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Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 6:26 am Post subject: Press Release - Mar 27, 2006 - THON Changes with Move to BJC
DMAIG Listserve Update – Changes to THON with Move to BJC
Earlier this morning, a press release was issued by the THON Overall Committee, stating that in conjunction with THON’s move to the BJC in 2007, the duration of THON will be reduced by a yet to be determined amount of hours. Below are the facts as we currently understand them:
• The 2006 Overall Committee commissioned a team to move THON to the BJC for 2007. The students decided the move was necessary to address safety and sanitation concerns associated with Rec. Hall and to enable more people to take part in the event during THON weekend.
• The Penn State administration worked with the NCAA, Big Ten and BJC to obtain permission for this move to occur. Penn State basketball teams were granted a blackout weekend for a weekend in February.
• As a condition of the move to the BJC, THON will be required to end by 4:00pm on Sunday and will be something less than 48 hours to allow for the BJC to transition back to its normal operation (current overalls are working on what the exact change will be).
• The University has stated the reduction of time is needed in order to meet the agreement reached between the BJC, the athletic teams, and the Big Ten.
• The DMAIG has been involved since THON weekend 2006 by meeting with the students and university officials to better understand the reasons for this change. Our goal has been to support the students and understand the process as to how this change occurred. The DMAIG is continuing to work with the students and the university.
After reading the press release below, we encourage you to post your thoughts to this change here on the DMAIG Website Message Boards. Your feedback will also be reviewed by the THON Overall Committee. We will provide you with further updates and information as it becomes available.
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Monday March 27, 2006
Changes Made to Ensure the Future of THON
The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon announces several changes for THON 2007 and beyond in order to secure the future of the event. As of February 2007, THON will be officially moved to the Bryce Jordan Center.
The motivation behind the change in venues is to allow for greater participation, improved safety, and better support services for everyone involved in the event. The Bryce Jordan Center will give more people the opportunity to view the event in its entirety. During THON 2006, the doors to Rec Hall were closed four times because the crowds were so large. With the move, this should not be a problem in the future.
The Bryce Jordan Center also provides better accommodations for everyone involved including the families, kids, students and members of the Penn State community. This will give the Four Diamonds Families better access to the students throughout the weekend as well as allowing for them to stay in the same building throughout THON.
Another change that will be accompanying the move will be a modification of the length of the event. The festivities will conclude shortly after 4 PM on Sunday, a change from the 7 PM ending from years prior.
Penn State President Graham Spanier negotiated with the Big 10 Conference, at the request of THON’s student leaders, to allow for a blackout of home men’s and women’s basketball games on THON weekend. The agreement with athletics officials included a commitment to shorten the window the facility is unavailable for other purposes.
With this new schedule, those traveling to State College to experience THON weekend will have more flexibility, and students who participate will have increased recovery time.
Penn State’s THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. The location, length, and format for THON have evolved through its 33 years. This move will enable Penn State students to secure a productive future for THON.
“We are really excited about the opportunities available at the BJC, we know that
the continuing commitment from our students, faculty, and alumni will allow for a smooth transition so we can maintain our focus on our mission of providing superior support and care for children battling pediatric cancer,” stated Evan Jacobs, THON 2006 Overall Chairperson, and Mike Funk, THON 2007 Overall Chairperson.
Despite all of the changes occurring for THON, the spirit and motivation will remain the same; For The Kids.
For more information about Penn State Dance Marathon or the upcoming changes please visit www.thon.org.
