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PRINCETON REVIEW NAMES
THIEL AS A BEST MID-ATLANTIC COLLEGE
For immediate release August
28, 2003
GREENVILLE, Pa. - Thiel College has been included in 2003
edition of The Princeton Review's "Best Colleges of the Mid-Atlantic: 98 Great Schools to Consider."
The first edition of the regional guidebook profiles 98 colleges
in the Mid-Atlantic region and offers student opinions on academics, campus life and social atmosphere.
"We feel very proud to be included in this guide,"
said Dr. Lance A. Masters, president and CEO of Thiel College. "We are delighted that The Princeton Review
regards us as one of the region's colleges that stand out. Certainly we've known that all along, but it is indeed
encouraging to be recognized by such a prestigious and influential publication."
Schools selected were required to meet two criteria: meeting
standards for academic excellence within the region and allowing The Princeton Review to survey students anonymously
about the college.
"No other place I visited affected me quite the way Thiel
did. Even if you don't know someone, there is always a smile and a hello from the people you pass on the sidewalks,
rain or shine," said one anonymous surveyed student.
Thiel earned high praises in the category of academics. According
to one student, the school's biggest strength is the smaller size, while another student viewed the college's professors
as "top of the line."
"Many (professors) would go a great distance to see that
their students succeed," said one of the students.
The Princeton Review guides millions of students each year
through transitions from high school to college to professional studies. Through its courses, books, software,
and online services, The Princeton Review offers tips and tools for students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors,
and admissions directors.
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THIEL EXPANDS AGREEMENT
WITH ART INSTITUTES
For immediate release August
26, 2003
GREENVILLE, Pa. - Under a cooperative agreement with The Art
Institutes, Thiel students can now pursue a field of study at one of 28 institutes nationwide.
Under the alliance with The Art Institutes, Thiel students can study culinary arts, digital design, game art and
design, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, media arts and animation, multimedia and web design/development,
photography, video production, or visual effects and motion graphics. Students can hone their crafts at 28 of The
Art Institute's 31 schools located in cities such as Dallas, San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Seattle, Los
Angeles, Miami and Pittsburgh.
"The addition of these state-of-the-art programs to Thiel's
already sound art, business, computer science, and communications programs simply creates a perfect palette of
liberal, commercial, culinary and fine art," said Mark Thompson, director of alliances and former Thiel art
student who attended The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. "And now, with locations in 28 cities, Thiel students
have a broader range of Art Institutes to consider from the Big Apple through the Windy City out to the Golden
Gate Bridge."
Thiel College and The Art Institutes have a cooperative program
leading to a baccalaureate degree with an emphasis in one of a dozen areas of specialization. Students begin the
program at Thiel and enroll at an Art Institute their junior year.
Thiel also offers cooperative programs for students enrolled
in political science, sociology, biology, chemistry, physics and engineering courses.
For more information on the college's alliance with The Art Institutes or any of the cooperative agreements, please
contact Thompson at 724.589.2176.
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THIEL COLLEGE CELEBRATES
START OF ACADEMIC YEAR
For immediate release August
20, 2003
GREENVILLE, Pa. - Parking lots and lawns were filled, dorm
rooms loaded with boxes, and hallways lined with teenagers, parents and Thiel staff members as new students filed
in to officially become members of Thiel College's Class of 2007 on Wednesday.
After a day of registration, unpacking, and various meetings,
Thiel College celebrated the start of the 137th 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, welcoming them to a new phase in their lives.
"We will show you the pathways of excellence," said
Masters. "We are confident you can excel here, but we won't promise you it will be easy."
Masters told students that the students will earn their educations
through a challenging set of experiences - experiences, he assured them, upon which they would reminisce favorably.
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
and enrollment management and dean of students, urged the men and women 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 as many others
have done before you," she said.
Stephanie Hills, a senior from Transfer, Pa., provided special
music during the signing of the college's Academic Honor Code. Each year members of the incoming freshman class
are invited to sign the code, a pledge to "uphold and adhere to the highest academic standards of academic
integrity."
A gala reception on the front lawn of the campus followed
the ceremony. Food was provided by Springfield Restaurant Group.
This year 420 new students - first-year freshmen, transfers
and international students - will attend Thiel. The college expects about 1,273 students on campus for the start
of fall classes on Monday, Aug. 25.
Thursday morning first-year students depart for the New River
Gorge in West Virginia where they will take part in white water rafting and team building exercises. They return
to campus Friday evening and continue orientation through Sunday.
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THIEL TO KICK OFF
ITS 137TH ACADEMIC YEAR
For immediate release August
18, 2003
GREENVILLE, Pa. - Thiel College begins its 137th academic
year this week when members of the class of 2007 arrive on campus for orientation activities.
Roughly 350 first-year freshmen will join the student body
this year, while the college anticipates the total for new students - which includes first-year freshmen, international
and transfers - will reach 420. The college expects about 1,273 students on campus for the start of fall classes
on Monday, Aug. 25.
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.
Stephanie Hills, a senior from Transfer, Pa., will provide special 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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OLE SPANISH SCHOOL TEACHES
THIEL STUDENTS LANGUAGE, CULTURE
For immediate release August
11, 2003
QUERETARO, MEXICO - Seventeen Thiel College students participated
in a study abroad alternative program at the Olé Spanish Language School in the colonial town of Queretaro,
Mexico, from May 11-25.
"The program ensures that each student experiences total
immersion into language and culture," said Barbara Hassel, chair of the college's department of languages
and facilitator of the program.
The students, who varied in language skills, attended five
language-intensive classes each day. The classes emphasized vocabulary, grammar, conversation, idioms and folklore.
Students were graded on both assignments and in-class participation.
In order to enhance the immersion experience, each Thiel student
was placed with a local family. Although many of the host families were bilingual, only Spanish was spoken in the
home, said Hassel.
With the intention of conversing only in Spanish, some family
members would go as far as to hide their knowledge of English, Hassel said.
"I enjoy speaking Spanish, and this trip gave all of
us the opportunity to see what we actually knew," said Angela Mohn, a senior international business major
and Spanish minor from Karns City, Pa.
At Thiel College, language majors are required to study abroad.
Hassel is pleased that programs such as the two-week opportunity at the Olé Spanish Language School allow
any student to participate in a study abroad experience.
Although it is only a two-week trip, the cultural differences were immediately apparent to the students. Whether
it was asking permission to leave the dinner table or the appropriate style of clothing, the change in language
was not the only thing we had to adapt to, said Mohn.
Students who successfully completed one semester of introductory
Spanish or who were exempt from the introductory course were eligible to participate in the program. Each participant
received three transferable credits which helped fulfill the language competency requirement for the core curriculum.
Outside of the classroom, students took in some of the sites
of Queretaro, including a weekend excursion to the local hot springs. Queretaro, with a population of about 1 million,
is located two hours north of Mexico City.
As a result of the time spent in Queretaro, international
student Keiko Katahira of Japan recently returned to Mexico to continue further study.
"This really is a great learning opportunity for the
students," said Hassel, who accompanied the group on the trip. "Being immersed in the culture is one
of the best ways to really learn a language."
Students who participated in the program were:
David Porter, Loren Stith, Roger King and high school student Alan
Adzima, all of Greenville
Sarah Boerner of
Kennett Square, Pa.
Joe Chastain of
Port Allegany, Pa.
Jim Chester of
McKeesport, Pa.
Elizabeth Detzel
and Jeremy Van Kleeck,
both of Meadville, Pa.
Jordan Hart of
Beaver Falls, Pa.
Keiko Katahira
of Japan
Adam Kmetz of Irwin,
Pa.
Kimberly Leathers
of Russell, Pa.
Casey Mitchell
of Perryopolis, Pa.
Angela Mohn of
Karns City, Pa.
Bill Mullane of
Columbiana, Ohio
Kristina Cale of
Windham, Ohio
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THIEL RECEIVES GRANT
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CHALLENGE COURSE
For immediate release July 16,
2003
GREENVILLE, PA - Thiel College was recently awarded a $10,000
National College Athletic Association (NCAA) initiative grant which will fund the development of a leadership challenge
course on the college campus.
The challenge course, which will be operational by the spring 2004 semester and located on the east acres section
of campus, will offer experiential education opportunities and will be used to encourage good sportsmanship, promote
team building and foster leadership, said Thiel College President and CEO Dr. Lance A. Masters.
"By providing this experiential learning program, Thiel can incorporate the leadership challenge course into
its athletic, admissions and community relations programs," said Masters adding that while Thiel athletes,
students and employees will benefit from the course, so will members of the local community.
Masters said that Greenville area recreational sports leagues and local high schools will be invited to use the
challenge course.
The focus of the challenge course is to improve interactions between individuals and promote teamwork and leadership.
Along the course, students are presented with a series of problems to be solved as a group.
"The leadership challenge course is a tremendous opportunity to provide a program that addresses the need
for students to be effective leaders and responsible citizens," said Roseanne Gill-Jacobson, vice president
for student services and enrollment and dean of students.
Through a collection of student-centered activities and outdoor structures, students will have exciting and unique
experiences focused on their intellectual, personal and moral development, she said.
"In anticipation of the growth of the course, many advantages are expected to arise," said Gill-Jacobson.
"We will be able to provide the resident directors and advisors better opportunities to explore their leadership
and personal interaction skills. Greeks, athletes and service organizations will be able to gain valuable insight
through the course and build teamwork and togetherness. Academic classes may use the course to build trust, break
down barriers and accomplish goals outside the classroom. Everyone benefits."
One of the most popular activities along the course, said Gill-Jacobson, is the trust fall.
"Students climb six feet and fall backwards into their team's arms," she said. "It's a great starting
point to explore a student's willingness to take risks. It develops caring, team pride, and above all else, trust."
Other exercises planned for the challenge course include:
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Mohawk Walk:
The object is to move a group from start to finish on top of and along a series of three tightly strung cables
between support poles.
Wild Woozy: Two
individuals figure out how to physically support each other as they attempt to traverse the lengths of two diverging
cables that are tightly strung between supports about 2 feet above the ground.
Three Islands:
Participants traverse three platforms that are spread apart by using a longer board and a shorter board.
12-Foot Wall: The
object is to physically and safely move a group over a 12-foot wall.
Spider's Web: The
object is to move an entire group through a nylon fabricated web without touching the web material.
TC Shuffle: Two
groups of participants stand on a telephone pole in single file. The object is to exchange ends of the pole without
falling off and touching the ground.
Trolleys/Boardwalk:
Groups must work together to walk while standing on wooden trolleys.
The NCAA offers annual grants to Division III schools that
support the education and professional development of students, faculty, staff and administration. Student-athlete
welfare issues, membership education of campus leaders and diversity are the targeted areas of interest.
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NEW APPOINTMENTS IN THIEL
COLLEGE OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES
For immediate release July 10,
2003
GREENVILLE, Pa. -Thiel College has recently restructured
its Office of Student Services by appointing employees to new positions and adding a new staff member.
Roseanne Gill-Jacobson,
formerly vice president for student services and dean of students, has earned expanded duties as vice president
for student services and enrollment management and dean of students.
Prior to joining Thiel College in 1999, Gill-Jacobson was the associate dean of student life/director of residence
life at Marietta College in Ohio. She also held previous positions at Marietta College, including director of campus
life programs, total quality management trainer and director of student center and summer conferences.
Gill-Jacobson earned both her bachelor of interdisciplinary study and master of education degrees from Ohio University.
Gill-Jacobson resides in Greenville with her family.
Jeff Baylor,
formerly the associate dean of students, has earned the title of the college's dean of enrollment. He served as
interim director of admissions at Thiel in 2000.
Baylor joined the Thiel staff in 2000 as associate dean of students. Prior to his appointment, he served three
years as associate director of admissions at Marietta College. He also held the position of assistant director
of residence life at Marietta for three years.
Baylor, who resides in Greenville, earned his bachelor of arts degree in business management and his masters of
arts and education degree from Marietta College.
Marianne Calenda,
formerly the assistant dean of students, has been named associate dean of students and director of residence life.
Calenda has been employed by the college since 1990. She has held various positions at Thiel including director
of community service, director of corporate and foundation support and director of special events and projects.
She also served as interim director of development.
Calenda earned her bachelor of arts degree from Thiel College in 1979. She is currently pursuing a master of arts
in higher education administration from Geneva College.
She and her family reside in Sharon, Pa.
Mark Thompson,
formerly the director of admissions, has accepted the position of director of alliances and high school relations
for Thiel College.
Thompson, a 1984 graduate of Thiel, joined the college staff as admissions director in 2000. Prior to joining the
staff at Thiel, he was employed for 11 years as an admissions counselor at Ohio State University Agricultural Technical
Institute in Wooster, Ohio.
He resides in Brookfield, Ohio, with his wife.
Stephanie Erdice,
formerly the coordinator of student activities, has been named student services specialist at the college.
Erdice, hired in 2001, earned a bachelor of arts degree from Baldwin-Wallace in 2001. She resides in Greenville.
Melanie Koontz
joined the Thiel staff on July 1 as director of student activities.
Koontz, a resident of Boardman, Ohio, earned a bachelor of arts degree from Ohio State University in 2001 and a
masters of science in education degree from Youngstown State University in 2003.
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THIEL PROFESSOR SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN AP PROGRAM
READING
For immediate release July 9,
2003
GREENVILLE, PA - Andrew Grover, professor of mathematics
and computer science at Thiel College, was selected to participate in the annual reading and scoring of the College
Board's Advanced Placement (AP) examinations.
Each year the AP Program, sponsored by the College Board, gives hundreds of thousands of capable high school students
an opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses and examinations and, based on their exam performances, to
receive credit and/or advanced placement when they enter college.
Approximately 1.7 million examinations in 19 disciplines were evaluated by over 6,000 readers from high schools
and universities in the United States and around the world.
The AP Reading is one of the few settings in which academic dialogue between school and college educators is fostered
and strongly encouraged.
"The reading draws upon the talents of some of the finest teachers and professors that the world has to offer,"
said Dr. Lee Jones, vice president for K-12 development and operations at the College Board. "It fosters professionalism,
allows for the exchange of ideas, and strengthens the commitment to students and to teaching. We are very grateful
for the contributions of talented educators like Andrew Grover."
Grover, of Greenville, has taught at Thiel College since 1984.
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