Thiel College annual Mentor of the Year event celebrates, alumni, professionals and educators

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College hosted its third annual Mentor of the Year event on Friday, April 26. The event recognizes the extraordinary contributions of alumni, educators, and professionals in a ceremony held in the Howard Miller Student Center’s Sawhill Georgian Room. The event, part of the Thiel College Mentor of the Year Initiative, underscores the significant professional and civic impacts of these individuals, celebrating the deep connections they foster within the community.

• See more photos from the event.

This initiative is a collaborative effort among the College’s Enrollment, Advancement, and Communications and Marketing offices aimed at highlighting the vast network and acknowledging the distinguished educators and professionals in the region.

The event spotlights 33 individual teachers from 21 school districts across western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, all nominated by Thiel College students. These nominations were based on the profound impact these educators had on their students during their high school years. Over 3,000 votes were cast in the education mentors contest, reflecting the community's engagement and support. Overall, six education professionals and six professionals from the arts; business; media, science, technology, engineering, math; education; and were recognized.

2024 Mentor of the Year Professional honorees:

• James Pedas Communication Professional: Lindsey Watson, News Anchor, WKBN
• Simon Chiu Science Professional: Mark Marmo ’93, CEO, Deep Well Services
• Leah Dever Women in STEM Professional: Susan Calderbank, D.M.D., Director of Patient Care, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dentistry
• Gary Witosky Business Professional: Dotun Akinwale Jr. ’13, Assistant General Manager, Charlotte Hornets
• Thiel College Education Professional: Corey Russell ’07, Principal, Euclid High School
• Thiel College Leadership in the Arts: Dr. Louis Zona H’18, Executive Director, Butler Institute of American Art

In addition to these professionals, six educators were recognized as Mentors of the Year in various categories, demonstrating Thiel College's commitment to fostering mentorship and excellence in education.

2024 Education Mentors of the Year:

• Sarah Taylor-Rogers Women in STEM: Miranda Callihan, Karns City High School
• Patrick Hecking Science Educator: Jeffry Sposito, Sharpsville High School
• Sandy Parker Business Educator: Scott Weaver, Reynolds High School
• Jim Cunningham ’77 Media Mentor: Matthew Gehly, Greenville High School
• Thiel College Education Professional: Debra Bushey, Derry Area High School
• Thiel College Performing Arts Mentor: James Dutko, Jamestown High School

Related Link

• Thiel College Academic Programs

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