GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College announces Komlan S. Denu ’26, of Gaithersburg, Md., and Natalie Hering ’26, of Middlefield, Ohio, as its Student of the Month honorees for December.
The Student of the Month is awarded to seniors and is among the College’s most prestigious student honors. Only six students receive the recognition each semester.
Denu is a 2021 graduate of James Hubert Blake High School and a business administration and management major, who also is earning a certificate in entrepreneurship. After graduation, he plans to work in business while continuing to compete in soccer. His goals include developing his entrepreneurial pursuits. His long-term vision is to launch and expand multiple businesses. As an initial step toward that goal, he founded the nonprofit organization DenuProjects in April 2025. DenuProjects is dedicated to providing food and essential resources to families in Ghana and Togo.
Denu played soccer for four years at Thiel. During his time at Thiel, Denu earned several academic and leadership honors. He was a Presidents’ Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll honoree and was named to the Dean’s List three times. Denu also received the merit and leadership scholarships.
Denu is the son of Komi Denu, of Gaithersburg, Md., and Adjovi Klouaba, of Gaithersburg, Md.
“I am originally from Togo, West Africa. Growing up there shaped my values, work ethic, and passion for soccer and entrepreneurship. These foundations continue to guide me as I pursue both my athletic and business ambitions,” Denu said. “Choosing Thiel College was one of my best decisions. Over the years, I’ve grown personally, academically, and professionally, learning invaluable lessons and forming meaningful connections in a truly supportive community. Thiel has shaped my goals and given me the confidence to pursue them.”
Denu acknowledges soccer coach Zack Walters, who “consistently challenged and mentored me to be a better player and person.” Also, he is grateful to the Arthur McGonigal Department of Business Administration and Accounting faculty members for their guidance, support, and dedication. Recognizing Professor of Business Administration and Accounting Angelo A. Giannini and Professor of Business Administration & Accounting, David M. Miller ’61 H’20 Chair of Accounting and Department Chair Melissa S. Oakes ’03.
Hering is a 2023 graduate of Berkshire High School and an environmental safety management major with a minor in Spanish language and culture, and a business certificate. After graduation, she plans to work as a safety specialist in the aluminum or steel casting industry.
At Thiel, Hering was a part of the women’s basketball team, President of the Environmental Club, President of Thiel’s Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals and the student government representative for ASSP as well as a member of several other organizations, including the Dietrich Honors Institute and DHI leadership board and the Thiel Student Support Network.
Hering is the daughter of Michelle Hering, of Middlefield, Ohio, and Bill Hering, of Middlefield, Ohio.
“I have been very appreciative of every experience that Thiel gave me. I came here on the full tuition scholarship, which allowed me to get a minor and business certificate that I did not originally plan on receiving,” Hering said. “My favorite memories here revolve around … the lifelong friends that I made on the basketball team.”
Hering recognizes Assistant Professor of Environmental Safety Management Hope Dropp. She appreciates how Professor Dropp has always pushed her to do her best work and has prepared her to excel in the safety field post-graduation.
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