World Campus celebrates first two THON dancers

• by Hannah Pollock

Penn State World Campus is celebrating its first two dancers to participate in THON™, a Penn State student-run philanthropy.

Danielle Ray holds up a diamond at THON 2023. Funds raised from THON go toward the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. Photo by Hannah Pollock

Brayden Caraynoff-Huber, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science student with a minor in history, and Danielle Ray, a Master of Business Administration student, stood for a cause during the 46-hour dance marathon at the Bryce Jordan Center on February 17–19.

Brayden Caraynoff-Huber was one of the first dancers from Penn State World Campus at THON. Photo by Lauren Wellar

Students started “Penn State World Campus for THON” in 2020. The group raised nearly $4,000 in its first year. This year, the group raised the $3,000 minimum to secure two spots for dancers. Penn State World Campus for THON raised $6,439.60, exceeding its 2023 fundraising goal of $5,000.

Danielle Ray (MBA student, center) is visited during THON by Julie Fitzgerald, co-curricular program coordinator for Penn State World Campus Student Affairs (left), and Karen Pollack, associate vice provost for Online Education (right). Photo by Brayden Caraynoff-Huber
Penn State students raised $15,006,132.46 for Four Diamonds at Penn State Children’s Hospital during THON 2023. Photo by Brayden Caraynoff-Huber

Caraynoff-Huber and Ray were among the more than 700 students who stood for 46 hours without sleep at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Ray drove from Hershey, while Caraynoff-Huber made the trip with family from Minooka, Illinois, to participate in the weekend.

THON 2023’s theme was “Foster the Magic.” Photo by Lauren Wellar
Brayden Caraynoff-Huber (center) is visited during THON by Julie Fitzgerald, co-curricular program coordinator for Penn State World Campus Student Affairs (left), and Karen Pollack, associate vice provost for Online Education (right). Photo courtesy of Brayden Caraynoff-Huber

“Being selected as a dancer for THON is an honor and a privilege,” he said. “It’s all about the kids; they are the true heroes. They are the reason I THON and will continue to do so until there is a cure.”

Participating in THON was a 27-year-long dream for Ray, who’s wanted to be a dancer since she finished her undergraduate degree at Penn State.

“It really means the world to me,” Ray said. “It connects me to the University and it connects me to a cause that’s been dear to my heart for a very long time.”

THON included performances, dance competitions, a kids talent show, and a Penn State pop culture–themed line dance each hour.

Ray’s goal was to learn all the words and moves to the minutes-long song.

“I promised myself by the end that I’m going to have it down,” she said Saturday morning.

By reducing the financial burden of a Penn State education, recipients are better able to take full advantage of all the opportunities offered by Penn State World Campus and become engaged, active members of the Penn State community. If you would like to consider financially supporting Penn State World Campus students, visit our Give to Penn State World Campus webpage.

Fellow Penn State World Campus student Rachel Russell takes a selfie with Danielle. Photo courtesy of Rachel Russell
More than 700 students participated by dancing and standing on the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center, while thousands more supported from the stands. Photo by Hannah Pollock

Media Contact:
Mike Dawson
mdawson@psu.edu