GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College celebrates the academic achievements of 235 graduates at its 141st commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. May 3 at the William A. Passavant Memorial Center on campus.
Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton, M.Div., the first female presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, will deliver the keynote address and will receive an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. Professor of Psychology Beth Parkinson, Ph.D., will be recognized as distinguished emerita faculty. She is retiring after 29 years as a professor at Thiel College.
“Commencement marks a time when we stand back and admire the achievements of our Thiel College graduates,” President Troy D. VanAken, Ph.D., said. “But that vantage point also allows us to look forward at the inspiring possibilities that lay before our graduates. We are confident these young women and men—full of promise and well-prepared by our caring and dedicated faculty—are destined for great things.”
Along with the students, about 1,500 friends and family of the graduates and Thiel College faculty and staff will join in this celebration of academic excellence and achievement. Prior to Commencement, a Baccalaureate service will take place at 10 a.m. in the Passavant Center.
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.