thiel happenings
Thiel will Honor Harvey and Uta Childs at Founders' Day
On Thursday, Feb. 7, Thiel College will recognize 11 faculty and staff members and Harvey and Uta Childs at the college’s annual Founders’ Day convocation in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.
President Troy D. VanAken will present the A. Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award to Harvey and Uta Childs. Childs is the chairman of board and a co-founder of Bail USA, Inc.
Childs is married to Uta, who along with her twin sister, Bridgette, were well known European fashion models. Together, they support many local initiatives and charities.
The A. Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to community members who demonstrate exemplary character, continuity of leadership, and long-term service to Greenville and its environs. The recipients must demonstrate a commitment to the common good above private interests.
The award is named after Louis and Barbara Thiel, whose generosity made possible the founding of Thiel College in 1866. The Thiels dedicated themselves to the welfare of others. The German couple immigrated to western Pennsylvania in the 1840s, and as their work was blessed with success, they faithfully served family, community and church.
Receiving the prestigious Professor of the Year Award is Dr. William Robinson, professor of performing arts.
Robinson joined Thiel College in 1974. Almost 40 years later, he has transformed the performing arts program at Thiel and taught thousands of students how to have confidence in their individual abilities and appreciate the transformative power of theater.
Other faculty members to earn recognition are:
Dr. Christopher Stanisky, assistant professor of chemistry, of Sharon, Pa., Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Mary Theresa Hall, professor of English, of Hermitage, Pa., Distinguished Teacher Award.
Dr. Dan Eppley, associate professor of religion, of Greenville, Pa., Distinguished Scholar Award.
Kathryn Gray, adjunct professor of music, of Cortland, Ohio, Distinguished Adjunct Award.
Five staff awards will be presented during the ceremony. Receiving honors are:
Rhonda Laird, Linesville, Pa., housing coordinator and assistant to the dean of students, Distinguished Innovator Award.
Jonathan Shearer, Brookfield, Ohio, web specialist, Distinguished Newcomer Award.
Amy Schafer, Hermitage, Pa., assistant athletic director, co-chair of Health and Physical Education Department, head softball coach, senior woman administrator, and NCAA compliance and eligibility director, Distinguished Extra Effort Award.
Joseph Webb, Monessen, Pa., director of multicultural affairs, Distinguished Outreach Award.
Robert Schaller, Transfer, Pa., maintenance technician, Distinguished Service Staff Award.
Warren Keck, adjunct professor of economics and business administration, will receive a special commendation for years of service to the College.
If you’d like to attend the Founders’ Day Convocation and reception that follows, RSVP to specialevents@thiel.edu by Jan. 31.
Campus Ministry Worship for All
Tuesday, Jan. 29, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
New Songs at the Table—with student singing and the Lord’s Supper
Lunch wraps and fruit available to at no cost to eat in or take out.
Thiel Campus Ministry: Welcoming One Another As Christ Welcomes Us
student news
Student Volunteers at Mercer Historical Society
Steve Stewart, sophomore history major from Emlenton, Pa., is currently volunteering at the Mercer County Historical Society. He is producing a video "walking tour" of the museum that will be used to help train new volunteers and as a tool in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for those patrons who may like to visit and tour the museum but are prevented by a handicap or disability.
Stewart is working on the project with executive director Bill Philson. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about the Mercer County Historical Society, visit mchspa.org
Relay for Life Kickoff Event
The Thiel College Relay for Life kickoff event will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Bistro. The gathering will include information about Relay, entertainment and food. If your organization is interested in fielding a team, please contact Ryan Hart for further information. Sign-up at kickoff to be entered for a chance to win your team a free pizza party during the Relay!
Student-Athletes of the Week
Kelly Barzak, senior elementary education major and basketball forward from Warren, Ohio, had a stellar week, helping the Tomcats to a pair of PAC wins. On Wednesday (Jan. 16), she scored 18 points with nine rebounds and six blocks to lead the Tomcats to a 70-56 win over Chatham. On Saturday (Jan. 19), she recorded a double-double with 13 points and 17 rebounds to help Thiel defeat Geneva, 64-52. On the week, she scored 31 points (15.5 p/g), grabbed 26 rebounds (13 r/g) and recorded 10 blocks (5 b/g). She also recorded four assists and two steals. With her 13-point performance Saturday, Barzak moved into fourth place on the all-time career scoring list, passing up Cindy Bynum (1984-88) who amassed 1,203 points in her career. In addition, Barzak’s 17 rebounds Saturday were a personal best on the season.
Chace McKinney, senior international business major and basketball forward from Boardman, Ohio, scored a game-high 27 points in an 87-86 overtime loss to Geneva on Saturday. He also grabbed six rebounds in 38 minutes.
special notes
Visit Winter Weekend for a complete schedule of events and to register online.
TNT Dates Scheduled
Please join President VanAken and your colleagues for the first TNT meeting of the semester on Wednesday, Jan. 30 from 8:30 - 9 a.m. in the Sawhill-Georgian Room.
Mark your calendars for other TNT dates (all meetings are scheduled from 8:30 - 9 a.m. in the Sawhill-Georgian Room):
Tuesday, Feb. 26
Wednesday, March 27
Tuesday, April 23
From the Wellness Committee
Friendly Reminder
It is not too late to set up a payroll deduction. Knowing the money stays right in Greenville and Mercer County makes a big difference. Help us reach our goal for this worthy cause. Please contact Debbie Marosy about donating to the United Way.
Dome Information
The Rissell-Schreyer Dome is open for walking Monday through Friday 8 - 11 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday 6 - 8 p.m.
The driving range is open Monday through Saturday 8 - 10 a.m.
Buckets of golf balls are available for $5. Please note that all times are subject to change without notice.
Visit the Athletic Facilities Schedule
Contact Dan McMillen at ext. 2239 or dmccmillen@thiel.edu for further information.
Looking for Fulbright Scholars
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
The student program is open to college seniors, graduate students, young professionals and artsts to study, conduct research and teach abroad. Thiel faculty advisers who have rising senior students interested in study abroad and service to the world should encourage them to apply for the Fulbright Program.
www.eca.state.gov/fulbright
Students must start preparing their applications during their junior year, including a proposal and statement for their project with their chosen institution abroad.
Dr. Fatimata Palé, biology, serves as Thiel’s Fulbright Program coordinator and is available for more information or help in preparing applications to the program.
community events
New York City Trip — March 9
Support Greenville’s Relay for Life
Saturday, March 9
(depart late Friday, March 8 from Anderson Coach & Tour parking lot, return early Sunday, March 10)
Price per person = $99 includes transportation and 13 hours on your own in NYC. $50 non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking.
Final payment is due Friday, Jan. 25. (Make checks payable to Linda Oman). For more information, contact 724-456-9351
Support Greenville Area Public Library at 4th Annual Wine Tasting Event
"A Toast to Reading"
Saturday, Feb. 16
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$25/person; $40/couple
Sample wines from three local wineries and don’t forget our HUGE Chinese auction!
Contact Jennie Kather if you'd like to purchase tickets to the wine tasting event or for more information.
contact us
If you’re interested in submitting a story or event to T-Notes, email tnotes@thiel.edu. Our next issue will be Wednesday, Jan. 30.
Deadline for submissions: 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 28.