Kevin Cass is president of one of the largest student orgs on campus, Atlas. Atlas is the highest earning fundraising organization for Penn State’s annual THON, the past four years in a row. Since formed in 2005, Atlas has raised over $2 million dollars For The Kids, and supported many Four Diamonds families whose children undergo or have undergone treatment at the Hershey Children’s Hospital for pediatric cancer.
At first, Kevin just wanted to become as involved as he could in all activities, clubs and orgs on campus. He discovered Atlas at the activities fair his freshman year, talked to a variety of THON orgs, and decided to go to his first Atlas meeting since the floor he lived on was called Atlas Hall. The passion and fun that everyone had for such a great cause brought him back, over and over again. It was there, he discovered that through this club he’d achieve his goals. He took on some smaller leadership roles and gradually moved up the ladder. As an under classmen Kevin would run and host canning trips, his sophomore year he was a Fundraising Captain, and his junior year he became Canning Chair. Many members and fellow Atlas leaders suggested he should run for president his senior year, and the next thing he knew he was President of Atlas. Previously, he didn’t have much experience in such a high leadership role; in high school he was a team captain. But this University inspired him to become a better leader, and the best that he could be. It has motivated him and given him a boost of confidence (especially with public speaking), and even influenced one of his majors.
When we asked Kevin what is was like being President, a huge smile came across his face. He said, “It would suck if I didn’t love it so much”. Kevin has a great time being President of Atlas, but it takes a lot of time management to really enjoy it. Kevin estimated he spends 60-80 hours a week on Atlas related activities and duties. As a student with two majors and two minors, that’s a lot! But Kevin loves what he does and refers to it as a, “welcome distraction”.
The advantages of holding such a prestigious leadership position for Kevin, is the impact he and the org have, and the way it all changes peoples lives. Plus it’s a great way to get people involved. The only disadvantage he has experienced, is that as a result of being so involved in one org, it can take away from being involved in many other clubs, orgs, and activities. He had to sacrifice some other clubs he had an interest in. But he is still involved in one of the campuses Engineering clubs that are involved and help out at the middle school.
Kevin hasn’t faced many challenges as President. A minor one is his difficulty remembering names. But I think it’s safe to say that many of us face that challenge. We recognize faces, but can’t recall names. His other difficulty was a personal one, that I can relate to as well. His role as President requires a lot of delegation and trust in other people- which can be difficult for him because he likes to have control over everything.
His favorite memory from being so involved with Atlas was his sophomore year within the last 10 hours of THON. Kevin along with a few other Atlas members actually went to Hershey Medical Center for several hours to be with the kids who were too sick or incapable of being there at the Bryce Jordan Center, and cheer them up. Then later when they returned to the BJC, and the amount of money was revealed, he loved being there celebrating and supporting all of the families who are and have been effected by pediatric cancer. Kevin said that before Atlas he didn’t have a lot of knowledge about pediatric cancer. But now, he has the opportunity to learn about the cause, and help make a difference.
Maddie and I are both members of Atlas, so immediately we knew which President we each wanted to interview. For convenience, we agreed to interview him together, and I am glad we did. It can be nerve-racking to explore out of your comfort zone. So bringing a friend helps you (or at least me) to be more relaxed and myself. Kevin was extremely friendly, flexible with availability, and willing to answer all of our questions. I hope to be as involved as him on campus, and to make a difference one day.
Click the link to find out more about ATLAS
