Thiel College paid tribute to 10 faculty and staff members and state Sen. Robert D. Robbins (R-50) and his wife, Cynthia, at the college’s annual Founders’ Day convocation Thursday, Feb. 1, in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.

President and CEO Dr. Lance A. Masters presented the A. Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award to the Sen. and M

rs. Robbins. 

The Sen. and Mrs. Robbins have been constant champions for the local community for many years, as well as for Thiel College. This past year, Sen. Robbins worked to secure a $916,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for use toward the college’s new neuroscience academic program. He also assisted the college in acquiring a $150,000 state grant for the construction of Alumni Stadium.

The award is presented annually to community members who demonstrate exemplary character, continuity of leadership, and long-term service to Greenville and its environs. The recipients must have demonstrated a commitment to the common good above private interests.

The award is named after A. Louis and Barbara Thiel, whose generosity made possible the founding of Thiel College in 1866. The Thiels dedicated themselves to the welfare of others. The German couple immigrated to western Pennsylvania in the 1840s, and as their work was blessed with success, they faithfully served family, community and church.

Receiving the prestigious Professor of the Year Award was Dr. William A. Robinson, professor of performing arts.

Robinson, of Greenville, joined the Thiel faculty in 1974 as an adjunct of theater arts.  His fall and spring theater productions have entertained the campus and the community for many years.  Since 1980 Robinson and his Thiel Players have welcomed incoming first year students with their performance of Charlie Brown Goes to College. In the summer months, Robinson directs the Greenville Area Community Theatre’s summer production.

He has served as chairman of the Communication and Performing Arts departments.  At Thiel he has been a member of the college’s Faculty Council, the Promotion and Tenure Committee, and the Artists and Lecturers Committee.

Robinson holds a bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University, a master’s from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University.

Other faculty members earning recognition were:

• Dr. Mary Theresa Hall, professor of English, received the Distinguished Service Award. Hall resides in Hermitage.

• Dr. Arthur A. White, Jr., professor of philosophy, received the Distinguished Teacher Award.  He resides in Greenville.

• Dr. Mervin E. Newton, interim dean of faculty and professor of mathematics, received the Distinguished Scholar Award. He resides in Greenville.

• Helen M. Nichols, adjunct professor of education, received the Distinguished Adjunct Award.  She resides in Greenville.

Five staff awards were also presented during the ceremony.  Receiving honors were:

• Ed Schutte, bookstore manager, received the Distinguished Innovator Award. He resides in Greenville.

• Jeri L. Reed ’05, student financial services coordinator, received the Distinguished Newcomer Award.  She resides in Greenville.

• Clyde J. Morgan ’00, head track and field coach, received the Distinguished Extra Effort Award.  He resides in Greenville.

• Betsy F. Hildebrand, director of public relations, received the Distinguished Outreach Award.  She resides in Greenville.

• Vicki W. Poe, senior admissions counselor, received the Distinguished Service Staff Award.  She resides in Greenville.