UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Two Penn State online learners will represent Penn State World Campus in THON 2026, the University’s student-run dance marathon that raises money for childhood cancer research, which will be held from Feb. 20 to 22.
Graduate student Jenna Baker and undergraduate student Robert Billings will dance the weekend away to support those impacted by pediatric cancer.
This is the fourth year that Penn State World Campus will have students participating in the annual signature Penn State event.
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 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. Supporters and Four Diamonds families cheer on the dancers in the Bryce Jordan Center.
The students will be dancing through World Campus Benefitting THON, a student organization open to all World Campus online learners. The student organization is led by Billings and undergraduate student Olivia Bolinsky, who serve as co-presidents. Supporters can follow the organization's Instagram account, @WorldCampusBenefittingTHON, for updates throughout the year and during THON weekend.
Billings works as a controls engineer at General Motors and will graduate from the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering program in May. The student organization provides a sense of community for geographically separated peers.
“Everyone is there genuinely because they want to help and be a part of it,” said Billings, who previously participated in THON as a University Park student. “It helps you meet people who are like-minded and maybe aren’t in the same majors or job field.”
He returns as a dancer for World Campus Benefitting THON and is joined by Baker, who has participated in THON as Penn State University Park student over the past five years.
“I’m so grateful to continue my involvement because it was such a big part of my journey at Penn State University Park,” she said.
Baker is enrolled in the Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Communications program and works as a development specialist intern for the Four Diamonds Fund in her hometown of Hershey, Pennsylvania. She is the merch chair for World Campus Benefitting THON.
Additional Penn State World Campus students, alumni and staff members will join the dancers for THON weekend.
Baker and Billings both said they’ve made lifestyle adjustments to physically prepare for THON weekend. They know 46 hours on their feet will challenge them.
“Once you get to the second day of THON, it’s really the reminder of who you’re doing it for that keeps you going. It makes it easier when you are surrounded by people who are so dedicated,” Billings said.
“When you’re inside the Bryce Jordan Center, you can’t possibly forget what you’re standing for,” Baker said. “Seeing the little kids run around makes it hard to forget.”
Penn State World Campus Student Affairs provides support and guidance to more than 20 student organizations, including World Campus Benefitting THON.
“The passion, commitment, and determination of our World Campus THON organization have been truly inspiring this year,” said Julie Fitzgerald, assistant director for student engagement in World Campus Student Affairs and the adviser to the THON organization. “It is always powerful to see World Campus students on the floor and actively participating in THON. Experiencing the energy of the BJC and witnessing firsthand the impact that can happen when the Penn State community comes together, united by a common goal, can be truly transformational.”
A Penn State education online
Penn State World Campus has been offering a Penn State education online for more than 25 years, with a comprehensive portfolio of more than 200 degree and certificate programs now available.
Students who attend Penn State through World Campus have access to a variety of activities that can help them get involved in the Penn State and World Campus communities. Students can participate in virtual clubs and events, and they can also attend major Penn State events — such as THON, Homecoming and commencement — in person.
Learn more about ways students can get involved as online learners through Penn State World Campus.