GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College has been recognized as a 2025 Tree Campus Higher Education institution by the Arbor Day Foundation, marking the College’s eighth consecutive year earning the national designation. The recognition reflects activities completed during the 2025 calendar year, with awards announced in 2026.
Thiel is one of 15 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania to receive Tree Campus Higher Education status, a program that highlights institutions committed to campus forestry, sustainability and student engagement. Thiel is the only western Pa. higher education institution north of Pittsburgh to earn the honor. The recognition underscores ongoing efforts in western Pennsylvania to maintain and enhance campus green spaces while integrating environmental stewardship into student experiences.
“Trees have the power to inspire learning and improve well-being,” said Michelle Saulnier, vice president of programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “By growing campus green spaces, forward-thinking higher education leaders are cultivating vibrant learning communities that also benefit the greater environment.”
To earn Tree Campus Higher Education recognition, colleges and universities must meet five core standards: maintaining a tree advisory committee, establishing a campus tree-care plan, verifying annual investment in tree programs, observing Arbor Day and sponsoring service-learning projects that engage students.
At Thiel College, campus traditions reinforce these efforts. Each year, the graduating class dedicates a tree on campus as part of Commencement activities, contributing to the College’s long-standing emphasis on stewardship and the growth of its campus landscape.
Trees on college campuses contribute to lower energy costs through shade coverage, reduce extreme heat, improve air quality and support physical health. They also enhance mental and cognitive well-being, create spaces for gathering and studying, and contribute to the overall campus environment for students, faculty and staff.
The Tree Campus Higher Education program is operated by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters, with support from Bartlett Tree Experts. The program provides a framework for colleges and universities to grow and maintain campus forests while earning national recognition.
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. The organization has helped plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries.
Webmail
Campus Offices
Directory
Schedule an Event
Maintenance Issue
Spectrum U
IT Support
Academic Catalog
Academic Resources
Accessibility
Attend & Assist
Buy Books
Calendar
Campus Map
Handshake
Course List
Library
The Learning Commons
Moodle
Newsroom
Public Safety
Self Service
Solution Center
Pay My Bill
Thiel Gear
Tomcats Care
Wellness Center