Thiel College Assistant Dean’s essay on Mr. Rogers published in national Lutheran publication

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College’s Assistant Dean for Student Engagement Than Oo recently had his article “How Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Reminds Us About Work,” published in the latest issue of Intersections, the biannual magazine by the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities.

Oo’s article, published in the current issue titled “Vocation as a Balancing Act: Mission-driven and Tuition-driven,” draws connections between Fred Rogers’ philosophy on vocation and the mission-driven values central to Lutheran higher education. He reflects on how Rogers’ dedication to compassion, understanding, and service mirrors the work done by educators and administrators in fostering environments where students can connect deeply with their vocations.

• Read the article.
• Learn about Mr. Rogers’ special connection to Thiel.
• Fred Rogers H’69 Honors Convocation speech ‘Encouraging Creativity’

Oo’s work is especially significant as Thiel College continues its mission to offer students an education grounded in Lutheran values and holistic development. His role as Assistant Dean for Student Engagement allows him to work directly with students to foster a meaningful campus experience that helps them discover and live out their own vocations. Thiel College has a unique legacy with Rogers. The College has a special room in the James Pedas Communication Center dedicated to Rogers and awards a scholarship annually in his name. Thiel College was the first of 40 institutions to award television’s most beloved children’s show host an honorary degree in November 1969.

Intersections magazine is a publication that reflects on the intersection of faith, learning, and teaching within Lutheran higher education, focusing on contemporary challenges, opportunities, and initiatives. This edition, particularly, provides an important dialogue on the balance between mission-driven goals and tuition-driven realities, a theme that resonates strongly with institutions of higher learning in today’s economic and cultural climate.

Thiel College is a member of NECU and continues to engage with these critical conversations, working to provide a rigorous, faith-based education that prepares students for both professional and personal success.

Related Links

• Campus Life
• Scholarships
• Career Development Center
• Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities publication Intersections
• 
  

Related Stories

• Thiel College receives NEH grant to integrate digital tools into humanities courses
• Thiel College biology students present research at international symposium
• Thiel College celebrates scholarly work of more than 100 students at annual symposium
• Thiel College awards $25,000 Leadership Scholarships to five incoming students
• Fourth cohort of physician assistant students awarded white coats during ceremony
• Thiel College business students recognized at annual honors and awards ceremony
• Thiel MBA students present strategies and prepare for healthcare leadership lecture
• Thiel College students, communication faculty member attend conference in New York City

Office of Admission

• Request information about Thiel College
• Schedule a visit
• Apply