GREENVILLE, PA – Brigadier General Jerry G. Beck Jr., deputy adjutant general-Army for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, will serve as keynote speaker at Thiel College’s commencement at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 2 in the college’s William A. Passavant Center.

Beck, who first enlisted in the Army in 1977, is the principal adviser to the adjutant general on all matters relating to Army operations and is responsible for overall operational readiness, ensuring that the more than 15,000 members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard are trained and equipped for their federal and state missions.

His long and successful military career has included service in Kosovo as commanding general of a multi-national brigade, among many other staff assignments. He has numerous affiliations, including the American Legion, Military Officers Association of America and others, and awards, including the Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal. A native of Canonsburg, Pa., Beck is a graduate of Millersville State College and Pennsylvania State University, where he received a master’s degree in instructional systems design. He resides in Denver, Pa.

Also during the ceremony, Thiel College trustee Dr. Carl. Hoffman Jr. ’69 will receive an honorary doctor of science degree.

Hoffman is a doctor of osteopathic medicine and a certified correctional and health care provider who is the founder, president and corporate medical director of PrimeCare Medical Inc. and PrimeCare Medical of West Virginia Inc., the largest providers of health care to county jails and juvenile facilities in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Hoffman founded PrimeCare in 1986, which has grown to a multi-million dollar business with more than 750 employees. Along with a customized medical program that includes medical, mental health, dental, pharmacy, laboratory and nursing services, PrimeCare represents its clients’ interests in all medical legal issues.

Hoffman also is active in numerous organizations and philanthropies, including the Thiel College Board of Trustees, Alumni Board of Directors and Board of Associates. Hoffman is a graduate of Thiel College and Philadelphia College of osteopathic medicine. He resides in Harrisburg, Pa., with his wife, Theresa.

Dr. Mervin Newton, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, is retiring after 40 years of service to the College including many years as professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics. He will be awarded emeritus professor status during the commencement ceremony. Newton and his wife, Sara, live in Greenville.

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