Penn State has 20 branch campuses across the Commonwealth, but some students made the trip to University Park this weekend for THON 2024.

According to Bailey Hayes from the Wilkes-Barre campus, her first time at Penn State THON has been a life-altering experience.

This has been a bucket list thing of mine for years. I grew up watching this on TV, Hayes, a third-year studying criminal justice, said. This was something I had to be a part of.

Riley Fegley from the Penn State Altoona campus attended THON to support her friends who are dancers.

Im really excited to be here and see all of this for the first time, Fegley, a second-year studying criminology, said. It's a really cool experience to have.

Jeremy Kou traveled over two hours from the Penn State York campus to attend THON for the first time.

Im here to help the kids, Kou, a first-year studying political science, said.

When asked about his future plans, Kou responded, Hell yeah Im coming next year.

Gavan Quimby from Penn State Scranton and a member of the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments said while supporting the student government dancers, he was happy to see familiar faces.

It's honestly awesome to see a lot of the Commonwealth campuses. As a member of student government, I saw a lot of these guys two weeks ago at CCSG, Quimby, a second-year studying information sciences and technology, said.

This year is Rita Nis second THON attendance.

From Penn State York, Ni, a second-year studying accounting, shared that going last year motivated her to become treasurer of Penn State York THON.

I wanted to do a position in THON, Ni said. I wanted to help in some way so I was like, Treasurer is the best option.

Raylee Gibbons attended Penn State Mont Alto and recently graduated with a degree in human development and family studies. This is her fifth THON but first time as an alumni.

Gibbons shared her commitment to THON is personal.

My father passed away when I was four from cancer so (the Four Diamonds Foundation) has always been a special place in my heart.

Gibbons involvement with THON has included dancing in 2022, serving as a primary chair and as a Family Relations chair.

It's an amazing organization that Ill forever continue to support, Gibbons said.

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Branch campus students describe motivation for attending THON 2024 - The Daily Collegian