THIEL COLLEGE CELEBRATES START OF ACADEMIC YEAR
President Masters welcomes freshmen to the 'dream world'
For immediate release August 25, 2000
 GREENVILLE, Pa. - Parking
lots were filled, dorm rooms packed with boxes, and hallways lined with teen-agers,
parents and admissions staffers as new students filed in to officially become members of Thiel College's Class
of 2004 on Friday.
After a day of registration, unpacking, and various meetings, Thiel College celebrated the start of the 134th academic
year with an early evening Opening Convocation ceremony at the William A. Passavant Memorial Center, welcoming
about 350 new freshmen.
Thiel College President Dr. Lance A. Masters greeted the new students -
the lion's share of the second largest incoming group of students in Thiel's history - welcoming them to the "dream
world."
 "Thiel is the
perfect place to dream, the perfect place to be a dreamer, because this is where dreams can become real,"
Masters said during his welcome address, "New Beginnings."
Masters told the new freshmen that at Thiel, they would be given the opportunity to "live larger."
"At Thiel, we encourage ideas and creative thinking," Masters said. "We will help you bring your
dreams down from the clouds and make them real."
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Dr. Robert C. Olson charged faculty and staff members
with the education of the new students, asking that they advise, assist, and teach them to become independent learners.
Roseanne Gill-Jacobson, vice president for student services, urged the
students to become active learners at Thiel, reminding them that they must often take the initiative in order to
achieve.
 Gill-Jacobson asked
that each student take responsibility, become active learners, active doers and active citizens while at Thiel.
"Make a difference and leave your mark," she said.
Student Government Association President Bobbi Erkens, a senior business administration major with minors in accounting
and legal studies, also addressed the incoming class members and invited them to sign the academic honor code,
a statement of intent that students will abide by the academic requirements and regulations at the college. Erkens
is from Butler, Pa.
Saturday involves a series of seminars and gatherings for the new students, while on Sunday students will take
part in campus worship followed by excursions to either an amusement park or white water rafting.
This year 414 new students will attend Thiel, the second largest group of incoming students in Thiel's history.
The largest group of incoming students - a total of 490 - occurred in 1970.
Classes for the fall semester begin at 8 a.m. Monday.
Thiel College, an independent institution of higher education, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America, was founded in 1866.
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THIEL BEGINS ITS 134TH ACADEMIC YEAR,
WELCOMES SECOND LARGEST CLASS IN THIEL HISTORY
For immediate release August 22, 2000
GREENVILLE, Pa. - Thiel College begins its 134th academic year when members of the class of 2004 arrive on campus
Friday for opening ceremonies.
Roughly 414 new students, the second largest group of incoming students in Thiel's history, will be welcomed at
the annual opening convocation ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center. Dr. Lance A.
Masters, Thiel president and CEO, is to host the convocation and join faculty and staff in welcoming the new students,
parents and friends.
Dr. Robert Olson, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, and Roseanne Gill-Jacobson, vice
president for student services, will also address the students. Dr. Michael R. Bray, professor of music, and Raymond
H. Ocock, college organist, will provide music.
During the ceremony students will sign the academic honor code, a statement of intent that students will abide
by the academic requirements and regulations at the college.
The ceremony marks the beginning of the 2000-2001 academic year and is held in conjunction with freshman orientation
weekend.
A gala reception for new students and parents will follow at 6:30 p.m. on the Howard Miller Student Center lawn.
Eateries affiliated with the Springfield Restaurant Group, Combine Brothers and Three By the River will provide
food for the reception.
The largest incoming class at Thiel College occurred 30 years ago in 1970.
"Our admissions team broke great strides this past year to surpassing our budget goal of 395 new students,"
said Masters. "It was a team effort involving everyone on campus, from housekeepers and groundsmen to faculty
and computer specialists. And while 1970 was the largest incoming class, it's important to remember that was a
year of turmoil for a number of larger colleges due to the Kent State shootings. Nearly every small college experienced
a growth spurt that year."
Classes for the fall term begin Monday, Aug. 28. For more information on opening convocation, contact Thiel College's
Special Events Office at (724) 589-2028.
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BAYLOR NAMED INTERIM DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
For release August 22, 2000
GREENVILLE, Pa. - Jeff Baylor has been named interim director for
admissions at Thiel College, stepping in following the resignation of
the Rev. Lindsay Rhodenbaugh, former vice president for enrollment
management. Rhodenbaugh has accepted a similar position at Concordia
College in Moorhead, Minn.
Baylor is also serving as associate dean of student services at the
college, a position he has held since his hiring in January.
"We have complete confidence that Jeff can carry on the positive
momentum already set in the admissions department," said Thiel President
and CEO Dr. Lance A. Masters. Thiel is welcoming its second largest
entering class in the 134-year history of the college.
Baylor, originally from Apollo, Pa., served three years as associate
director of admissions and three years as assistant director of
residence life at Marietta College prior to joining Thiel's staff in
January. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in business management
and his master of arts and education degree from Marietta College.
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RUSTED ROOT TO PERFORM AT THIEL COLLEGE IN SEPTEMBER
For release August 9, 2000
 Rusted
Root, whose 1994 album
"When I Woke" reached platinum status,
will perform at Thiel College Passavant
Center at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9.
The band got its start in Pittsburgh and
grew in popularity after the release of their
hit single "Send Me on My Way," a track
from the "When I Woke" album. The band's
sound is a blend of musical influences -
African, Eastern, Latin, soul, rock and
traditional American folk.
Rusted Root has toured with The Grateful Dead, Santana, Sting, The
Allman Brothers and the Dave Matthews Band.
Artists such as Joan Osborne, Nil Lara, and Geggy Tah have opened for
Rusted Root.
Ticket prices for Thiel students, faculty and staff members are $18. Up
to four tickets can be purchased. Tickets will be sold until the day of
the concert. Tickets will also be available to the public.
All tickets are general admission and can be purchased by sending your
name, phone number and a check or money order payable to "Thiel College"
to the Office of Student Services, HMSC.
To pay by credit card, send credit card type (Visa, MasterCard, Discover
or American Express), the card number, expiration date, and signature.
To place a credit card order over the phone, call extension 2193. All
credit card orders will be charged a $1 processing fee.
Tickets will be sold to the general public for $22 each. The concert is
arranged through the Student Services department.
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