THIEL COLLEGE RECEIVES LARGEST RESCH FOUNDATION GRANT TO DATE

March 10, 2009

GREENVILLE, Pa.—The Office of Educational Outreach at Thiel College announced today that the college has been awarded $188,000 in grants from the Marion G. Resch Foundation of Youngstown for the 2009-1010 academic year. The funding will support two programs, the Marion G. Resch Science Scholarship and the Resch EXCEL Early Intervention program, which is a partnership between Thiel and the Youngstown City Schools.

The Resch Scholarship provides scholarships for 20 current Thiel College science majors as well as awards for seven incoming first-year students this fall. The scholarships are awarded to students from Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties in eastern Ohio who intend to study in a science program at Thiel. Each year, half of the eligible scholarships are provisionally reserved for young women.

The EXCEL (Excellent Choices in Education and Lifestyle) Early Intervention Program is a series of mentoring and learning activities created for inner-city youths who show academic promise and exemplary behavior. The students are provided with support and encouragement to succeed in school and at home by Coach Artina Trader of Thiel and Stephen Stefanick of the Youngstown City Schools. The students also visit Thiel each summer for a week-long educational camp.

Over the last three years, the Resch Foundation has gifted more than $500,000 in support of Thiel’s programs. “We are honored that the Resch Foundation has continued to support our efforts to secure a strong educational future for so many young people,” said John Rindy, dean of educational outreach and Resch grant administrator.

Rindy credits Brian Wolf, Resch Foundation executive director, and Kathy Brown, vice president of Butler Wick Trust Company, for their efforts. “Mr. Wolf and Ms. Brown have spent time at Thiel; they see the impact these programs are making,” noted Rindy. “Everyone involved in the Foundation cares so deeply for the youth of the Mahoning Valley.”

The late Mrs. Resch was a strong advocate of the education of young people, and the Resch Foundation, managed by the Butler Wick of Youngstown, honors her legacy by granting money in support of scholarships and early intervention programs.

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 1,100 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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