Thiel College President introduces new Thiel College Lifetime Giving Society

Posted May 14, 2014Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College President Troy VanAken recently unveiled plans for the college's most prestigious donor recognition organization, the Thiel College Lifetime Giving Society, which will honor the college's largest benefactors.

The announcement was made at a recognition dinner on the eve of the school’s 140th commencement. That assembly represented $12 million in giving, the most donations ever represented by one group at a Thiel College event.

Through the Societies, Thiel College honors the leadership and sustained extraordinary support of alumni, friends, faculty and staff. Private donors play a pivotal role in shaping the college’s future, and the Societies provide a golden opportunity to recognize its most generous supporters. Individuals are inducted into one of five societies named in honor of prominent benefactors who shaped the history of Thiel College. Like those enlightened benefactors, Societies members have made a special commitment to give back to Thiel College and to reinforce Thiel College’s stature as a leading independent, private, liberal arts, sciences and professional studies institution.

The Lifetime Giving Society comprises five levels of giving, each of which derives its name from key leaders from across the nearly 150-year history of the College:

In recognition that every gift is vital, The President’s Circle will also recognize donors who offer more than $1,000 annually.

President VanAken said, “We have been passionate in our focus to finalize a giving campaign which reflects the ‘Thiel Commitment’ to be among our nation’s premier liberal arts and sciences colleges. Our unsung philanthropic heroes, year after year, create priceless opportunities for deserving students and faculty and members of Thiel College’s lifetime giving societies know that their commitment to advancing knowledge at Thiel also advances the common good. The knowledge and experiences gained by students at Thiel College goes beyond simply getting a degree – our faculty, students and alumni continue to make meaningful contributions to our region and our world.”


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