GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College alumnus and Trustee Emeritus Mark Nordenberg, J.D. ’70 H’98, a lifelong advocate for higher education, has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. This marks the first time in the College’s history that a Thiel alumnus has been inducted into the Academy.
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, established in 1780, is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honorary institutions, recognizing exceptional individuals in academia, the arts, business, government, and public affairs who have made meaningful contributions to society. Its membership includes more than 14,000 individuals, among them Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, U.S. presidents, and prominent global leaders.
Nordenberg joins the 2025 class of newly elected members recognized for their leadership, scholarship, and public service. His election stands as a testament to a lifelong career dedicated to legal education, civic engagement, and transformative leadership in higher education.
Nordenberg earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Thiel College in 1970 and later went on to receive his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1973, setting the groundwork for a renowned career in law and academics. His entrance into higher education began in 1977 as a visiting professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Over the next few decades, he held numerous leadership roles at the University, culminating in his appointment as the seventeenth Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh in 1996. During his tenure as Chancellor, which lasted until 2014, Nordenberg led the University of Pittsburgh through a period of exceptional growth in academic reputation, research output, and community impact. Under his leadership, the University became one of the nation’s leading research institutions, while also deepening its civic and global engagement.
Nordenberg’s dedication to Thiel College remained strong throughout his career. He joined the Thiel College Board of Trustees in 1987 and served with distinction for a decade. In 1997, the College honored him with an honorary doctorate. In recognition of his continued engagement and legacy, he was named Trustee Emeritus in 2019.
Nordenberg’s election places him among a class of exceptional leaders and thinkers across disciplines, all chosen for their excellence and enduring impact on the world. It is a moment of pride for the Thiel College community and a milestone in the College’s 160-year legacy of shaping servant-leaders who make a difference.
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