GREENVILLE, Pa.—Two Thiel College women will spend a summer abroad after earning Vira I. Heinz Scholarships for Women in Global Leadership.
Katie Allgeier (photographed left, above) of Erie, Pa. will receive $5,000 and Ivey Shorts (photographed right, above) of Saegertown, Pa. will receive $5,500 from the Heinz Endowments to fund their study abroad experiences during summer 2015. Allgeier will participate in a five-week program in Galway, Ireland while Shorts will study in several locations throughout India.
Allgeier, a junior, studies English writing and English literature. “I’m excited to learn about the Irish way of life. I will be taught by all Irish professors, so that I will also get their perspective on things,” Allgeier said. “I’m hoping that I’ll be able to come out with a renewed understanding of who I am as a person and how to handle certain situations.”
Shorts, also a junior, studies psychology and philosophy.
“I hope that the Vira Heinz program will push me to become a better leader,” Shorts said.
Funded by the Heinz Endowments, the Vira I. Heinz Program for Women in Global Leadership prepares women for tomorrow's global challenges by offering a unique opportunity for international experiences, leadership development and community service. Each year, three women of sophomore and/or junior status are selected from each of 14 regional colleges and universities and admitted to the two-year leadership program. In addition, they participate in a series of retreats designed to cultivate leadership and intercultural skills and perform a community engagement experience.
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.