GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College has received a $300,000 state grant through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to support construction of the Olympus Athletic and Recreation Center, a planned 40,000-square-foot recreation and wellness facility serving students, employees and the surrounding community.
The funding, announced by state Sen. Michele Brooks, represents support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration and the Office of the Budget. The College also acknowledges State Rep. Parke Wentling for his support of the project.
According to the Greenville Record-Argus, Brooks said the investment reflects Thiel College’s longstanding contributions to northern Mercer County and highlighted that the Olympus Athletic and Recreation Center will serve not only the campus community but also area residents.
The grants were awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget to support the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.
“The Olympus Athletic and Recreation Center represents an investment in the health and well-being of our students while expanding opportunities for recreation, wellness and community engagement,” Thiel College President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. said. “We appreciate the Commonwealth's partnership as we continue working to bring this vision to life.”
The Olympus Athletic and Recreation Center will expand on-campus recreation and wellness offerings through multipurpose court, an indoor walking track, wellness studio, expanded locker room facilities, meeting and collaboration spaces, and hospitality areas. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.
“The Olympus Athletic and Recreation Center will have a lasting impact on the student experience,” Vice President for Enrollment, Student Life and Athletics Michael McKinney, Ed.D. ’02 said. “It will provide our students with more space to train, compete, stay active and connect with one another outside the classroom. Whether participating in varsity athletics, intramurals, club sports or personal fitness, students will benefit from a facility designed to support their health, wellness and success throughout their time at Thiel.”
The project was launched following a $5 million lead gift from alumnus and trustee emeritus James Pedas ’50 H’89. Fundraising continues with the goal of fully funding the $10 million project through support from private donations, grants and foundations.
About James Pedas ’50 H’89
James “Jim” Pedas ’50 H’89 and his brother, Ted, had a long history in the entertainment industry. In the 1950s, he and Ted established Colt 45 Records, a recording company that launched the musical career of Don Covay (who wrote “Chain of Fools” and “Mercy Mercy” among others). The Pedas brothers later partnered to acquire several drive-in movie theatres. Later, with another partner, they bought a film distribution franchise and never looked back. They have been involved in numerous film ventures over the years including owning the Circuit/Showcase theatre circuit; owning a small part of Cinema 5 Ltd.; forming their own distribution company, Circle Releasing Corp., and forming their own production company, Circle Films, which was one of the foremost backers of 1990s American independent cinema. Among their most noted productions are the Coen brothers’ debut and sophomore films, “Blood Simple” (1984) and “Raising Arizona” (1987). They also formed Circle Management Company to oversee their investments in real estate and commercial development and Circle Parking to operate parking facilities in the Washington, D.C. area.
The Farrell, Pa., native earned a Bachelor of Science in economics from Thiel College and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Professional Accomplishment in 1980. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Thiel and was named trustee emeritus to the Board of Trustees. He has received many awards for his work including Washingtonian of the Year (1973) and the American University’s Award for Contribution to Film Culture (1985). He is a supporter of many philanthropic endeavors, including establishing an Intellectual Property Chair at George Washington Law School. He has served as a director of the National Capital Bank of Washington since 1973.
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