A Message from the Dean
Dear Thiel Parents,
We've now had a couple weeks to recoup from a very busy and fun-filled Homecoming Weekend. Every year we seem to pack more-and-more into those few short days, and the event just keeps getting better! I would like to thank all of you that were able to visit campus and join in on the fun. For those of you that couldn't make it, I hope the photos below give you a sense of the excitement that took place.
In my previous newsletter, I mentioned that I would be sharing new developments for our parents and students this year. Well I'm going to start with a new development for you. Today's newsletter includes a link to a new Parents & Families page we've added to our website. The page was developed for you, based on your feedback and input from last year's parent survey. Please be sure to check it out and tell us what you think.
In addition, last week we also celebrated an important enhancement designed to literally feed our students' cravings for new things. Last Monday, we enjoyed the Grand Reopening of the newly renovated Rotunda Bistro. For those of you unfamiliar with the Bistro, it’s our alternative, café style dining destination found on the first floor of the Howard Miller Student Center. The Bistro has been under renovation since August, but is now open for business. Along with an upgraded and much more attractive facility, the Bistro is featuring a new menu with several more healthy selections to choose from.
Finally, since it is October, I must mention the upcoming Roth Hall Haunted House! That’s right, on Friday, October 28, the faculty and staff will host our annual haunted house on campus (along with several other activities). This is one of our newer traditions that originated from the VanAken Family when they joined the Thiel community. It's definitely a student favorite, and you should know that we do not hold back. More details about the Halloween activities can be found in the Upcoming Events section to the right of this message.
As always, I want to thank you for reading the newsletter and I encourage you to send your feedback. Until next time, best wishes and Happy Halloween!
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Mike McKinney, ‘02
Dean of Students
Family Matters
NEW! Parents & Families Resources Page
Please click on the photo to your left to check out the new Parents & Families page on the Thiel College Website.
The page is located within the Alumni & Friends section of the site and it includes a number of important resources for you.
Mid-Term Break
Soon many of you will be enjoying a homecoming celebration of your own. It's hard to believe, but this Saturday begins Mid-Term Break (October 15-18). As a parent, I can only imagine how excited you must be to have your son or daughter returning home for a few days; even though you should probably anticipate losing access to your laundry machines for the entire weekend. Well that is at least for your own clothes.
Mid-Term Break is an excellent time for parents to "check-in" with your son or daughter. By now the students should have gone through the first rounds of exams and have a better understanding of what is expected in the classroom. Likewise, they should be more comfortable with overall campus environment and have established a number of connections with other students, faculty and staff.
Please use the break as an opportunity to ask questions about their experience. If you find that they are struggling with any one of those things, then they probably need your support. If you are unsure of how to help them, contact the Student Life Office (724-589-2125) or send me an email and we will work with you to identify possible resources.
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Campus Activities
Homecoming Scrapbook
Bistro Re-Opening
Last Monday (October 3), Thiel College celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of the Rotunda Bistro, located in the Howard Miller Student Center. Students can now use their dining dollars and/or cash to take advantage of the new cafè style facility. For more information about the new menu, please click on the following link: AVI Menu. ^ Back to top
Athletics
2011 All-Academic Team Finish
Congratulations to the Thiel College softball team who were recently named a 2011 Top 10 All-Academic Team by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA)! The Tomcats finished seventh with a cumulative team grade-point average (GPA) of 3.490. It was the first-ever All-Academic Team award for the program.
Athletes of the Week
We also want to congratulate the most recent Thiel College Athlete of the Week recipients! We are so proud to have you representing us on court, course, or playing field! Please see the list of recipients below, and read more about Thiel College Athletics at the Thiel Athletics Site.
Athletes Of The Week
| 10/5/2011 | Kelly Barzak | Women's Volleyball |
| 10/5/2011 | Matt Fiore | Men's Golf |
| 9/27/2011 | Karen Wolfe | Women's Soccer |
| 9/27/2011 | Matt Thompson | Men's Soccer |
| 9/20/2011 | Angela Balint | Women's Soccer |
| 9/20/2011 | Richard Peterson | Men's Cross Country |
| 9/14/2011 | Tanner Mesing | Men's Soccer |
| 9/14/2011 | Alyssa Chine | Women's Volleyball |
| 9/6/2011 | Chelsea Meister | Women's Volleyball |
| 9/6/2011 | Jared Soell | Football |
The Performing Arts
As part of our Family Weekend featured in the Upcoming Events section of this newsletter, The Thiel Players fall production of "Dangerous Liaisons" will be performed on November 2, 3, and 5. Show times are at 8 p.m. with an additional matinee show on Saturday, November 5 at 2 p.m. Please note that this show does have some adult content and is not recommended for children.
The Thiel Players will also be holding auditions for the student-produced "Cabaret" on Wednesday, October 19 and Thursday, October 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the William A. Robinson Theatre. This show will be performed on November 17 and 18 at 8 p.m.
For more information on either of these productions, please contact Dr. William Robinson at wrobinson@thiel.edu or call 724-589-2029.
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Events
Halloween Week
Pumpkin Carving
Tuesday, October 25 at 4 p.m.
Employee Costume Contest
Friday, October 28 at Noon (SGR)
Office Trick or Treat
Friday, October 28 from 1-4 p.m.
*students start in Student Life office
Halloween Dinner
Friday, October 28 from 4:30-7 p.m.
Roth Hall Haunted House
Friday, October 28 from 9-11 p.m.
Bonfire, candy/caramel apples, "dirt" dessert, apple cider and kettle corn
SPIRIT Haunted House
Friday, October 28 from 11 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Delta Sigma Phi Halloween Party
Saturday, October 29 from
9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Family Weekend
Honors Convocation
Friday, November 4 at 7 p.m.
Passavant Center
Brunch
Saturday, November 5 at 11 a.m.
Dining Hall
Thiel Family Council Meeting
Saturday, November 5 at Noon
Dining Hall
"Dangerous Liaisons"
Presented by The Thiel Players
Saturday, November 5 at 2 or 8 p.m.
Robinson Theater
Reservations Needed: 724-589-2029
Murder Mystery
Dinner Theater
Saturday, November 5 at 4 - 7 p.m., Lutheran Heritage Room
E-mail reservations to bblue@thiel.edu
Mechanical Bull and
Old-Fashioned Photos
Saturday, Nov. 5 from 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room
Parent Resources
Academic Calendar
Student Activities Calendar
Thielensian (Student Newspaper)