THIEL COLLEGE JOINS YELLOW RIBBON PROGRAM, COMMITS TO SUPPORTING MILITARY LEARNERS

March 17, 2009

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Previous or current members of the United States armed services will not only find a tuition-free degree at Thiel College, but also extra resources and transitional services to support them while pursuing higher education, thanks to special programs announced today by the college.

Thiel College has joined the Yellow Ribbon Program, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs program that offers new G.I. Bill benefits to many post-9/11 members of the military veterans and other qualified military personnel, including a subsidy for tuition equivalent to the highest tuition of any public institution in Pennsylvania. Thiel has pledged to meet the difference between the subsidy and Thiel’s tuition for those in the Yellow Ribbon Program through a series of military service awards, which, when combined with the G.I. Bill, make it possible for many military personnel to attend the college with little or no out-of-pocket expenses.

“We are striving to provide a superior and highly cost-effective opportunity for military veterans to earn their college degree,” says Dr. Robert C. Olson ’60, president of the college. “The supportive atmosphere that Thiel can provide will be a nurturing place for veterans where they can further their educations and prepare themselves for successful futures.”

In addition to the tuition-free benefit, Thiel also provides no-cost applications, a streamlined admissions process and two special programs for veterans. The Network of Advocates is a group of dedicated veterans’ advocates, including faculty members with military experience, in various campus departments that provide transitional services such as academic advising and flexible scheduling. The SERV (Supportive Education for the Returning Veteran) program is specially designed for veterans who want to work through the college experience in the company of other military students. It offers Thiel’s network of advocates along with features such as grouping of veterans in first- and second-year classes, a military student’s lounge and study area, special summer family programs, additional campus orientation and other services.

 “We would like to continue the good work that the Veterans Administration has done and encourage more of our local heroes to use these new benefits to advance their civilian careers,” says John Rindy, dean of educational outreach, who will manage the SERV program.

Thiel also offers a full-tuition Fallen Hero Scholarship, which was established in 2006 and is awarded to the child(ren) of military personnel and first-responders who gave their lives in service to their country.

Visit www.gibill.va.gov for more information about the G.I. Bill. Local veterans, Guardsmen and reservists can contact Vicki Poe, senior admissions counselor, at 724-589-2756 or vpoe@thiel.edu for information on admission to Thiel College.

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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