Alumni & Friends > Board of Directors > Mary Davis Baden

 Major:  Business Administration/Economics

Current Job/Employer:  Taking a break to care for my elderly father-in-law

Favorite Thiel Professor(s): Mr. Hull, Economics and David Miller, Accounting (and I can't forget Scottie, the media man!)

Why I initially chose Thiel: The size of the campus, the friendly greeting by staff, and the proximity to my home town (just far enough away that I had to live on campus, but could still visit)

Classroom/Dorm Story:  Having my door plastered with ZTA notes when I pledged. It was so much fun to open the door to find a new one taped to the door! The M*A*S*H final episode party at Sawhill was also memorable - I never knew so many people could have so much fun over a tv episode. I think most of the campus watched that episode that night!

How my Thiel education aided me in my career:  Thiel prepared me to get an entry level bookkeeper position with 7-Eleven, which within months advanced to an assistant manager trainee. I eventually changed jobs to retail and became a Merchandising Manager for a Joann Fabric store. I was able to use many of the things I learned through my education, but was also able to apply much of the social skills I learned as well. My interaction with the Thiel family of teachers and administrators taught me the skills that I needed to deal with both my bosses and the public

How my experience at Thiel aided me in my life/career:  I grew up at Thiel. I went from being a shy, introverted teenager with no responsibilities to a "Yuppie" with direction. I began to think about the "big picture" and how I would fit into it. I found a world that would give me more so long as I did the same. Even though my contributions may be small, I still look for ways that I can give back.

Comments about your journey at Thiel and the relationships made, etc.:  My Thiel journey was one of self discovery. I not only received an education, I realized my potential. I also gained an entire extended family. I continue to add to my "family" with every visit back. I keep in contact with many of the friends that I made while at Thiel. We rarely see each other, but when we do, it's as if no time has passed. Now, with both visits back to Thiel and through things like Facebook, I have reconnected with even more friends!

Why I give back to Thiel and serve on the Alumni Board:  Thiel shaped me as nothing else in my life. I have always felt at home with the Thiel community and felt that serving on the Alumni Board was a way to say "thank you".  I will continue to apply what I learned at Thiel to everything that I do.