UNIVERSITY PARK— There is a smiling boy walking through the HUB. People get excited from his presence, as if he is Saquon Barkley. But he is not another star athlete.
This young man is Austin Sommerer, the executive director of the world’s largest student run philanthropy, Penn State’s THON.
Austin Sommerer was born in Toms River, New Jersey, on Sept. 29, 1994. He grew up with two younger brothers, Logan and Josh. Logan is only two years younger and attends Penn State along with his older brother. Logan enjoys going to school with his older brother. “It’s super fun and usually people don’t put two and two together, so people don’t really treat me any differently,” Logan said.
Coming to PSU, Austin knew he wanted to get involved with THON. “I actually remember seeing news coverage of THON when I was a senior in HS on 6ABC during dinner one night and remember my mom telling me about it,” said Sommerer. “That absolutely sparked my interest and was a big reason why I came to Penn State.”
When he finally arrived at Penn State, he decided to join a THON committee. As a freshman, he did not know what to expect but he was excited for the opportunity to get involved. After his freshman year and first year as a committee member, Sommerer knew he wanted to continue his involvement over the coming years.
Sommerer applied to become a captain for THON 2015 and became an Entertainment captain. He was a co-captain with Joe Waterfield and the two became very close. Waterfield and Sommerer worked well together and have remained friends ever since their first position. Waterfield was pleased to hear Sommerer received the position for executive director this year, “I was not surprised at all when Austin was announced as Entertainment director for THON 2016 or as Executive Director for THON 2017,” said Waterfield. “Austin is a really dedicated volunteer and I knew he had what it took to lead THON to our best year yet. Austin has an ability to pull everyone together to accomplish a common goal.”
He thought Sommerer did an exceptional job as ED. “I think he did a great job leading up to THON. He has a unique balance of being a great leader while being a friend at the same time. That's a really important quality, especially in a student run organization,” said Waterfield.
The two try to make time for each other but it is hard for Sommerer to find time. As Communications captain this year for THON, Waterfield would need to meet to go over things for THON. Once Sommerer responded by giving Waterfield only three hours in an entire week of availability!
Although Sommerer is a busy student and THON volunteer, he never lost sight of his goals for THON 2017 and was humble throughout the experience. Waterfield commented on his humility. “He stayed humble throughout his entire time as a THON volunteer,” Waterfield said. “His roles may have changed but he still remained the same Austin from his first day as captain all the way up to the total reveal for THON 2017 as ED.”
Other THON captains agree with Waterfield and felt Sommerer was extremely humble as the ED. Alice Polansky was also a Communications captain this year and thought Sommerer did a great job. She did not work as closely with Sommerer as Waterfield did but was able to work with him throughout the year. “I met Austin this year as a COMM captain, and I've seen him throughout the year in office hours as well as meetings with him. I believe he led THON incredibly well, he was always very personable and asked if any of the Captains in the THON Office needed help,” said Polanksy. “Additionally, he made efforts to meet with me in regards to projects my co-captain and I wanted to do to help spread THON's mission from the State College community and beyond.”
Sommerer would not have been able to do such a wonderful job this year without his parents. “My parents are absolutely my role models,” said Sommerer.
They helped him throughout the year and even during THON weekend. “My family was so helpful in creating a really special experience for the families of the Executive Committee,” said Sommerer. “They coordinated various get-togethers for them and showed everyone the ropes during THON Weekend.”
Although the position of Executive Director was stressful and difficult at some points, Sommerer believed the position made him a better person. Sommerer said, “My involvement in THON has taught me more than I ever could have learned in a classroom. It pushed me to think critically about things, to plan ahead, to stay organized, and how to best manage my time. It taught me that anything is possible as long as you are utilizing your resources and surround yourself with people who share a similar mindset.”
Sommerer knows he has made a huge impact on Penn State. He does not think that people treat him differently. He knows some recognize him but is aware not all students know him. Sommerer would be right about that assumption. Freshman Amanda Denucci did not recognize the name “Austin Sommerer.” Denucci even said, “Who is that? Is he important?” However, some students do know who he is and are big fans. “Oh, my God, I love him!”
freshman Rachel Earthman said. “I want to marry him!”
Because of his huge commitment to THON this year, Austin’s graduation, with a marketing degree, will be later than others in his class. “I will be walking in May but not officially graduating until August, so still looking for a job,” said Sommerer. He said he does not mind the delay because running THON was one of the best experiences of his life. Sommerer is in search of a job and is hopeful for his future this coming fall as he enters into the “real world.”