Location: Bellefonte, PA
Connection to Four Diamonds: I am the General Manager of the Bryce Jordan Center (“Home” to THON).
Years of Involvement: As a student, I went to THON, but my professional career brought this full circle as THON outgrew Rec Hall and came over to the BJC 11 years ago in 2007.
How are/were you involved with Four Diamonds and THON?
I assist THON in all things related to the Bryce Jordan Center. I was also named the winner of the 2011 Kevin Steinberg Award.
Why is the partnership between Four Diamonds and THON important?
THON has been and will always be a very emotional weekend for all of those involved. My family has experienced many times over the impact cancer has on a family. Five years ago I became a father and each year during THON I see many kids the same ages as my two sons. I am thankful for their health and how lucky we are, and I want to share all I can to the kids and their families so they can take a step away from the hardships of the battle and just have fun and be kids.
What is your favorite memory?
There are so many memories I have about THON. I guess if I had to pick, my favorite one had to be the first year THON was in the BJC.
What is your dream for Four Diamonds and THON over the next 40 years?
Quite frankly, I hope that in 40 years THON is only here to celebrate that there is a cure for childhood cancer and that no more children are infected by this disease. If that’s not the case, I can only hope that for the next 40 years that our student body and the leaders that organize and run THON continue to be absolutely amazing individuals, and they continue to be a support system for families and a conversation starter for all the things that PSU students represent.
