Today, the THON community is honoring a selfless man who gives of himself, his time, and his love to make sure that THON runs smoothly.  As the adviser to the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, he somehow manages to give individualized attention to those who are involved.  This man is Barry Bram, THON’s advisor (and the Senior Associate Director of Unions and Student Activities in Student Affairs), and we are about to really embarrass him.

We asked the Overall Committee to describe Barry in one or two sentences; a feat that proved to be almost impossible for them.  Everything that he does is so hard to explain in just a few sentences; Barry constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty.  Here’s what some of the people who work the closest with him had to say about everything that he has done for them and what he means to them.  This may seem a little long, but trust us, it’s well worth it:

Elaine Tanella, Overall  Chairperson:

“Barry is not only dedicated to THON as a cause, he is sincerely dedicated to every volunteer.  He is selfless, hardworking, and makes so many sacrifices to help THON and the students involved be successful.  He is not just an advisor. Barry is a friend, a mentor, and a therapist. Whether it’s a supporting hand, or a shoulder to lean on, Barry is always there for us at any time of the day.  Barry has had a huge impact on my life, and every student volunteer’s life. He will always be a dear friend and mentor to me.”

Mairead Hanna, Overall Rules and Regulations Chairperson:

“Barry has been a mentor, a friend, a sounding board, and a therapist. It would be nearly impossible to summarize this year without including Barry somewhere in that summary. Though October is over meaning that Barry’s “Be Nice to Mairead Month” has come to an end, he is one of the most influential people I’ve met during my Penn State journey. THON 2012’s theme is an homage to people like him who greet every day and every person as a gift. I’m immeasurably grateful to have him in my life.”

Vicki Marone, Overall Finance Chairperson:

“Barry was integral in the success of Canning Drop Off #1 on October 3rd! He was in the HUB with us for 22 hours, and helped our just as much as a Finance Captain! He was awesome :)”

Pat Howley, Overall Supply Logistics Chairperson:

“Barry is one of the most genuine, caring, and sincere individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Barry is always thinking about others and what he can do for everyone else, he is the epitome of selfless. Not only is Barry constantly there for us when it comes to everything relating to the business side of THON but he is always there for people as somewhat of a counselor. Barry is amazing.”

Kinjal Mathur, Overall Entertainment Chairperson:

“I don’t really know where to start talking about what all Barry has done for me, the rest of the Overall Committee, THON or student activities in general. He somehow finds the perfect balance of guiding me but still letting me do the work for my own - making my own mistakes and learning for them - knowing that it would help me in the long run. The best part about Barry is that his support and care goes far beyond THON - he genuinely cares about everything that every single student does and will do anything he can to support them.”

Charlotte Kohl, Overall Communications Chairperson:

“Barry is an exceptional mentor to not just the Overall Committee, but the entire THON community. When things may get chaotic, whether it be in the office with a lot going on or an individual simply being a stressed student, Barry is there to be a calming source with advice on how to best address a problem. He has some of the most telling insight into difficult decisions, but can break it down into the most fundamental aspects, and allow us to make the final call without influencing us in any way.  With that being said, Barry is probably the biggest influence on us! He epitomizes the caring organization that THON is; he makes us feel secure without coddling us, and encourages us to grow as leaders, students, individuals and as a Committee without ever forcing us.”

Anuj Upadhyay, Overall Donor and Alumni Relations Chairperson:

“Barry Bram, even though he would never tell you, is one huge reason why THON is so successful. He is able to advise the students every single year without making our decisions. He truly just wants to help THON in any way he can, whether that is hosting us at his house to pick the theme or staying up late with us on Sundays after our meetings. Personally, Barry is a great soundboard for any and all issues I am having, whether they are related to THON or not.”

Will Martin, Overall OPPerations Chairperson:

“As much as Barry does not want to admit it, he is the face of THON and provides new insight each year. The long hours and sleepless nights that Barry puts into THON are immeasurable. He passes his wealth of knowledge and leadership on to each generation which is what makes this organization so successful. Above all else, Barry has the biggest heart I have ever known. Every single day he greets you will a warm smile that makes you realize it is going to be a good day. That is Barry.”

Andrew Ogburn, Overall Technology Chairperson:

“Barry is amazing because of the amount of work he puts into THON.  Despite his extraordinary responsibilities within the University, he’s always willing to take time out of his day to talk about literally anything with any THON Volunteer.  He is of THON’s biggest heroes!”

Jackie Swerdon, Overall Merchandise Chairperson:

“Barry is the most hard-working, dedicated, and humble person I have ever met. I love Barry because he’s what’s right in the world. He’s always there for us and knowing we have his support makes any bad day better. I respect how observant he is in everything we do or say, and if we respond to the question “how is your day” with a “good” and smile, he’ll know if we mean it or not. No matter who you are, or how Barry knows you, you can walk into his office, sit down and chat with lunch or do work on the computer, no matter what. He makes Penn State great for all of us students, and I don’t think I can ever truly thank Barry enough for everything. I don’t know if he’ll ever know how special he is to me and the entire THON community and well as the Penn State community. I hope everyone is lucky enough to get to know Barry in their 4 years here!”

Kirsten Quisenberry, Overall Public Relations Chairperson:

“Barry Bram is the most selfless, giving individual that I know. He is more than willing to take time out of his busy schedule for anyone. Sounding board, therapist, mentor and friend, he assumes whatever role we need. Whenever I am unsure of myself, he gives me the encouragement to excel. This year’s theme is Brighten Every Journey and I believe that Barry is a true exemplification of that message every day. THON is proud to be entirely student-run, but we could not do what we do without Barry’s constant support and encouragement.”

Kaylee Tully, Overall Family Relations Chairperson:

“Barry has such a sincere dedication for the Four Diamonds families. He loves hearing about their milestones and accomplishments, but also always lends a shoulder to lean on when a family undergoes a difficult time. He understands the commitment of all our volunteers as well and makes sure we are finding balance in our lives. His care for this entire philanthropy is more than anything that can be put in words and that is why we are absolutely blessed to have him.”

Gen Goldsmith, Overall Morale Chairperson:

“Barry Bram: I have never met a person more selfless, calm, level headed and caring than Barry Bram. I wish that everyone had a Barry Bram in their life because I guarantee that it would make their life richer and more enjoyable in every aspect. Someone actually asked me once one of my favorite parts about being on the Overall Committee that most people would not guess or realize and I told them getting to know Barry better. Being privileged to have Barry in my life and learn from his wisdom has been priceless. I love every aspect of Barry and only hope he one day realizes how important he is to all of us and the impact he makes on us every day.”

Even if you have never met him personally, stop by his office in 242 HUB and let him know that you appreciate everything he has done and will continue to do not only for THON but for the student body. 

WE LOVE YOU BARRY!

Love,

THON 2012