Name: Eric Kimmett

Major: Finance
Minor: Economics

Previous THON Experience:
THON 2021 Finance Committee member
THON 2022 Finance Captain (administrative assistant)
THON 2023 Finance Captain (assistant treasurer)

What made you want to apply for a director position for 2024?

I wanted to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world because of the mission of THON. Childhood cancer is a terrible thing and the impact it has on the affected family is devastating. The ability to dedicate my time and efforts to helping them in any capacity is a privilege and an honor.

What are your responsibilities as a THON director?

As the Finance Director, my main responsibility is to uphold the financial integrity of our organization. Throughout the year, I work with the entire Finance Committee to ensure all donations are processed efficiently and accurately, so they may be given to our sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds.

What do you want to implement in your position this year that’s unique and differs from years past?

This year, we are looking to connect our donors to the impact they are making. The importance of giving is astounding to our organization and our goal is to make our monetary processes more user-friendly and accessible so donors can better understand the change they are making in the lives of our Four Diamonds children and families.

What makes your committee so cool, fun, and/or important?

Finance has the opportunity to contribute to THON in the tangible and vital way of securely processing a vast array of monetary donations. Even though everyone involved in Finance works with such unique types of donations, we always all work together as the FIN FAM.

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with the Finance Committee for THON 2024?

I hope the Finance Committee takes upon the challenge of innovation this year. There are so many ways we can connect with donors, and it is my goal to see all of Finance take an active role in involving our generous donors with our organization.

Why do you THON?

I THON for more laughter. The trials and tribulations these children and families have gone or are going through are indescribable. It is incredibly challenging to enjoy life while there are constantly unpredictable events happening one after another. I THON to not only financially support the children and families but also to help them take an emotional step back from those situations and have the ability to once again laugh and enjoy life.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory was the total reveal last year. As one of the assistant treasurers, my co-captain and I had the opportunity to create the organization totals PowerPoint that was shown at the end of THON Weekend. It was an incredible culmination of our efforts throughout the year only enhanced by the understanding of what those funds would be able to do for those we support.

Per Onward State tradition, if you could be any dinosaur which one would you be and why?

I would pick a pterodactyl because the ability to fly has to be the coolest experience of any other dinosaur. I’m sure pterodactyls made all of the other dinosaurs jealous.

About the Author