U.S. REP. PHIL ENGLISH TO OFFER THIEL COMMENCEMENT
ADDRESS ON MAY 14
For immediate release April 26,
2005
GREENVILLE, PA- U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) will serve as keynote  speaker for Thiel College's spring commencement
at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14.
English, who is currently in his sixth term serving western Pennsylvania's 3rd District which includes Erie County
and parts of Armstrong, Butler, Crawford, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties, will also be awarded an honorary
doctor of laws degree during the ceremony.
Also receiving honorary doctorates during the college's commencement exercises will be Ralph E. Jones, bishop of
the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Virginia Lancaster McGarvey
and Peter Mortensen.
The Republican congressman from Erie, Pa., will offer the keynote address titled "Recommit to Civic Duty."
English was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 to the seat that Tom Ridge had vacated in his
successful run for governor of Pennsylvania. Prior to his election he served as Erie City Controller from 1985
to 1989. He also served as chief of staff for then Pennsylvania State Senator Melissa Hart.
In his first term with the U.S. House of Representatives, English became the first freshman Republican in nearly
30 years to be appointed to the Ways and Means Committee, which handles legislation affecting taxes, trade, health,
Medicare, Social Security and welfare. He is the only member of the Pennsylvania delegation to serve on the Ways
and Means Committee.
English sits on the Health, Trade and Human Resources subcommittees. In 2001, English was appointed to the Joint
Economic Committee, which is a combined House and Senate committee that serves as the economic policy arm of Congress.
English received a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Bishop Ralph Jones, who has served as bishop of the Northwestern  Pennsylvania Synod since 2001, will be awarded an honorary
doctor of divinity degree. He was nominated for the honor by the Rev. Martin M. Roth '66, pastor of Holy Trinity
Lutheran Church in Greenville.
Jones, the synod's second bishop, previously served as a pastor with Zion Lutheran Church in Oil City, Pa., Faith
Lutheran Church in Apollo, Pa., Town and Country Lutheran Ministry, a cooperative ministry of 19 small membership
congregations from four counties, in Apollo, Pa., and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Corry, Pa.
Originally from Kittanning, Pa., Jones earned a bachelor's degree from Gettysburg College and master of divinity
degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg. He also received a master's degree in theology and
ethics from Duquesne University.
Jones and his wife, the Rev. Sandra K. Jones, reside in Oil City, Pa.
McGarvey, a lifelong resident of Erie, Pa., and a member of the Thiel College  class of 1956, will be awarded
an honorary doctor of letters degree. While a move to Illinois in 1955 prevented her from graduating with her class,
McGarvey has remained a friend to Thiel College over the years.
McGarvey and her husband, Ray, are the former owners of Meadow Brook Dairy and Country Fair convenience stores.
Nominated by friend and alumnus the Rev. Dr. Albert U. Gesler Jr. '56, McGarvey has long been dedicated to community
service and has served on numerous civic and church organizations.
McGarvey earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois. She and her husband reside in Erie.
Mortensen, chairman F.N.B. Corporation, a New York Stock Exchange company headquartered in Hermitage, Pa., will
be awarded an honorary doctor of humanities degree.
A lifelong resident of Mercer County, Mortensen was raised in Greenville. He began his banking career in 1955 as
a loan teller with First National Bank of Mercer County. During his career, he oversaw the growth of First National
Bank of Pennsylvania, now F.N.B. Corporation, from two offices and $7 million of assets to 201 offices and $5.5
billion of assets.
Mortensen has served in various leadership capacities in education, health care and social service organizations.
Mortensen, who earned a bachelor's degree from the College of Wooster, resides in Naples, Fla., with his wife,
Collette.
Back
to the top
BISHOP MARCUS MILLER TO RECEIVE HONORARY DEGREE FROM THIEL
For immediate release April 21,
2005
 GREENVILLE, PA - The Rev. Dr.
Marcus Miller, bishop of the Northeastern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will
receive an honorary doctor of divinity degree from Thiel College during the Northeastern Ohio Synod Assembly Saturday,
April 30, at the John S. Knight Center in Akron, Ohio.
Miller, who is currently in his second term as bishop, was nominated for the doctorate by colleague the Rev. Bonnie
J. Peltomaa, pastor of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Mansfield, Ohio. Peltomaa is a 1976 alumna of Thiel College.
Miller, ordained in 1971, began his ministry as an instructor of religion and German at Martin Luther High School
in Maspeth, N.Y. From 1973 to 1979 he served as pastor to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. In 1979
he was called as pastor to The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Brooklyn, Ohio, where he remained until
1995 when he was elected bishop of the Northeastern Ohio Synod. He was reelected to his second term as bishop in
2001.
In 1999 Miller represented the ELCA at the historic signing of the Joint Declaration on with the Roman Catholic
Church and the Holy See in Augsburg, Germany. He also served as an ELCA delegate with ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson on
the 2003 Ecumenical Journey to Rome, London and Geneva.
Miller received his bachelor of arts degree from Concordia College and his master of divinity degree from Concordia
Seminary in St. Louis. He also completed his master of sacred theology and doctor of ministry degrees at New York
Theological Seminary in New York City.
Thiel College President and CEO Dr. Lance A. Masters will present Miller with the honorary degree during the synod's
annual assembly.
Back
to the top
THIEL COLLEGE NAMES NEW CHIEF ACADEMIC
OFFICER
For immediate release April 15,
2005
GREENVILLE, PA - Following a national search, Thiel College President and
CEO Dr. Lance A. Masters has announced
the appointment of Dr. W. Jeffrey Welsh
as vice president for academic affairs (VPAA) and chief academic officer for Thiel College, effective May 20.
Welsh will replace retiring VPAA Dr. Robert C. Olson '60, who has held the position since 1999 and served as professor
of history at Thiel since 1965.
Welsh is currently an education consultant with Indigo Educational Consultants (IEC) and is a former vice president
for academic affairs and dean of faculty at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C., where he also served as professor
of history.
"I am honored that the Thiel College community has selected me to be their next vice president for academic affairs,"
said Welsh. "I am committed to the college's success and the success of its students. I look forward to working
with the faculty and staff as we respond proactively to the changing landscape of higher education. I am excited
about returning to western Pennsylvania and look forward to becoming a part of this community."
At Thiel, Welsh will serve as chief academic officer and oversee the development of the college's academic and
instructional programming, budgets, long-range plans, and faculty and faculty development, the library and other
academic support units. He will serve as a member of the presidential cabinet, the college's planning and budgeting
committee, and the reaccreditation task force.
"Over the last several months, our search committee has worked diligently in searching for a new vice president
of academic affairs," said Masters. "I am very pleased that after many hours of extensive interviewing, prayer
and discussion, Dr. Welsh will be joining the Thiel family."
"Dr. Welsh has years of experience with practically every type of post-secondary educational institution and Thiel
will be very fortunate to have someone of his academic and leadership experience to help guide our institution,"
said Masters.
Since 2004 Welsh has been an education consultant with IEC, a North Carolina-based organization that specializes
in helping colleges and universities assess student learning, develop outcomes-based curriculum, engage in comprehensive
program review, and document institutional effectiveness.
Prior to joining IEC, Welsh served five years as vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty at Lees-McRae
College. He was previously associate dean and chief instructional officer of Firelands College of Bowling Green
State University. He has also held academic and administrative positions at Surry Community College, Firelands
College, Bowling Green State University and Grove City College.
Welsh holds a Ph.D. and a master's degree from Bowling Green State University and a bachelor's degree from Grove
City College. He has done post-doctoral work at Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management; and
is completing a certification program in Financial Planning at Kaplan University.
The college is planning a welcome reception for Welsh on Friday, May 20. Time and location will be announced. Members
of the campus family, alumni and Greenville community are invited to attend.
Back
to the top
THIEL EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION DINNER HONORS 48
For immediate release April 12,
2005
Dr. Emerson Heald,
second from left, is honored for 40 years of service to Thiel College at the institution's recent Employee Recognition
Dinner. Pictured with Dr. Heald are his wife, Joan, also honored for 20 years of service; Thiel President and CEO
Dr. Lance A. Masters, far left, a five-year honoree; and Dr. Robert Olson '60, far right, vice president for academic
affairs and dean of the college.
 |
GREENVILLE, PA - Thiel College recognized 48 employees for their combined total
of 640 years of service to the college at the annual Employee Recognition Dinner on Thursday, April 7.
Honored for 40 years of service was
Dr. Emerson Heald, professor emeritus
of chemistry and an adjunct professor in the Science and Our Global Heritage Program.
Honored for 35 years of service were
Doug Cerroni, recently retired director
of the library; John Dickason, associate
professor emeritus of health and physical education; and Joyce Minor, interim director of the library.
Honored for 25 years of service were Dr.
Bruce Armitage, professor emeritus of chemistry; Dr. J. Henry Barton, professor and coordinator of the Environmental
Studies Program; Leslie Graul, director
of instructional media services; and Elizabeth Stuyvesant, student loan specialist.
Honored for 20 years of service were
Nancy Daugherty, food services; Andrew Grover, professor of mathematics and computer
science; Joan Heald, adjunct in the
Science and Our Global Heritage Program; Patricia Leskovac, financial aid specialist; Deborah Ross, documents librarian; and Anthony Vacarro, system administrator.
Honored for 15 years of service were
Brenda DelMaramo, lecturer of English;
Dr. Mark DelMaramo, professor of English;
Nancy Knapp, admissions secretary;
Linda Lewis, academic records specialist;
Dabbie Moffett, housekeeping; Susan Richards, director of institutional research;
and Barbara Samson, Academic Service
Center secretary.
Honored for 10 years of service were
Kathie Hutchison, food services; Donna Jamison, housekeeping; James Koshan, assistant professor of history; Cynthia Moyer, housekeeping; Lucille Stewart, housekeeping; Anthony
Urban, campus police officer; and Denise
Urey, academic records secretary.
Honored for 5 years of service were
William Beil, vice president for auxiliary
services and chief technology officer; Denise Coviello, assistant manager of the Thiel Bookstore; Taryn Ferch, assistant professor of Spanish; Roseanne Gill-Jacobson, vice president for student engagement and success, chief student services officer and dean
of students; Dr. Mary Theresa Hall,
professor of English; Michelle Harris,
food services; Betsy Hildebrand, director
of public relations; Christ Hodges,
lecturer of education; Anna Mary Hoovler,
prospect research coordinator; Constance Jablonski, manager of accounting; Dr. Charles Kurtz, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science and philosophy; Dr. Lance A. Masters, president and chief executive officer;
Sean McConnor, associate professor/curator
of art; Dr. Karen Parmiter, adjunct
in the department of English; Gregory Perrine,
network manager; Tina Proper, assistant
to the vice president for college advancement; Joseph Schaly, head baseball coach and athletic director; Bradley
Skippon, ESL instructor; Jennie Travaglini, assistant director of public relations; and Valerie
Vernon, adjunct in the department of languages.
For photos of other honorees, click
here.
Back
to the top
THIEL ANNOUNCES EARTH WEEK EVENTS
For immediate release April 12,
2005
GREENVILLE, PA - Thiel College's Global Institute will sponsor the college's
seventh annual celebration of Earth Day from April 18-25. "The Earth's Cry for Justice," the theme for
the college's Earth Week 2005 program, will feature a series of lectures open to the public, as well as activities
for Thiel students and local elementary students.
The events for the week include:
MONDAY, APRIL 18
 "Cleaning Up the Shenango
River": 3 to 5 p.m. Thiel College students will voluntarily participate in this river clean-up activity.
"Hearing God's Word
in the Cries of the Earth: Global Economics and Christian Faith," Public Lecture followed by Question &
Answer segment and screening of the film "Hotel Rwanda": 7:30 p.m., Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller
Student Center (HMSC).
Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, assistant professor of theology and religious
studies at Seattle University, will speak on the topic of global economics and Christian faith. A question and
answer session and the showing of the internationally-acclaimed film "Hotel Rwanda" will follow her presentation.
Moe-Lobeda lectures and consults internationally and nationally in theology and ethics, and recently served as
theological consultant to the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). She has served
as director of the Washington, D.C. office of Augsburg College's Center for Global Education and as a missionary/healthworker.
Moe-Lobeda also teaches in Seattle University's School of Theology and Ministry.
She is the author of "Healing a Broken World: Globalization and God, "Public Church: For the Life of
the World" and numerous articles and chapters. She is co-author of "Saint Francis and the Foolishness
of God" and "Say to This Mountain: Mark's Story of Discipleship."
Moe-Lobeda holds a doctoral degree in Christian Ethics from Union Theological Seminary, and master's degrees in
social work and in theological studies. She lives in Seattle with her husband, a pastor in the ELCA.
The showing of "Hotel Rwanda" is sponsored by the student women's group Women Inspiring the Next Generation
(WING).
TUESDAY, APRIL 19
"Our Crying World,"
Public Lecture: 7:30 p.m., Lutheran Heritage Room, HMSC.
Dr. Matthew V. Johnson Sr., pastor of Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in College Park, Greensboro, N.C., is
a preacher, scholar, writer, lecturer, administrator, and servant of the people. An inspiring speaker in the tradition
of Martin Luther King Jr., Johnson is particularly gifted at translating the beauty and mystery of the Scriptures
into constructs that capture the contemporary imagination.
Johnson has ministered through teaching at many institutions including San Francisco Theological Seminary, The
University of North Carolina, Chicago Theological Seminary, Wake Forest University and Livingston College. He has
also functioned as African American campus minister at the University of Chicago. Johnson has also served three
other churches in Chicago and Greensboro before accepting his current call.
Johnson is the author of numerous manuscripts, articles, book reviews, a novel and other books. He is co-editor
of "The Passion of the Lord: African American Reflections," a volume published in February 2005. He created
"Another Voice," a series of position papers that contextualize African American Christian praxis to
encourage informed responsible choices of Christians, and these papers were published periodically in newspapers
across the country.
Johnson earned a Ph.D. in philosophical theology from the Divinity School of the University of Chicago. He also
completed two years of post-doctoral work in psychoanalytic training at Duke University in conjunction with the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20
Presentation of the 2005
Leadership and Environmental Education Award: 7:15 p.m. Lutheran Heritage Room, HMSC.
This award is given to a local educator who has demonstrated exemplary service and leadership in the area of environmental
education. This year's recipient is Dave Tomson, a fourth grade teacher at Mercer Elementary School. Tomson has
facilitated a number of science-based programs that have instilled a love and passion for our natural environment.
"The Earth's Cry for
Human Rights: Being an Ogchida-quay (Woman Warrior) for the Earth," Public Lecture: 7:30 p.m., Lutheran Heritage
Room, HMSC.
Lisa Bellanger, director of the Indigenous Women's Network and an associate of the University of Minnesota Human
Rights Center of Minneapolis, has grown up as a human rights and indigenous rights activist. She functions in her
calling as an "Ogchida-quay" or "woman warrior for the earth."
Her work, her responsibility as an indigenous woman, an anishinabequay or "woman of the Anishinabe people,"
dictates that she operate responsibly in life in protecting the earth, sky, water, people, and all that is natural,
including our four-legged and winged relatives.
THURSDAY, APRIL 21
Earth Cries Student Workshop:
Hundreds of area grade school students will be on the campus of Thiel College from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to participate
in an "Earth Cries Workshop." Presenters from off campus will join forces with faculty and students of
Thiel's biology and education departments to engage the young students in learning about various ways that the
Earth cries out to us about the destructive effects of some human behaviors.
"A Spirit in Love with
the Earth: The Promises of Religious Environmentalism," Public Lecture: 7:30 p.m. Lutheran Heritage Room,
HMSC.
Dr. Roger Gottlieb, professor of philosophy at Worcester Polytechnic Institute of Worcester, Mass., is the author
or editor of 11 books and more than 50 articles on political philosophy, Marxism, feminism, the Holocaust, environmentalism,
religious life, and disability.
He is editor of six academic book series, book review editor of Social Theology and Practice, has a review column
in the national magazine Tikkun, and is on the editorial board of Capitalism, Nature, Socialism: A Journal of Socialist
Ecology and Worldviews: Religion, Nature, Culture.
His work has won praise from international figures like Elie Wiesel and Michael Lerner and noted scholars of philosophy,
religion, the environment and politics. For the past decade Gottlieb has concentrated on the political, ethical,
and religious dimensions of the environmental crisis and on the broad social and normative connections between
religion and politics. His anthology "This Sacred Earth: Religion, Nature, Environment" is known internationally
as the first comprehensive collection on the topic.
His 1999 book "A Spirituality of Resistance: Finding a Peaceful Heart and Protecting the Earth" has been
called "a true spiritual guide for our day." Gottlieb is currently writing a book on religious environmentalism.
He lives in Boston with his wife, noted feminist psychotherapist and author Miriam Greenspan.
A question and answer segment will follow.
Samite and "The Earth's
Cry for Justice in Music," Open Concert: 9 p.m., Lutheran Heritage Room, HMSC.
A musician and composer from Uganda, Samite's music - which merges traditional and contemporary music - celebrates
Ugandan culture: he sings in his native tongue of Luganda and performs on African instruments such as kalimba,
marimba, litungu and flutes.
In addition to Samite's musical career, he is the founder of the non-profit organization Musicians for World Harmony,
whose mission is to enable musicians throughout the world to share their music to promote peace, understanding
and harmony among peoples, with a special emphasis on the displaced or the distressed who could benefit most from
the healing power of music.
FRIDAY, APRIL 22
Tree Planting and Prayers
for the Earth: 7:45 a.m., Brother Martin's Walk.
Annual tradition of planting a tree along the college's Brother Martin's Walk will continue this year. Faculty
members, administrators, and students will offer prayerful petitions for peace and justice within the Thiel community
and within communities all around the Earth.
Those wanting to participate in this event will gather at the east entrance of the Howard Miller Student Center
of Thiel College.
All of the events throughout the 2005 Earth Week celebration are free and open to the public. For more information,
please contact Dr. Curt Thompson at 724-589-2106.
Back
to the top
THIEL TO INTRODUCE TWO NEW MAJORS, ONE MINOR IN THE FALL
For immediate release April 4,
2005
GREENVILLE, PA - Thiel College has approved two new academic majors,
E-Commerce and Web Development, and a minor in Pre-Ministry Studies for
the fall 2005 semester.
Both E-Commerce and Web Development are interdisciplinary majors,
drawing primarily from the fields of computer science and business
administration, with some secondary focus on graphic design. While
similar in nature, the E-Commerce major has stronger focus on business,
while Web Development is more technical in nature.
The E-Commerce major is designed for students who are interested in the
business-oriented aspects of Internet and web technologies. The
curriculum is divided between business administration and computer
science courses.
"The curriculum will provide students with an educational foundation
that bridges the gap between business and technology in today's rapidly
changing business environment," said Andrew Grover, professor of
mathematics and computer science at Thiel College, who led the proposal
for both programs.
Students will learn business fundamentals and information concepts in
their courses of study within the program. Students enrolled in the
E-Commerce program will be required to take courses such as accounting,
advertising, economics, marketing, web design and development, database
management, data communications and system security.
The Web Development major is designed for students who are interested in
the technical aspects of Internet and web technologies.
The curriculum focuses on computer science and information system
courses, with additional emphasis on business administration to provide
students with a solid background in web technologies. Special emphasis
will be placed on the development of problem-solving skills and issues
surrounding the development of E-Commerce web applications.
"The capstone course of the program is the Professional Web Portfolio
course, which focuses on team-based project development and allows
students to build working E-Commerce projects that they can compile into
a portfolio of work suitable to present to potential employers," said
Grover.
A new minor in Pre-Ministry Studies was also approved for the fall 2005
semester. The minor will help educate students who are contemplating
vocations to ministerial offices in the church. It will also help
relate the Lutheran identity of Thiel, although the courses required of
the minor are broadly ecumenical, and provide spiritual growth and
leadership/career preparation.
For more information about the E-Commerce or Web Development majors or
the Pre-Ministry Studies minor, please contact the Thiel College Office
of Admissions at 1-800-24-THIEL.
Back
to the top
THIEL COLLEGE'S WING ORGANIZATION HOLDING SHOE DRIVE
For immediate release March 31,
2005
GREENVILLE, Pa. - Members of Thiel College's Women Inspiring the Next Generation
(WING) will hold a shoe drive to benefit AWARE, an advocacy group for victims of domestic violence, through the
end of April.
Used and new shoes in all sizes will be accepted, but there is a greater need for men's and children's shoes.
Shoes may be dropped off at the Office of Student Services located in the Howard Miller Student Center at Thiel
College. The collected shoes will be distributed to various shelters throughout Mercer County.
WING, formerly the Center for Women's Leadership, provides participants with leadership education, community outreach
opportunities and career development programs.
For more information regarding the group's shoe drive, call Kelly Parsell at 724-589-2740.
Back
to the top
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORGANIZATION FOOD FAIR IS SUNDAY
For immediate release March 16,
2005
GREENVILLE, PA - The Thiel College International Student Organization (ISO)
will host the 11th annual International Food Fair from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 20, in the dining hall of the
college's Howard Miller Student Center.
The countries represented with traditional cuisine will Nepal, Pakistan, Japan, China, Tibet, Kenya, Italy and
Greece.
There is an entrance fee and the event is open to the public. Admission is free for Thiel College students with
meal plans. For more information about the food fair, please contact Shannon Reesh, director of international student
services, at 724-589-2076.
Back
to the top
THIEL SPANISH PROFESSOR CUTS HAIR FOR A GOOD CAUSE
For immediate release March 2,
2005
from left to right
Taryn Ferch, Mary Elizabeth Carpenter, and Barbara Hassel
 |
GREENVILLE, PA - Taryn Ferch, assistant professor of Spanish at Thiel
College, raffled off a chance for a member of the campus community to cut off her hair - all for a good cause.
Ticket sales totaling $415 will benefit a study abroad memorial fund established in the name of Alan Hassel, the
late husband of Barbara Hassel, professor of Spanish and chair of the Department of Languages.
 The
winning ticket holder was Mary Elizabeth Carpenter, a junior religion and English major from Hollidaysburg, Pa.
Carpenter donned a sombrero and clipped off Ferch's ponytails on Monday, Feb. 28.
Ferch, who resides in Sharon, Pa., has been growing out her hair for several months for this cause. She will donate
the 11 inches of shorn tresses to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially
disadvantaged children under the age of 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss.
Donations to the Alan Hassel Study Abroad Memorial Fund are still being accepted. To make a contribution or for
more information, contact Ferch at 724-589-2081.
Back
to the top |
|
