Thiel College News Headlines
August 2002

DEPRESSION SURVIVOR TO SPEAK AT THIEL

LOCAL MUSICIANS SOUGHT FOR THIEL BAND

THIEL STRATEGIC PLANNING STEERING COMMITTEE TOWN MEETING

THIEL WELCOMES NEW FRESHMEN

THIEL TO KICK OFF ITS 136TH ACADEMIC YEAR

THIEL COLLEGE TOWNHOUSE COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE

THIEL COLLEGE FUND RAISING RECORDS THIRD STRAIGHT BANNER YEAR

THIEL RECEIVES CHECK FROM AAL/LB

DR. JOYCE CUFF NAMED ASSISTANT ACADEMIC DEAN AT THIEL


DEPRESSION SURVIVOR TO SPEAK AT THIEL
For immediate release August 30, 2002

GREENVILLE, Pa. - Sandra M. Rothenberger, author of the book "Branded: Depressed," will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, in Bly Lecture Hall of the Academic Center of the Thiel College campus.

Rothenberger, whose visit is sponsored by the Thiel College chapter of Psi Chi, the student psychology honorary, will speak about her personal experiences in battling depression.

Her book, a personal account of her bipolar illness, recounts her journey as a manic depressive. The book, released in 2001, will be available at the Thiel College Book Store.

The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 724-589-2089.
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LOCAL MUSICIANS SOUGHT FOR THIEL BAND
For immediate release August 30, 2002

GREENVILLE, Pa. - Community musicians are being sought for the Thiel College Concert Band.

Under the direction of Jeff Hvizdos, the full concert band will rehearse from 6 to 7:15 p.m. each Tuesday on the stage of the William A. Passavant Memorial Center on the Thiel campus. The first rehearsal is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Some smaller instruments are available for use. For more information, please call 724-589-2149.
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THIEL STRATEGIC PLANNING STEERING COMMITTEE TOWN MEETING
For immediate release August 27, 2002

On Monday, September 9, 2002 there will be an all-campus Town Meeting at 8:00-10:00 and 3:00-5:00 in the Lutheran Heritage Room. All members of the Thiel Community are invited to come to one of the sessions and hear a presentation of the work that has been completed to date by the Strategic Planning Steering Committee and the Environmental Scanning and Futures Research Committee. The presentation will cover the three major documents produced by these committees:

Plan to Plan - an overview of the entire strategic planning process
Formal Mandates - a review of the formal mandates that guide the College's operation
Stakeholder Analysis - a summary of those who have a stake in the College

This is your opportunity to see what progress has been made in the strategic planning process, ask questions and provide input. Your presence is critical to the success of our strategic planning endeavor.
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THIEL WELCOMES NEW FRESHMEN
For immediate release August 22, 2002

GREENVILLE, Pa. - One of the largest freshman classes in Thiel College history celebrated the start of Thiel's 136th academic year with Opening Convocation Wednesday in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center.

On campus Wednesday - the first day of a 5-day orientation program - were 408 new freshmen and international students. Last year's Opening Convocation welcomed 388 new freshmen. By Monday, the first day of classes, 74 additional transfer students are expected to arrive, pushing the new student enrollment to 482.

Thiel College President and CEO Dr. Lance A. Masters welcomed the new students to a place where they will grow "intellectually, socially and spiritually."

"Your time at Thiel is very limited," Masters told students, asking that they learn to use their time wisely over the next four years.

"Your intellectual growth is one of things we do best," Masters said, adding that the school will also be successful in helping students grow socially.

"However, we are not on the Top 10 Party School list. And we are not going to be on the Top 10 Party School list," reassured Masters, who was met with an enthusiastic applause from parents.

Dr. Robert Olson, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, and Roseanne Gill-Jacobson, vice president for student services, presented charges to the faculty, staff and students.

"Challenge them to question broadly, to think critically and to become independent learners," Olson told members of the college's teaching faculty and staff. "Instill in them the love of knowledge, and inspire them to dream."

Gill-Jacobson encouraged the new students to take advantage of the opportunities they will encounter during their college years and become active participants - active learners, active doers, active leaders and active citizens.

"Take responsibility for your futures," she said. "Make a difference and leave your mark as so many before you have."

The convocation program also featured remarks by Greenville Mayor Clifford H. Harriger and Student Government Association President Brett Stedman, a sophomore political science major from Shinglehouse, Pa.

Thiel College Campus Pastor the Rev. Dr. Paul A. Baglyos performed the invocation and benediction, while Dr. Michael R. Bray, professor of music, provided special music.

A gala reception on the Howard Miller Student Center lawn concluded Wednesday's activities.

Returning students and transfers will arrive on campus on Sunday. Classes resume Monday at 8 a.m.
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THIEL TO KICK OFF ITS 136TH ACADEMIC YEAR
For immediate release August 18, 2002

GREENVILLE, Pa. - Thiel College begins its 136th academic year this week when members of the class of 2006 arrive on campus for orientation activities.

Roughly 411 new freshmen will join the student body this year, helping to kick the enrollment figure above last year's. The college expects about 1,300 students on campus for the start of fall classes on Monday, Aug. 26. Last year's headcount registered at 1,189.

New freshmen will be welcomed at the annual opening convocation ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday 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, 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.

A gala for new students and their families will follow the ceremony on the Howard Miller Student Center terrace and lawn.

Orientation activities for freshmen continue the rest of the week, acquainting new students with the college's people, places, traditions and expectations. Students will participate in a series of workshops and programs that address topics ranging from the meaning of liberal arts to learning the verses of the school song.

The culmination of the orientation program is a class trip to New River Gorge in West Virginia. There, students will have the opportunity to attempt white water rafting or other team building activities.
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THIEL COLLEGE FUND RAISING RECORDS THIRD STRAIGHT BANNER YEAR
For immediate release August 14, 2002

Charitable giving to Thiel College reached a new high for the third consecutive year, as gifts received by individuals, corporations and foundations for the fiscal year ending June 30 totaled $4,570,493.

The percentage of alumni participating in giving to any fund at the college also rose to 31 percent, said David J. Grober, vice president for college advancement.

"Some major gifts certainly helped to make this a year of charitable distinction. However, a great number are continuing to remember Thiel as an important part of their giving, regardless of level of support," said Grober. "Our students are the primary beneficiaries. They are excited about new opportunities in and out of the classroom and share in our gratitude."

The college's annual fund represents the largest pool of unrestricted funds, aside from tuition revenue. The annual fund reached a new high in this period, with $601,463 contributed.

"Economically, the 2001-2002 year was unpredictable, yet Thiel alumni and friends took part in great number with gifts to the annual fund," said Mario Marini, director of annual giving and parent relations.

Thiel College's fund-raising efforts were rewarded this year as the college earned a 2002 Circle of Excellence Award for superior educational fund raising by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

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THIEL RECEIVES CHECK FROM AAL/LB
For immediate release August 1, 2002

GREENVILLE, Pa. - Thiel College recently received $1,410 from the Aid Association for Lutherans/Lutheran Brotherhood (AAL/LB) through the AAL/LB Member Gift-Matching Program.

The total reflects AAL/LB's matched portion of contributions received from members during the first quarter of 2002.

Annual gifts of $25 to $100 made by AAL/LB members to participating Lutheran elementary or secondary schools, colleges or seminaries are matched dollar-for-dollar by AAL/LB.

AAL and LB merged on Jan. 1, 2002, creating the largest fraternal benefit society in the United States.

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DR. JOYCE CUFF NAMED ASSISTANT ACADEMIC DEAN AT THIEL
For immediate release August 1, 2002

Dr. Joyce CuffGREENVILLE, Pa. - Dr. Joyce Cuff, professor of biology and the Paul M. Rike Professor of Life Sciences at Thiel College, has been appointed assistant academic dean of the college, effective Aug. 1.

Cuff, who has been a member of the Thiel College faculty since 1981, will assist Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Dr. Robert C. Olson in the areas of program and faculty development.

"I am very fortunate to have Joyce join me in the dean's office," said Olson. "Her dedication to and leadership in scholarship and teaching and her experience in curriculum development are valuable assets to the academic division and make her a natural for this position."

During her tenure at Thiel, Cuff helped to develop an innovative new course and textbook, The Sciences and Our Global Heritage. The nationally recognized course introduces sophomore-level students to new ways of understanding global economics, environmental and cultural challenges.

In recognition of her leadership role with the Global Heritage project and her commitment to student success, Cuff was presented with the 1993 Thiel College President's Award for Teaching Excellence.

In 1996 Cuff earned a Fulbright Award for Teaching and Research in Tanzania, East Africa. In addition to her teaching responsibilities at the University of Dar es Salaam, Cuff collaborated with faculty and graduate students in the department of botany and applied microbiology to evaluate local water quality in order to develop better assessment techniques applicable to tropical climates.

Cuff also conducted an epidemiological study with Tanzanian hospitals and pharmacists to improve the treatment of candidiasis - a disease often underreported and not successfully treated in Third World countries.

The college designated Cuff as the Paul M. Rike Professor of Life Sciences in 2000 and again recognized her outstanding performance as a faculty member with the Professor of the Year Award in 2001.

Cuff assumed the rank of associate professor in 1985 and was promoted to full professor in 1991. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in biology from Regis College in Weston, Mass., and her Ph.D. in radiation and biophysics from the University of Rochester School of Medicine.

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