Students to meet with state’s Lt. Gov. during visit to Thiel to promote pardons program

Posted October 26, 2017 Print

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College, a leading liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania, will host state Lieutenant Governor Michael Stack and state legislators Sen. Michele Brooks and Rep. Mark Longietti for an open forum at the College Nov. 2 to explain the process for obtaining a pardon or expungement of a past criminal conviction in Pennsylvania.

Prior to the forum, Stack will participate in a variety of student-centered events on campus. He will attend part of Brooks’ Government Day activities, which Thiel is also hosting and informs regional high school students about the state government. Stack will then attend a Thiel College class, field questions in a Q&A session with students and conduct interviews with student media. He will tour Thiel College’s new Haer Family Science and Art Connector and the green-building certified James Pedas Communication Center before taking the podium at 6 p.m. in the Stamm Lecture Hall of the Pedas Center for the “Pathways to Pardons” event. The Thiel College Department of Political Science is an event co-sponsor.

“We are excited to provide this opportunity to our students to speak with the state’s Lieutenant Governor,” Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Liz Frombgen, Ph.D., said. “The class and Q&A session, as well as the student radio interview, each give our students direct access to the second-highest ranking elected official in the state.”

Following Stack’s presentation, experts on pardons, corrections and drug-and-alcohol treatment will explain the process for obtaining pardons and expungements in Pennsylvania and what the state Board of Pardons looks for in a successful applicant.

“Pennsylvania is a diverse state but we are finding out that the need for second chances is a common problem in all communities regardless of race, income level or political affiliation,” Stack said. “Colleges and universities have been critical partners in this process and I am looking forward to visiting Thiel College.”