In light of the tragic loss of Penn State sophomore Vitalya “Tally” Sepot after a THON canning trip in September, family and close friends established the Tally Sepot Memorial Award for a student “who demonstrates outstanding service to THON and Penn State,” according to Penn State News.

“This award will share Tally’s lasting impact on the THON community for years to come. It will serve as a reminder for students of what it means to be a passionate THON volunteer,” THON 2016 Executive Director Katie Mailey told Penn State News.

During THON weekend 2016, an hour was dedicated to the memory and life of Sepot, dubbed “Tally Hour” as her family and sisters of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority took the stage to remember her. They also announced a Tally Sepot Memorial Scholarship of $50,000 to be awarded at THON 2017.

Sepot was recently recognized at a candlelight vigil honoring Penn State students who passed away this year. This award ensures her impact will live on through THON volunteers and the Penn State community.

The Lombra family, friends and neighbors of the Sepots, will also contribute to the award — Ray Lombra, a senior advisor to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and an economics professor, his wife Bobbi, their daughter Sherri, and her husband Dan.

“It’s so important to encourage, reward, and recognize a passion for philanthropy and volunteerism in our younger generation,” Sherri Lombra said. “This award can help to do that and it is a wonderful way to honor Tally and keep her memory alive.”

About the Author

Jess Frezza

Jess is a PR major with some random minors who, despite being a Jersey native, still bleeds blue and white. You can find her thinking it’s normal to break out into past THON lines dances or being called some variation of her last name. If you think you see her on campus, she's the one who tripped and/or spilled coffee on herself. Tweet her a bad pun and a puppy picture at @jessfrezza16 or exchange your ACL tear story with her at jess@onwardstate.com.

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