THON is a very special event for many of people, especially for former Brandywine students Rich Lion and Jess O’Lock.
Lion, who is a member of the special interest THON group called FOTO, served as the outreach officer and dancer for their organization. After the pep rally on the second day of THON, with all of his close friends watching from the stands, Lion got down on one knee and proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Jess O’Lock.
Lion, a Kinesiology senior, was at Penn State Brandywine from Fall 2010 until Spring 2012. He proposed to O’Lock, a journalism senior, who was also at Brandywine at the same time. They have been dating for about 8 years. They first met at the local St. Kevin’s dance in 8th grade. While both are officers in their organization, THON met something very special to both of them.
“It’s about time, it’s been about eight years,” Corey Bates, Lion’s roommate and also a former Brandywine student, said. ” It wouldn’t have been a better place than THON because they both love it.”
At first, only a few select few were told it was going to happen, but soon everyone knew except O’Lock.
“He told me ahead of time and he wanted to keep it a surprise to everyone,” Nick Jeffkin, Lion’s roommate and former Brandywine student , said. “This (THON) is something very important to the both of them. I think it couldn’t not have been a better setting. I can’t tell you how excited all of us(Lion’s roommates) are for them.”
“We joked about it when we found out he was dancing, and he said he might. He just hinted at us that he was going to do it,” Sean Klause, another of Lion’s roommates and former Brandywine student, said.
It seemed from O’Lock’s roommates that she did not know it was going to happen.
“I don’t think she knew it was going to happen this weekend,” Marina Asslania said. “They are awesome and I am just excited to see what’s in store for both of them.”
During the weekend a total of three couples became engaged, making THON a truly special event.
To view exclusive video of the engagement: tinyurl.com/psulionseye
Eric Warner
Lion’s Eye Staff Editor, ehw5023@psu.edu