thiel happenings
Earth Week Events Announced
The 14th annual Thiel College Earth Week celebration is April 10-12. All Earth Week events are free and open to the public. Events are held in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center unless noted otherwise.
"Children’s Workshop," Rissell-Beeghly Gymnasium on
Tuesday, April 10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Area grade school students (grades 4-6) are invited to participate in this workshop where presenters from the Carnegie Science Center of Pittsburgh will join with Thiel faculty and students in demonstrations and other activities. This workshop is also open to home-schooled children; to reserve a spot, call Dr. Joyce Cuff at ext. 2066.
"Journey of the Universe: The Epic Story of Cosmic, Earth and Human Transformation" Screening with Panel Discussion on
Tuesday, April 10, 7 p.m.
Designed to inspire a new and closer relationship with Earth in a period of growing environmental and social crisis, this one-hour documentary film presents the story of the universe through scientific discoveries in astronomy, geology, biology, ecology and biodiversity with humanistic insights concerning the nature of the universe. A panel of Thiel College community members from a variety of backgrounds will share reflections on the documentary following the screening.
"The Covenantal Triangle: Prophetic Perspectives on the Created Order" with Dr. Ellen Davis, Duke Divinity School on Wednesday, April 11, 7 p.m.
Davis, the Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical Theology, has published a number of books about the Old Testament.
"Illusion and Denial: Reflections on Climate Change" with Dr. Wendy Farley, Emory University on Thursday, April 12, 7 p.m.
A professor of religion at Emory University, Farley is the author of numerous books, including her most recent "Gathering Those Driven Away: A Theology of Incarnation," which explores the expression of Jesus Christ in the midst of the brokenness and hostilities of the modern world as experienced by those who are marginalized and persecuted in contemporary society.
Earth Week at Thiel College is sponsored by the Global Institute of Thiel College and the Community Building Initiative. Questions can be directed to Dr. Curt Thompson at ext. 2106.
Bacon Published in Peer Review Journal
A paper titled "Speed of sound versus temperature using PVC pipes open at both ends" by Dr. Michael Bacon, physics, has been accepted for publication in the peer reviewed journal The Physics Teacher, and is scheduled for publication in May.
The paper is an extension of the work reported in a paper by Steven Torok ’10 and Dr. Bacon that appeared in the March 2011 issue of the same journal. The title of that paper was "An experimental investigation of the end effects for Blue Man Group pipes" phys. Teach.49, 152-154 (2011).
Common Pleas President Judge Shares Experience with Criminal Justice Students
On March 19, President Judge Thomas R. Dobson of the Court of Common Pleas of Mercer County (35th Judicial District) spoke to the Restorative Justice class at Thiel College and shared his experience and insight about the judicial system.
Dobson, who has been a judge since 1995 and oversees Juvenile, Civil, Criminal and Orphan’s Court, offered his insight into the day-to-day workings of the justice system and restorative policies. Students were challenged to understand the role and application of law and societal issues including juvenile sentencing, domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health issues.
The Restorative Justice course is offered as part of the criminal justice studies major. Restorative Justice emphasizes an equal concern for crime victims and offenders. It also seeks to focus on the harm done to persons and relationships rather than only the violation of a law. Beyond its philosophical framework, the restorative justice model includes a number of programs for addressing the needs of crime victims, the community and offenders.
Three Inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame
The Department of Athletics recognized three former student-athletes who made extraordinary contributions to the College through intercollegiate athletics as members of its’ 32nd Athletic Hall of Fame induction class at a dinner held in the Lutheran Heritage Room on Sunday, March 25. The inductees were, (pictured left to right) Eric Garrett ’88 (baseball), Logan Cribbs ’69 (football) and Clyde Morgan ’00 (track & football).
Cribbs was a four-year starter for the football program along the Tomcat defensive line (1965-1968). He served as a co-captain and earned all-PAC first team accolades as a senior, racking up 45 tackles, including 20.0 tackles for loss. As a sophomore, Cribbs took on double duty, replacing tight end Greg Seagrave ’70 due to injury and finished the 1966 season third on the team with seven catches for 96 yards. He was also very involved with the Varsity T club, the College’s letterman’s organization, where he served as treasurer and president.
As a member of the Tomcat baseball program, Garrett earned four varsity letters, was selected as a co-captain in 1988 and earned all-PAC accolades from 1986 to 1988 as a shortstop. Prior to the 1999 season (when baseball seasons were limited to just 18 games), he ranked among the top 10 career leaders in hits, batting average and fielding percentage. Garrett’s 1987 squad still holds the program record for the best single-season winning percentage, finishing 14-4 (.778).
Morgan competed as a member of both the track and field and football squads (1996-1999), lettering in each of his four seasons with each program. He captained the track and field squad in 1997, 1998 and 1999 and was a member of both the 1996 and 1998 PAC championship teams, competing in the 110-meter and 400-meter hurdles as well as the 1,600-meter relay, and was the first to win individual conference championships in the 110 hurdles three years in a row (1996-1998). Morgan provisionally qualified for the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in the 400 hurdles in 1996 and earned three all-PAC first team selections. A three-year captain with the Tomcat football program, Morgan earned all-American honorable mention honors as kick returner in 1997. Twice named an all-PAC second team defensive back, he was selected as the Most Valuable Player at the 2000 National All-Stars Bowl.
The Meritorious Service and Commitment Award was presented to Jim Patterson, longtime volunteer assistant with the Tomcat baseball program. He joined head coach Joe Schaly’s staff in fall 2000. Patterson has competed or coached for more than 60 years in northern Mercer County and eastern Ohio.
The Athletic Alumni Commendation Award was presented to Chris Saluga ’93, the winningest football coach in the history of Chartiers Valley High School. Saluga has guided the Colts to eight playoff appearances, coached in the prestigious Big 33 and East-West All-Star Games, and in 2007 was named "Coach of the Year" by the Big Seven Conference and The Almanac newspaper. Saluga has coached for 19 years, spending the last 11 as the head coach at Chartiers Valley. Congratulations to all!
Curry Invited to Judge Research Symposium
Profesor Jennifer Curry ’91, mathematics and computer science, was invited to The University of Toledo’s Midwest Graduate Research Symposium on Saturday, March 24 where she heard presentations from five graduate students in mathematics and provided feedback.
Volunteers Still Needed for Riverside Park Playground Project
This year, Thiel’s annual "Spring Into Action Day" is actually "Spring Into Action Week"! From Wednesday, April 11 to Sunday, April 15, Thiel College and the Greenville community will combine forces to erect a new playground facility in Riverside Park.
Volunteers are needed—please sign up today! Three shifts ( 8 a.m.-noon; noon-4 p.m.; 4-8 p.m.) will run each day. Help is needed in many areas giving everyone a chance to pitch in!
Contact Kateri Linn at ext. 2349 or e-mail klinn@thiel.edu to sign up.
Recyclemania Update
After the sixth week of competition, Thiel College is in 44th place in its division. Last week’s total was 289 pounds of bottles and cans. Great work this year!
Thiel Fund March Madness Winner Announced!
The final round of "playoffs" took place Friday, March 23. Congratulations to the winners: IT/Auxiliary Services! The entire division, that includes employees from Information Technology, the bookstore, post office and the MIMC, will receive a celebratory luncheon in the Sawhill-Georgian Room on a date of their choosing.
Also, a reminder that current Thiel Fund donors (those who have given from July 1, 2011 to present) are entered into our weekly Wednesday Winner prize drawings. Congratulations to today’s winner, Nancy Solderich! She received a $50 La Isla gift certificate.
Thank you for supporting the Thiel Fund! For questions regarding Thiel Fund March Madness, call Lauren Zuschlag at ext. 2042 or e-mail lzuschlag@thiel.edu.
Phi Theta Phi Selling Local Dining Coupons
Phi Theta Phi fraternity is currently selling local dining coupons (Dairy Queen, Subway, Compadres and Padrone’s) for $10.
Exciting Software Discounts from the I.T. Department
As part of our Microsoft Campus Agreement, Thiel students, faculty and staff are eligible for various software benefits from Microsoft. These benefits include:
- A free download of the latest version of Microsoft Office for students, which they may keep upon graduating from Thiel. A DVD copy of the software can also be ordered for a nominal fee.
- For Microsoft products that Thiel licenses at work, faculty and staff may purchase these same products to utilize on their personal home computers at an extremely discounted rate, typically less than $20 per software title.
In order to provide access to this software, Thiel has partnered with E-Academy to utilize their web store. Please visit the Software Benefits page for more information and instructions on how to take advantage of these benefits.
Habitat for Humanity/Prince of Peace Canned Foods & Paper Products Drive
Simply e-mail thielcollegehabitat@yahoo.com if you’d like to donate and a student representative will come to you and pick up your donation. Nonperishable canned foods, paper towels, paper plates and napkins are needed most. They will be accepting donations until March 30.
Hawaii Raffle Tickets on Sale Now!
Tickets are $20 each. Enter for a chance to win a seven-night stay at a five-diamond resort on Waikiki Beach and round-trip airfare for two! Tickets can be purchased from Jack Leipheimer or Patti Leipheimer in the Student Life Office.
student news
Student/Alumni Success Update
Congratulations are due to the following seniors who have confirmed their future plans:
- Annie Camp - accepted into Youngstown State University’s higher education program
- Alex McClurg - accepted into the physician’s assistant program at Chatham
- Christina Ellis - accepted into the University of Pittsburgh’s medical chemistry program
- Lynnette Enterline - accepted into Nova South East’s clinical neuropsychology program
- David Owens - accepted into Slippery Rock University’s counseling program
- Sarah Conte - accepted into Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s higher education administration program
- Michelle Blose - accepted a position as a traveling consultant for Zeta Tau Alpha
The following alumni also are celebrating new opportunities:
- Amy Kramer ’11 will begin her position with Deloitte in August
- Jenny (Robbins) Jellison ’99 earned tenure in the Psychology Department at Waynesburg University
- Gary Koch ’03 finished his dissertation in school psychology at Duquesne University
- Jonathan Brandau ’06 accepted a position at Environmental Service Labs in Virginia
- Vickie Boyer ’11 accepted a position at Marblehead Chowder House in Easton, Pa.
- Shanel Little ’11 accepted a position at Travelers Insurance in Pittsburgh
- Allison Schultz ’11 accepted a position with Highmark
- Meghan Speer ’02 accepted a position as director of social media at WORD-FM in Pittsburgh
If you are aware of future plans or accomplishments of current students or alumni, please contact Heather Balas in Career Services so we can include the information in our next update.
Student Athletes of the Week
Cassidy Kravec, a junior secondary education/mathematics major and member of the women’s track & field team from North Huntingdon, Pa. earned a fifth-place finish in the javelin with a throw of 116-04 and a 12th-place finish in the discus with a mark of 95-10 at Saturday’s California University of Pa. Early Bird Invitational. She has been named to the Dean’s List three times.
Kravec notched a sixth-place finish in the javelin with a throw of 110-2 at the 2011 Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Track & Field Championships after earning all-PAC honorable mention honors as a freshman with her third-place throw of 124-2. She also finished 13th in the discus (94-11) a season ago.
Richard Peterson a senior sociology major and member of the men’s track & field team from Meadville, Pa., opened the 2012 outdoor track and field season in style, winning the 5,000-meter run at Saturday’s California University of Pa. Early Bird Invitational. He finished with a winning time of 15:20.42, just 4.33 seconds off his school-record time of 15:15.69, set a year ago. Peterson recently earned a spot on the 2011 United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division III All-Academic Men’s Cross Country team. A total of 141 student-athletes representing 80 institutions earned USTFCCCA All-Academic status. During this year’s cross country season, Peterson finished in the top 20 at every meet and at the Division III Mideast Regional Championship he led the Tomcats to a 20th-place team finish, placing 29th overall with a time of 26:29. He has been named to the Dean’s List selection on four occasions and has also earned Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Honor Roll recognition four times (2-cross country, 2-track & field).
special notes
Farewell Festival Volunteers Needed
This year’s Farewell Festival will be held on Thursday, April 26 from 4 - 7 p.m. in the quad (note location change). Shifts will be: 3:30-5 p.m., 5 - 6 p.m., and 6 - 7:30 p.m. E-mail Barbara Blue with your available times or a specific station you would like to work.
Payroll Notice to Bi-Weekly Employees
Good Friday, April 6 is a paid holiday for full-time Thiel College employees. It is also a pay date for those on the bi-weekly pay schedule. We have confirmed with the First National Bank that April 6 is a regular banking day, so direct deposits will occur as scheduled. However, you are encouraged to contact your bank or credit union regarding Good Friday banking service hours. Pay checks and advances will be delivered to the campus post office on Thursday, April 5. Please contact the payroll office at ext. 2004 if you have any questions.
Property Listings
Local listings for rental and sale properties can be viewed in the Human Resources Office. Current listings include: Five homes for sale in the Greenville area, one two-bedroom apartment for rent next to Pymatuning Lake (available July 1) and one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent in the Greenville area.
March Healthy Highlights
Click to download the following National Nutrition Month information from Highmark
Nutrition: Let’s Look at the Plate
National Nutrition Month Recipes
Local Wellness Programs sponsored by Highmark
Click to download the following local Highmark Wellness Prorgams calendars
2012 Crawford County Highmark Wellness Programs
2012 Mercer County Highmark Wellnedd Programs
campus events
A Good Half Hour —
Worship in Lent
"Praying the Revolution—The Lord’s Prayer"
Thursday, March 29, 12:30 p.m.
Johnson Memorial Chapel
Save Us From This Final Exam
Thiel Campus Ministry: Welcoming One Another As Christ Welcomes Us
Alpha Chi Induction Ceremony
Friday, March 30, 4:30 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room
Campus community welcome!
The Thiel Pennsylvania Theta Chapter of Alpha Chi, a national honorary fraternity which recognizes students who have achieved high academic standing, has selected the following students for membership: Paul Auchter, Eleanor Belleau, Michelle Blose, Marion Edwards, Caitlin Ferry, Joseph Hertzog, Alex Johnson, Megan Kay, Lisa Leonhard, Matthew Lowry, Amy Matchett, Darren McAninch, Chelsea Meister, Julie Novotny, Kayla Ohlin, Regis Wagner, Emily Whipple, Katey Williams and Elizabeth Yurky.
Founded in 1922, Alpha Chi is one of only four national scholarship societies admitting to membership superior junior and senior students irrespective of their fields of study. The objectives of Alpha Chi are the promotion and recognition of scholarship. On the 290 campuses with chapters, Alpha Chi membership is the highest academic honor that can be awarded.
Thiel Players Present
March 29, 30 (SOLD OUT!) and 31
William A. Robinson Theater
Show times are 8 p.m., with a matinee at 2 p.m. on March 31.
There is no admission fee to the production but reservations are required.
For reservations, call ext. 2029 or reservations@thiel.edu. Please leave your name, phone number, number of tickets needed and which performance you’d like to attend.
Thiel College Independent Film Festival
Tuesday, April 3, 9 p.m., Bly Hall
Thiel’s Communication Department and TCTV will screen student-created works such as short films, music videos, video montages and more. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place along with an audience choice winner. Popcorn and other refreshments will be available! Contact Sarah Jones for more information.
Brown Bag Lunch
Tuesday, April 10, noon - 12:55 p.m., AC-236
"Giving Quizzes and Tests in Moodle"
A panel presentation with Victor Evans, Laurie Moroco and Gary Witosky.
Join other Moodle enthusiasts for a group presentation of quiz-making, quiz administration and quiz-taking, giving insights into both the instructor’s and the student’s perspectives. Laurie Moroco, Victor Evans and Gary Witosky will demonstrate some of the procedures and share some of their experiences. Please RSVP to Jenni Griffin if you'd like to attend.
Kids Night with the Tomcats
Saturday, April 21, 6-9 p.m.
Rissell-Schreyer Dome
Enjoy a night off while your kids play soccer, football, relay races and obstacle courses; bounce on fun inflatables; or participate in coloring and crafts with Thiel student-athletes and coaches in the Rissell-Schreyer Dome. This event is open to children 3 to 12 years old and secure drop-off and pick-up for children will be provided. Cost is $5 per child if registering before April 15; $7 per child after April 15 or at the door. Contact Angie Zeuch, head women’s basketball coach with questions or to register.
community news & events
Eighth Annual Mercer County Chili Cook-off
Saturday, March 31, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Greenville Moose Family Center
$5/bowl or $10/all you can eat
Your votes determine the winner! This event is co-sponsored by The Literacy Council of Mercer County and the Moose Riders to help provide free adult basic education classes in Mercer County.
Call 724-588-6141 or e-mail The Literacy Council to enter for more information.
Community Conversations at the Greenville Are Public Library presents Author/Columnist Sean Barron
Thursday, April 12, 6:30 p.m.
Greenville Area Public Library, 330 Main Street
Free and open to the public.
Sean Barron is the co-author of two books about autism and a columnist for the Youngstown Vindicator. He and his mother, Judy Barron collaborated on "There’s a Boy in Here: Emerging from the Bonds of Autism" and "Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of Autism" was written with Temple Grandin. Although diagnosed autistic in 1965, he considers himself "healed" from autism, because it no longer adversely affects his day-to-day life. In 1992, he began to speak publicly at autism conferences about his experiences.
contact us
If you’re interested in submitting a story or event to T-Notes, e-mail tnotes@thiel.edu. Our next issue will be Wednesday, April 4.
Deadline for submissions: 5 p.m., Monday, April 2.