thiel happenings


The Thiel Players present Two One-Act Plays:

"The Exonorated" & "Love, Loss and What I Wore"

TONIGHT at 8 p.m.,
Thursday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.,
Saturday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.


"The Exonerated," is a powerful docudrama about innocent people wrongfully sent to prison. This is a fact-based play with much dialog taken from actual court records. "Love, Loss and What I Wore" written by two of our finest female humorists, Delia Ephron and her sister, the late Nora Ephron, this production is still running in New York City and Thiel is one of the first colleges in the country to present it.
For reservation call ext. 2029 or email Reservations.


NEW SONG—Campus Ministry Worship for All


Tuesday, Nov. 6 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Johnson Memorial Chapel

Theme: Songs of the Taize Community

Lunch available to share/to carry out at no cost every Tuesday.

Thiel Campus Ministry: Welcoming One Another As Christ Welcomes Us


Women’s & Gender Studies Minor


As students begin registering for next semester, advisers may not be aware of the new Women’s & Gender Studies minor. Students in this minor are introduced to how one’s gender and sexual identity are formed and how one’s gender or sexuality affects one’s personality, individuality, behavior and opportunities in a given society and around the globe. After completing the program, students will achieve a more precise understanding of how individuals in diverse cultures learn, negotiate, and accept or resist their gender roles, as well as the importance of gender both historically and in contemporary life. Additionally, students graduating from the program will be more marketable to graduate schools and more prepared for life in the world of business, science or academia where diversity is a part of everyday life. The program includes (so far) courses in the fields of criminal justice, communications, history, political science, religion and sociology as well as two introductory courses in gender theory and social theory.

"My colleagues and I teaching in this minor are very excited about it," said Cynthia Kreisel of the History Department. "There are many of us who are very passionate about issues of gender and sexuality and we are delighted to have a program at Thiel that reflects these interests."

If advisees are interested in becoming part of this minor, please direct them to Dr. Cynthia Kreisel for more information at ext. 2033.

Langenheim Library Celebrates 60 Years


On Tuesday, Nov. 6 at noon, join the Thiel College community in the Library Gallery to celebrate the 60th birthday of the Langenheim Memorial Library.

The Library was dedicated in 1952 and established by Flora E. and Gertrude A. Langenheim as a memorial to their parents, Gustav Christian David and Minna Theresa Schwerd Langenheim.


Moises Borges Brazilian Jazz Quartet


On Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 8 to 10 p.m., the Moises Borges Brazilian Jazz Quartet will be performing in the Lutheran Heritage Room in the Howard Miller Student Center at Thiel College.

Moises Borges is a self-taught acoustic guitarist and singer born in the heart of Brazil’s musical state: Bahia. Strongly influenced by Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Joao Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim, he grew up experimenting with rhythms such as bolero; baiao; xote; afoxe’; frevo forro’ and especially samba and bossa-nova which are basic to his performances. Borges is dedicated to broadening the audience for Brazilian Jazz by performing solo and with his band throughout the country.

This is a special event sponsored by The Science and Our Global Heritage Program at Thiel College. Admission is free.


student news


Education Students Have "Historical" Semester


Education students in Professor Kim Banic’s Social Studies Methods course have had two opportunities this semester to go back in time. President Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd (played by Mr. & Mrs. John King) brought history alive for an evening and students experienced the great impact this type of guest speaker can provide for their future students.

The class (Alyssa Bartlett, Katie Fife, Jackie Buentello, Kelsey Adair, Brittany Barto, Dan Gainey, and Bryce Whittingham) also visited the Greenville Historical Society Museum at the Waugh House where they were provided a tour of the fascinating history and many artifacts from the Greenville area. The students gained a better understanding of the significance of local history and community values as they prepare for their own teaching of elementary social studies. Left: students pose in front of a newly purchased antique automobile that was made in the Greenville area.


TC Soldiers "Tour Dates"


TC Soldiers for God, Thiel’s gospel mime performance group, have been invited to perform at the following locations: Edinboro University’s Gospel Explosion on Friday, Nov. 2, the National Black Student Union Conference (NBSU) in Lincolnshire, Ill., on Saturday, Nov. 17, and at Clarion University on Sunday, Dec. 2.


Student-Athletes of the Week


Senior volleyball middle hitter and elementary education major Kelly Barzak from Howland, Ohio, led the Tomcats to a perfect 4-0 week and the No. 2 seed in the PAC Championship Tournament this weekend with a team-high 21 kills in a crucial 3-2 win over Thomas More Saturday. For the week, she average 4.09 kills per set, bumping her season average to 3.18. Her hitting percentage was a stout .380. She also added seven blocks, four service aces and 14 digs. Barzak was named the PAC Player of the Week Monday for her efforts. This is her second player of the week conference honor of the season.



Taylor Fink, sophomore running back and media communication major from Kittanning, Pa., was named male student-athlete of the week. Fink paced the Tomcats on the ground Saturday in a 26-13 loss to the Bethany Bison. He carried 12 times for 92 yards. He averaged 7.7 yards per carry and owned Thiel»s longest gain from scrimmage on the day (27 yards). On the season, Fink has run for 446 yards on 118 totes (3.8 ypc) and scored three touchdowns.



community events


The Harriet Tubman Living History Experience

Community Conversations at the Greenville Area Public Library


Thursday, Nov. 8, 6-8 p.m.
Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the GAPL will host Ms. Millicent Sparks in the role of the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman. This living history performance depicts this 19th century icon by blending accounts of Tubman’s life with an acute sense of Tubman’s personal qualities—her emotional depth, profound spirituality and immense intelligence. Included are Negro spirituals sung by Tubman, often as coded messages designed to facilitate the guiding of her fugitives northward. At the conclusion of the portrayal, Sparks interacts with the audience, responding in character to questions.

"Why Our Health Care System Must Change: What’s Ahead"

Community Medical Ethics Project


Thursday, Nov. 15, 1-3 p.m & 6-8 p.m.
Glen Johnson Community Center at Thiel College

Featuring Diane P. Holder, executive vice president, UPMC, president, UPMC Insurance Services Division, and president and chief operating officer of UPMC Health Plan. Call the Community Medical Ethics reservation line at 724-589-6640 or email Erin Palko to register for the afternoon or evening session. This event is co-sponsored by UPMC Horizon, Thiel College, St. Paul’s and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.


Friends of the Greenville Area Public Library Cookbooks On Sale


Stop by the Greenville Library’s circulation desk to pick up your copies today! Or contact Jennie Kather ext. 2188 to purchase. Each cookbook purchase (made by Dec. 15) enters you in a drawing to win the "I Love to Cook" gift basket on display at the circulation desk.

special notes


HR Notes

Thiel welcomes:
Eric Allen, Chief of Police

and says farewell to:
Susan Swartzbeck, human resources

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Open Enrollment Meetings


Thursday, Nov. 15
9 & 11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m.
Sawhill-Georgian Room, HMSC

We will remain with our current carriers for 2013: Medical - Highmark; Vision and Dental - Guardian; Life and Disability - One America/AUL.

You are encouraged to attend a session to learn about any plan and/or premium updates. Also, this is the time to ask questions, make changes to your 2013 medical, dental or vision coverage and complete the required annual forms (Health Savings Account form for those with the High Deductible Health Plan, and a Flexible Spending Account form for those who wish to maintain this type of medical or dependent care account). Representatives from Davevic Benefit Consultants will be here to present plan information and answer your questions.

A Benefit Plan Selection form indicating your current coverage levels will be provided to all full-time employees. This form, as well as any applicable enrollment or change forms, must be completed, signed and submitted to Human Resources no later than Wednesday, Nov. 28.



From the Wellness Committee


October Healthly Highlight: Stress Management

upcoming campus events


NATIONAL HOMELESS AWARENESS MONTH


Prince of Peace Employees Share & Speak

Wednesday, Nov. 7, noon
Sawhill Georgian Room
Brandi Kirby will share her fascinating and eye-opening personal journey of homelessness. Natalie Higbee and Lisa Huffman will provide statistics and educational information. All are encouraged to attend.



Veterans Vocations

Monday, Nov. 12
Noon-1:30 p.m. or 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Bly Hall, Academic Center
An 80-minute Federal Career Workshop administered by VeteransVocations.org, Certified Federal Career Counselors.
View informational flyer.

Visit VeteransVocations.org if you plan to attend.

CELEBRATING NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH


Beautiful Visions

Monday Nov. 12, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cafeteria
Visual creative arts contributions of Native American Women (including videos and exhibits that have been handed down through many generations will be on display.

Native Daughters: The Role of Women in Native Society Then & Now

Monday Nov. 12, 4 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room
Guest speaker, Carla S. Messenger, Director of Native American Heritage Programs will present. Sponsored by W.I.N.G. All departments are asked to encourage your students to attend this program and join us for a Q & A session following the program.



Thiel Forum Initiative

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 4 to 5 p.m.
Sawhill-Georgian Room
Dr. Cynthia Kreisel, history, and Dr. Laurie Moroco, communication, will deliver 20-minute individual presentations on their recent sabbatical experiences. All are encouraged to attend and support your colleagues in their scholarly activities. Students are also highly encouraged to present their research at the Forum. Please contact Dr. Mary Theresa Hall, chair of the faculty, if you are interested in presenting in the spring semester.



Annual Chili Cook-off

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Thursday, Nov. 15, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room

Everyone (individuals and groups) is invited to enter and/or taste. Desserts are also welcomed from those not wanting to cook chili. We will sell tickets (3 for $1) for people to buy and put in a jar by the chili(s) they like best. Each chili cooker will pick a charity and all proceeds will be split between the top three vote getters. Contact Martin Bright if you will join this community-enriching competition.



Current Art Exhibition

Wednesday, Oct. 24 - Friday, Nov. 30
Weyers-Sampson Art Gallery, HMSC

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, Nov. 7.

Deadline for submissions: 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 5.