Record-setting Thiel 2016 Campaign exceeds goal by more than $5 million

Posted December 15, 2016Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—The last day of the year marks the close of the historic Thiel 2016 Campaign. En route to surpassing its goal, the Campaign has now raised more money than any fundraising effort in the College’s 150-year history. Campaign gifts have totaled more than $65 million.

The public phase of the Thiel 2016 Campaign was announced with a $60 million goal during Homecoming 2015. 

“This historic campaign has gathered momentum for Thiel College as we look forward from our sesquicentennial celebration,” President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., said. “The things we have been able to accomplish will help us to focus on ensuring student success and institutional vitality.”

Funding from the campaign has enabled the college to invest in a myriad of essential projects. Along with the full funding of a new science connector facility, the Thiel 2016 Campaign funded the first phase of the track and field project, new seats in the William A. Robinson Theater, and renovations of the William A. Passavant Center, Bly Auditorium, TC Café, and various classrooms. It also provided monies for the Rissell-Schreyer Dome and new turf and lighting in Alumni Stadium. The $6.8 million James Pedas Communication Center and its state of the art communication technologies, which are available to students of all majors, was also funded through the campaign. It is one of the most valuable campus assets Thiel College offers to students, who receive training in presentational literacy as a part of the College’s core curriculum.

The Dietrich Honors Institute, Greenville Neuromodulation Center Faculty/Student Research Institute, the David M. Miller Endowed Chair of Accounting (which was given to Professor of Business, Administration and Accounting and Department Chair Gary Witosky ’79), Pedas Endowed Chair in Communication, Dietrich Honors Institute Endowed Chair and the Rod E. Wilt ’86 Head Coach for Thiel Wrestling were established through the campaign as well. Thiel has the first endowed coach in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference and one of the few in the nation.

“We have been inspired as we watched our alumni network, friends of the College and the Thiel community come together to support this campaign,” Chair of the Board of Trustees Barry Stamm, M.D. ’70 said. “Thiel 2016 was designed to impact every aspect of the student experience. Our donors were engaged, our alumni stepped forward and our students received the benefits of their generosity. This campaign has built our capacity for student success and strengthened our institution as we look forward to another 150 years.”

As a result of the generosity of connected alumni, Forbes magazine named Thiel College to the “2016 Grateful Grad Colleges: The Top 200 Show-Me-The-Money Schools,” index. Inclusion on the list signifies that a college has a history of producing graduates who consistently donate to their alma mater.

“It is critically important to the future vitality of the College that our culture of philanthropy continues to grow and flourish,” Board of Trustees member John Barr ’70 said.

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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.



Thiel College
75 College Ave
Greenville, PA 16125
1-800-248-4435