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James Pedas Communication Center

The $6.8 million James Pedas Communication Center is a collaborative learning community where students engage in film, TV, radio, news production and other multimedia-rich experiences preparing them for today’s information society. Students from all majors acquire communication literacy and presentation skills to prepare them for what comes next. Building features include sophisticated labs and studios, dynamic classrooms and learning spaces, a new Office of Admission and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The James Pedas Communication Center was dedicated on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 during Homecoming Weekend.

Campus Media

The James Pedas Communication Center houses our student media organizations. These groups provide entertainment and information to the Thiel campus as well as providing hands-on experience in media communication for students. This state-of-the-art facility features television and radio stations, a state-of-the-art podcast studio, as well as an audio recording booth and media editing suite where students work with the latest creative software and technology.

• Learn more about campus media in the Campus Life section

About James Pedas

Dr. James “Jim” Pedas ’50 H’89 and his brother Ted, have a long history in the entertainment industry. In the 1950s, he and Ted established Colt 45 Records, a recording company that launched the musical career of Don Covay (who wrote “Chain of Fools” and “Mercy Mercy” among others). The Pedas brothers later partnered to acquire several drive-in movie theatres. Later, with another partner, they bought a film distribution franchise and never looked back. They have been involved in numerous film ventures over the years including owning the Circuit/Showcase theatre circuit; owning a small part of Cinema 5 Ltd.; forming their own distribution company, Circle Releasing Corp., and forming their own production company, Circle Films, which was one of the foremost backers of 1990s American independent cinema. Among their most noted productions are the Coen brothers’ debut and sophomore films, “Blood Simple” (1984) and “Raising Arizona” (1987). They also formed Circle Management Company to oversee their investments in real estate and commercial development and Circle Parking to operate parking facilities in the Washington, D.C. area.

The Farrell, Pa., native earned a Bachelor of Science in economics from Thiel College and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Professional Accomplishment in 1980. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Thiel and was named trustee emeritus to the Board of Trustees. He has received many awards for his work including Washingtonian of the Year (1973) and the American University’s Award for Contribution to Film Culture (1985). He is a supporter of many philanthropic endeavors, including establishing an Intellectual Property Chair at George Washington Law School. He has served as a director of the National Capital Bank of Washington since 1973.

Media Gallery

Photos

• Groundbreaking ceremony (5/04/13)
• Construction (May 2013 - August 2014)

Press Releases

• Groundbreaking scheduled for May 3 (4/22/13)
• Lead donor James Pedas, Pennsylvania First Lady to be on hand for Pedas Center Dedication (10/01/14)

Other Media

• The Bell Spring 2014 edition