Thiel College honors Butler museum curator with top arts mentor award

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Butler Institute of American Art Executive Director Louis Zona, Ph.D. H’18 was among several professionals who were recognized for making an impact as a role model for high school and college students through her professional achievements and commitment to civic engagement. She was honored at the third annual Thiel College Mentor of the Year Awards.

• See more photos from the event.

Zona (pictured above with Thiel College President Susan Traverso, Ph.D.) was presented with the 2024 Leadership in the Arts Award.

The event recognizes extraordinary professional and civic contributions, celebrating the deep connections they foster within the community. Overall, six educators and six professionals from the arts; business; media, science, technology, engineering, math; education; and were recognized this year.

“Many of us fondly recall someone who influenced our college choice or career path, and the Mentor Awards is an opportunity to recognize individuals who have profoundly motivated Thiel students,” Thiel College President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. said. “Thiel is committed to our region, so it is equally important to recognize the many contributions of professionals who serve as role models for our high school and college students.”

Under Zona’s leadership, The Butler Institute—the first museum in the country to be dedicated exclusively to American art—has added more than 25,000 pieces of art. The institution’s legacy was enhanced with an addition devoted solely to art and technology. Zona has also been acknowledged with the Ohio Governor’s Award for Arts Administration in 1990 and The Gari Melchers Medal for Contributions to American Art by the Artists Fellowship of New York City in 2005. Zona earned his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University, his master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a doctoral degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

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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