Penn State Live-THON's ability to change with the times has it poised to build on remarkable history

Penn State Live: "THON's ability to change with the times has it poised to build on remarkable history
Tuesday, February 14, 2006

University Park, Pa. - In 1973, fraternities at Penn State faced an image problem at a time when college campuses were already a tempest of unrest. Optimism and hope in society in general had eroded, and this attitude pervaded the Greek community.

'We just wanted to have some fun and positive feelings,' said Bill Lear, who was president of Penn State's Interfraternity Council at the time, on the THON Web site. 'That was a year of anti-Vietnam sentiment and anti-conformity, and it was also a low Greek time. We wanted people who were happy to be Greek and wanted something fun to get us through the winter.'

From this unassuming beginning amidst a time of darkness was born Penn State's IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, a modest spark that has grown into one of University greatest shining lights and annual traditions."