Dear Fellow Thiel Alumni,

With much excitement I begin my tenure as President of the Alumni Board of Directors in this forthcoming academic year. At this juncture I wish to share with you the meaningful experience it has been to become re-connected with our college through alumni, students, faculty, staff and the beautiful campus. My involvement with the Alumni Board began simply from a sense of curiosity and willingness. Now, my curiosity has become dedication to work toward making Thiel College a stronger institution at time of extreme competition and economic challenges.

When I returned to campus to attend my first board meeting I was astounded. My surprise was essentially twofold. First, I was overwhelmed by the complex challenges our college faces in these difficult times of competing for qualified students while managing financial balance in order to keep the college thriving and improving. Secondly, I was impressed and humbled by the passion and commitment of the existing board members, their problem-solving zeal and their deep concern for Thiel. I found myself among a compassionate group of accomplished women and men representing a broad spectrum of graduated classes including the most recent. I was warmly welcomed and felt honored to be present. In that first meeting, I witnessed what I had always believed: The Thiel experience is indeed preparation for successful life and contribution to community. No doubt each of you possess unique talents that have led to wholesome lives of integrity and success, but can you deny the role that Thiel has played in the formation of these talents in the critical years of our adult development? Consider the thousands of students, now alumni, who have benefited from a similar formation of intellect, body, soul and community. The Thiel experience is to be treasured. It needs to grow stronger and louder in order to attract qualified students who desire the unique intimacy and personal attention of a Thiel education. 

The quality, growth and maintenance of a small private liberal arts college will always fundamentally depend on economics. This is a substantially important fact, even if we do at times take this for granted. Nearly as significant and important is the treasure of alumni involvement in the life of the college. Involvement is not limited to participation on a board or attending homecoming, although these are highly appreciated activities within the college community. Involvement can be any Thiel focused endeavor that keeps one informed, interested and connected to the life and functions of the college community. Staying connected with Thiel through the electronic media, written media and communications with staff, students, classmates and alumni stimulates support, ideas and interests that ultimately nurture the on-going life of the college, the meaningfulness of its existence and our legacy.

Alumni involvement is essential to the success of Thiel College. The greater our interest and involvement in the life of the college, the stronger the college becomes. Educational institutions are not sustained solely by endowment; they are enhanced and flourish by the success, reputation and involvement of its alumni. My experience of re-connecting with Thiel College has motivated me to ask you to “Think Thiel”: Do not allow the pleasant memories of your Thiel experience to fade; pursue an inquiry or interest you have about Thiel; contact a classmate; talk to high school students with whom you are acquainted about Thiel; visit the campus or come to homecoming on October 2-4; visit the Thiel College Web site, check out the Alumni & Friends link, sign into the Alumni E-mail Directory, regularly read the online alumni newsletter, Pawprints; explore new academic programs and new building development on campus; share your talents with career services and academic departments where appropriate; shop the online Bookstore; place a Thiel College Alumni decal on your car. I can go on and on but you get the point. There are so many ways to re-connect, get involved and stay engaged. “Think Thiel.” Thiel wants and needs your hearts, minds and talents to advance its mission into the decades ahead.

There is excitement at Thiel. The faculty and staff are a dedicated and energetic group. The college has survived many significant challenges on the shoulders of these impressive individuals and the extraordinary leadership of past president Dr. Robert Olson ’60 and his executive vice-president, Gary Witosky ’79. As you may now be aware, we have a new president, Dr. Troy VanAken. There is considerable buzz on and around campus about the qualities and experiences Dr. VanAken brings to Thiel. I have met Dr. VanAken. He is personable and highly capable of impacting constructively on every aspect of the college. Under the leadership of Dr. VanAken, Thiel sets a new course. The optimism is abundant but it is hard work and dedication that will advance Thiel College to new levels of excellence. There is no better time than the present to get involved and make a difference.

I am eager to assist you in whatever ways possible to facilitate your involvement with Thiel and to address questions and listen to your ideas and comments. Feel free to e-mail me at alumni@thiel.edu.

With sincere appreciation and thanks—“Think Thiel,”

Raymond B. Hanlon, M.S. ’74
President
Thiel College Alumni Board of Directors