Stephanie Fuss, '11
Meet our first featured member, Stephanie Fuss! She helped organize a team for DC Dance Marathon, an event that raised almost $40,000!
A new feature that we're happy to introduce on the website is featured members. We know that all of you do amazing stuff every day, and we want to get the word out there. For our first featured member, we are happy to introduce Stephanie Fuss ('11), one of the leaders of Team Penn State at the inaugural DC Dance Marathon this past November.
So you are our first featured members. Congratulations! How does it make you feel?
It’s quite an honor to be one of the first featured members! As a recent Penn State grad who's new to DC, it feels great to represent the largest Alumni Chapter in a positive light. Being a Penn Stater is something that will forever be a part of me, and being an active member is part of the way I can give back to my alma mater that has given me so much already.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m from Blakeslee, PA (in the Poconos). I’m a 2011 graduate majoring in Public Relations and Advertising, with double minors in Business and Sociology.
What did you get involved in while at school?
I began my Penn State journey at Penn State Hazleton. I was the Public Relations Captain for THON, known as “HazleTHON,” PR Chair for the Blue and White Society, a member of Lion Ambassadors, and I also was on the Cheerleading team freshman year.
During my sophomore year, I was 1 of 4 people selected as a THON Dancer to represent Hazleton in THON 2009!
Junior year, I made the transition up to University Park, and was on the CCSG (Council of Commonwealth Student Governments) Morale Team, I was also involved in the PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America), a teacher’s assistant in Sociology and a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society.
Senior year, I had the honor of having my own Morale Committee made up of 35 student leaders, serving as the CCSG Morale Captain for THON 2011.
 Wow, you really were involved. So how did you first hear about DC Dance Marathon?
I heard about the DC Dance Marathon through a Penn State alum during a PSU Alumni Volunteer Recruiting Event in Maryland. She mentioned that in November there would be a Dance Marathon to raise money and awareness for the local Children’s Hospital. She also mentioned that there was a Morale Committee, and being a former THON Dancer (2009) Moraler (2010) and Morale Captain (2010),
I was ecstatic to learn that DC was having its very own Dance Marathon.I recruited Arielle Gart (Morale Captain 2010) to Co-Chair the Morale Overall position with me. We began to recruit Committee members shortly after.
What's a little background on the event?
Dance Marathon (DM) is a nationwide movement, involving young professionals across the country raising money for the Children's Miracle Network hospital in their community. The members of DC DM spend a year raising funds for Children's National Hospital in a variety of ways and interacting with children's hospital patients and families.
The year culminates with a 13.1 hour long event where we'll stay on our feet dancing; playing games and entertaining in order to celebrate the total amount raised that year and the lives of the children who have benefitted from Dance Marathon and Children's Miracle Network. The inaugural event was held on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Embassy Suites DC Convention Center.
How many people were on your team?
Arielle and I had a Morale Committee of 5 Penn State alumni who were all involved in THON as undergrads at University Park. Officially, the DC Dance Marathon had a grand total of over 180 online registrants; around 130 of them made it to the event.
Arielle and I spread the word to Penn State and THON members, asking them for their support. We explained that though this event did not benefit Hershey Medical Center or THON, it would raise money and awareness for children who are in need.
Arielle and I discussed this situation with the Children’s Miracle Network advisors and explained that the PSU THON students should not be asked to fundraise, since they are previously committed to fundraising for THON 2012. Having the student’s support meant the most to us!
The Penn State students formed a committee, consisting of 64 participants. PSU won the award at the DCDM for “Largest Team!”
How much money did DC Dance Marathon end up making?
In its inaugural year, the DC Dance Marathon raised an outstanding total of $37,205.30, FOR THE KIDS benefiting Children’s National Medical Center.
What's the first thing that comes to mind that makes you the most proud of your school?
That we have raised awareness for childhood cancer and contributed more than $78 million dollars since 1973 to Hershey Medical center. Also, that we have the largest alumni-network in the world!
I really miss being involved in THON as an undergrad and the entire atmosphere of the city of State College.
How long have you been living in DC?
I moved here after graduation in May 2011 to complete an internship with a company called TechAmerica. I was hired at the end of August by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) as the Communications Coordinator and Bulletin Editor. So far, 8 months and counting…
How long have you been involved with the PSU DC Chapter?
I became a member with the PSU DC Chapter when I moved to DC after graduation, but recently I became more involved in the Chapter working with the Knight of Diamonds Gala benefiting THON and Children’s National Medical Center. Arielle and I are the Marketing/Communications Overalls for the 2012 event.
What's something coming up that you're looking forward to doing?
Penn State’s THON is just around the corner, and it is my favorite weekend out of every year. I am looking forward to being surrounded by thousands of people who share the same passion I do for Penn State, THON and helping children and families. I could not be more proud to still be involved in THON with the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group (DMAIG) and other ways as an alumnus. I’m looking forward to taking the weekend in from a different point of view and being floored by the amazing total raised!
Any recommendations for anyone thinking of trying to get more involved in the area?
Put yourself out there. Get involved with the Chapter and different networking events in the DC area. You will meet great people who share the similar passions and develop connections. Always stay true to the White and Blue, cherish the memories made during your undergraduate career and build upon them as an alumni. Give back, and try to do one “good deed” a day.
Congratulations to Stephanie, Arielle, and everyone on Team Penn State for raising some great money for a great cause!
Know someone else who you think would be a great featured member for the future? If so, email your nominations to info@psuwashdc.org. You could get someone you know to be featured on our website soon!
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