THON Director Thursday: Meet THON 2025 Entertainment Director Stephen Black

Name: Stephen Black

Major: Finance

Minor: Economics

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2022: First-Year Committee Member
THON 2023: Entertainment Committee Member
THON 2024: Entertainment Captain: R&R/OPP DJ

What made you want to apply for a director position for THON 2025?

Over the past three years, I’ve witnessed the incredible impact that THON has had on families battling this terrible disease, providing both emotional and financial support. THON’s mission brings together an incredible community of students, alumni, supporters, and families. There is nothing else like it. From my first volunteer role as a first-year committee member to becoming the Entertainment director for THON 2025, my passion for THON’s mission has grown immensely each year.

I wanted to apply to be a director for THON 2025 to further contribute to the impact of THON’s efforts by developing and empowering our volunteers to make a difference in the lives of children and families, fostering connections between all of our volunteers, and driving forward our mission.

What are your responsibilities as a THON director?

As the Entertainment director for THON 2025, my primary responsibility is to ensure the highest quality of audio and visual production at all of our pre-THON events and during THON Weekend. In my role, I serve as the liaison to external production partners, including the Bryce Jordan Center. I also have the unique privilege to work alongside PNC and Four Diamonds to select the national act this year.

Additionally, I oversee a committee of incredible captains whose responsibilities include organizing each event’s timeline, producing the live stream, and recruiting talent to perform at THON events.

What do you want to implement in your position this year that differs from years past?

This year, Entertainment has critically analyzed the THON Weekend timeline. We have strategically placed performers, bands, and other events on the timeline to create gradual energy level shifts, both upward and downward. More gradual movements in activity and energy on stage will allow dancers to adapt over time, and hopefully further improve dancer morale throughout the weekend. We believe that these changes will create an impact beyond the dancers and will elevate the spectator experience for all of THON’s stakeholder groups, both in-person and on our livestream.

What makes your committee so cool, fun, and/or important?

Entertainment has a dynamic nature. We are responsible for creating excitement on stage and interacting with the spectators at all our THON events. Entertainment is also tasked with overseeing key production elements, including all audio and visual components, in collaboration with our production partners.

I also have to mention my amazing committee of captains. They all bring such incredible passion and energy to everything that Entertainment takes on throughout the year. I am incredibly proud of them and honored to be their director this year.

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with your committee for THON 2025?

My overall goal for Entertainment is to continue to improve the spectator experience. This goal is achieved by providing the highest quality of audio and visual production, bringing premier talent to the THON stage, and reflecting on feedback to drive impactful change to our events.

Why do you THON?

I THON for a future where the words “Your child has cancer,” will never be spoken again.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory was the total reveal for THON 2024. As my first time as a captain, I was able to be on the floor for this special moment. The Entertainment captain committee was able to all stand at the side of the stage and experience the culmination of months of hard work all together. Being alongside my co-captains and seeing the entire BJC celebrate together is a memory I will have forever.

Per Onward State tradition, if you could be any dinosaur, which one would you be and why?

I would be the Argentinosaurus because it is considered to be the largest dinosaur ever discovered. Have to go big or go home.