UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A group of Penn State World Campus students raised more than $20,000 during THON 2026 for Four Diamonds, which benefits pediatric cancer patients at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital.
The students are members of Penn State World Campus Benefitting THON, a student-run organization that fundraises year-round for the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. This year, the organization sent two dancers to participate in THON Weekend, held Feb. 20-22 at Penn State University Park. This is the fourth year World Campus dancers have participated in THON.
Each year, students raise money for children and families impacted by childhood cancer, and the donations go to the Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. Their philanthropic efforts culminate in the 46-hour dance marathon when students remain on their feet for the entirety of the event. All together, Penn State students raised $18,841,726.53 during THON 2026.
Graduate student Jenna Baker and undergraduate student Robert Billings represented World Campus on the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center, while their peers cheered on in the stands.
Penn State World Campus Benefitting THON raised $20,604.99, surpassing the group's previous fundraising record by more than $3,000. Additionally, the students' efforts were recognized within the Penn State community — for the first time, Penn State World Campus made the top 10 list for Commonwealth Campuses, coming in at No. 9.
Check out these photos from THON 2026!