THIEL BEGINS 144TH ACADEMIC YEAR

Aug. 28, 2009

Dr. Troy VanAken, Thiel College president, greets the members of the Class of 2013 as they enter Thiel’s Passavant Center for this year’s Opening Convocation.

GREENVILLE, PA – Thiel College began its 144th academic year yesterday when members of the class of 2013 arrived on campus for orientation activities.

More than 300 new students joined the student body this year and will begin class on Monday, Aug. 31, said Thiel College President Dr. Troy VanAken.

“It’s very exciting to be part of my first Opening Convocation and Orientation as president of the college,” said VanAken. “These new students will be a vibrant addition to our community and I look forward to working with them during their years on campus as well as throughout their lives as engaged alumni. The Greenville and the surrounding communities provide a supportive environment for college students to live and learn while preparing for the next phase of their lives.”

The first-year students were welcomed at the annual opening convocation ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 27 in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center. VanAken hosted the ceremony and joined faculty and staff in welcoming the new students as well as their parents and other friends of the college. Dr. Mervin E. Newton, interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college; Mike McKinney ’02, dean of students; and Kevin Woods ’10 of Union City, Pa., president of the Student Government Association, also addressed the students.

During the opening convocation, students signed the academic honor code, a statement of intent that students will abide by the academic requirements and regulations of the college.

A welcome picnic for new students and their families followed the ceremony on the Howard Miller Student Center terrace and lawn. Orientation activities for freshmen continue through August 30, acquainting first-year students with the college’s people, places, traditions and expectations.

About Thiel College

Founded in 1866, Thiel College is a liberal arts, sciences and professional studies institution located in Greenville, Pa., that provides a great balance of academic challenge, personal and social involvement, and exceptional value to its 1,000 students. For more information about Thiel College, which is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, visit www.thiel.edu or call 800-24-THIEL.

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