwhile cause, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) has grown into the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. This year, when the 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon is held Feb. 17-19, the University Libraries will be participating with three events, in addition to serving in its role as the official archives of THON.
Returning during THON weekend at the Bryce Jordan Center, a five-panel display, “THON Then and Now,” with images, themes, and fundraising totals from previous years, will be on the concourse for supporters and visitors to enjoy. The display is also part of the history tour.
The display panels at the Jordan Center are just one of the ways the Penn State University Libraries is involved with THON. Penn State students, faculty, staff, parents, community members, and visitors to campus are invited to gather in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, on Sunday, Feb. 19, to watch the live stream of the final four hours of THON on a big screen. Doors open at noon and the event concludes after the final fundraising total is revealed at approximately 4 p.m.
In conjunction with the live-stream viewing, the University Libraries will showcase a selection of images, artifacts, and video from the collection representing the past 40 years in a “pop-up” exhibit. This special exhibit will be open from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19, in the Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, on Penn State’s University Park campus.
University Libraries events for THON weekend are:
THON Museum and THON History Tour: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, through 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, Bryce Jordan Center concourse
The University Libraries five-panel display, titled “THON Then and Now,” will be in the THON Museum throughout THON Weekend on the Jordan Center concourse.
Final Four-Hour Viewing: noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park
The final four hours of the THON event will be live streamed on the big screen for students from all Penn State campuses, parents, community members, visitors, and everyone who wants to watch and celebrate with Penn Staters as the final fundraising total is revealed.
THON Exhibit: noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, University Park
In conjunction with the live viewing of THON, the Mann Assembly Room will be transformed into an exhibit space featuring THON images, artifacts, and video from the past 40 years.
Visit thon.org for more information about the event. To donate to THON, visit donate.thon.org.