Rattle of Theta Chi - For the Kids

The below story appeared in THE RATTLE - 2025 Summer Edition - written by Greg Rush, Assistant Editor

Penn State Theta Chis and the World’s Largest Student-Run Philanthropy

Bill Lear (Omega/Penn State 1973) - 1973 and Now

When Bill Lear (Omega/ Penn State 1973) helped launch a dance marathon at Penn State in 1973, it wasn’t out of grand ambition or a desire to start a legacy, so much as it was out of necessity. As the IFC President at the time, Lear found himself navigating a turbulent era marked by anti- war protests, race riots, and a growing mistrust in traditional institutions— Greek life included.

“The world was changing, we were losing chapters, and we were losing traditions,” he said. After a string of failed initiatives, including a canceled All-American football event and a Sugar Bowl trip that went belly-up, Lear and his IFC board were desperate to prove that the Greek community at Penn State could still make a meaningful impact.

So, in just three weeks, they created what they called the “IFC Dance Marathon,” gathering approximately 30 student participants and raising a modest $2,000 for The Arc of the United States (formerly known as the Association of Retarded Children). “I had a neighbor who was a babysitter, and she cared for a child with Down syndrome,” Lear explained. “It felt like a good thing to support.”

While Lear and others were satisfied with the result, no one expected the dance marathon to continue, let alone evolve into a campus-wide movement. “We weren’t trying to make it a tradition,” he said. “But when the next IFC board brought it back, and then Panhellenic got involved, it just kept growing.”

Now known as THON and benefitting the Four Diamonds Fund, the annual 46-hour dance marathon has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for families affected by pediatric cancer and is the world’s largest student-run philanthropy. And while Dr. Lear remains deeply honored to be recognized for his role in its origin, he’s always quick to redirect credit.

“I’m invited back most years, but I never want to take anything away from the students who make it what it is today. It’s not about me—it’s about the impact students can have on the world.”

He recalled being honored at the 25th anniversary for exemplifying one of the Four Diamonds’ core values—Wisdom, “I almost tripped over the 50-yard line receiving that award,” he chuckled. “To this day, I’m not sure there was any wisdom in that decision—but I’m glad it all worked out for the better.”

Keegan Sobczak (Omega/Penn State 2025)

In 2025, more than five decades later, the same spirit of initiative and service continued through Keegan Sobczak (Omega/Penn State 2025).

Last February, deep in the heart of Happy Valley, the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State once again became the epicenter of hope and unshakable community spirit. Led by executive director Keegan Sobczak throughout 2024/2025, THON shattered records by raising $17,737,040 for the fight against childhood cancer.

“As I stood on stage and read the final total aloud, I was overwhelmed by the emotion of the moment,” Keegan said. “The excitement, the love, the support; it all culminated in that number, but behind it were thousands of volunteers and millions of moments that made it possible.”

Watch THON executive director Keegan Sobczak (Omega/Penn State 2025) announce the final 2024/2025 campaign total at Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center

Under the banner of this year’s theme, “A Home for Hope,” Keegan and his team of student leaders guided more than 16,500 volunteers through a year of fundraising, awareness events, and personal connections with families impacted by childhood cancer. From late-night strategizing to early-morning logistics, Keegan played a key role in shaping the vision and impact of this extraordinary event.

For Keegan, the cause was deeply personal. Having experienced the impact of cancer diagnoses within his own family, he was drawn to THON’s mission to provide emotional and financial support, spread awareness, and fund critical research. “Cancer is an evil disease that seeks to destroy lives,” he said. “But through THON, we get to be part of the solution. We never know which dollar will be the one to find a cure—but this year, we raised over 17 million of them.”

Throughout the journey, Keegan found unwavering support from his Omega Chapter brothers. “There were nights I came home exhausted, but there was always a brother there to ask how the day went,” he said. “Even if they didn’t always understand the details of what I did, they supported me in every way that mattered.”

Keegan also reflected on Theta Chi’s motto of “an Assisting Hand” and how that ideal propelled him not only in THON, but in all areas of campus leadership. “When we have the ability to help others, we should. And when you have an entire brotherhood behind you with that same mindset, incredible things can happen.”

“It’s surreal to think that I was helping lead the very organization that Brother Bill Lear helped launch five decades ago,” Keegan said. “It feels like I was continuing a legacy that was meant to be.”

With the final total revealed, the line dances danced, and the lights of the Bryce Jordan Center dimmed for another year, Keegan closed a chapter of impact that will ripple forward for years to come.

Through the leadership and service of Keegan, Bill, and many others at Penn State, THON has raised more than $236,000,000 since 1973. However, it’s important to note that Keegan’s story and Bill’s story are not simply about leadership and service, but also brotherhood, tradition, and belief in a better tomorrow—For The Kids.