GREENVILLE, Pa.—Washington D.C.-businessman and movie producer James Pedas ’50 H’89 will attend the dedication of the $6.8 million James Pedas Communication Center at Thiel College at 11 a.m. Saturday during his alma mater’s Homecoming festivities.
Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett will be on campus later that day to tour the facility and help commemorate the first new academic building on campus in 40 years. Corbett also will attend several on-campus events to mark Thiel’s Homecoming.
Pedas, a Farrell native, is known for his role in producing The Coen brothers’ films “Barton Fink,” “Raising Arizona,” “Miller’s Crossing,” and “Blood Simple.” Pedas and his brother, Ted, were active in the entertainment industry and later formed a company to oversee their investments in real estate and commercial development as well parking facilities in the Washington D.C. area.
The James Pedas Communication Center is a 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art collaborative learning environment where students engage in film, TV, radio, news production and other multimedia-rich learning experiences that will prepare them for tomorrow’s evolving information society. Building features include sophisticated labs and studios, dynamic classrooms and learning spaces, a new Office of Admission and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.