Thiel College to honor fallen alumnus and veterans with tribute workout and fraternity fundraiser

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College students, veterans and community members will gather at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, for a Veterans Tribute Workout honoring military service and the legacy of Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Allen Gloyer ’04, a Thiel graduate who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2016.

The event will also recognize the philanthropic efforts of Thiel College's Kappa Sigma fraternity, whose members will present a donation to a local food pantry during the opening ceremony. Nearly the entire fraternity chapter is expected to participate in the workout.

Gloyer, 34, of Zelienople, Pennsylvania, was killed Nov. 3, 2016, in Kunduz, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Freedom Sentinel. This year's tribute comes just days after the 10th anniversary of his death and provides an opportunity for the College community to remember his sacrifice and recognize the service of military veterans.

Thiel College Veterans Liaison Mike Mason is coordinating the event, which combines remembrance, physical fitness and community service. Members of Kappa Sigma are helping support the program as part of the fraternity's commitment to philanthropy and service.

The opening ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. with a welcome and introduction, followed by Kappa Sigma's check presentation for funds that will be used to provide Christmas meals for more than 400 military families in the local area.

A tribute to Gloyer and the national anthem will precede a group photograph at approximately 3:15 p.m. The workout is scheduled to begin at 3:20 p.m.

Modeled after military-style workouts, the Veterans Tribute Workout emphasizes teamwork, personal effort and community support rather than competition. The program is designed to bring together participants with varying fitness abilities and those who wish to show their support without participating in the workout.

The event also provides an opportunity to highlight the connection between student leadership and community service. Through its fundraising activities, Kappa Sigma supports charitable causes while encouraging fraternity members to make a positive impact beyond campus.

The Veterans Tribute Workout continues Thiel College's efforts to recognize military service and preserve the memory of Gloyer, whose legacy of commitment, resilience and leadership remains part of the College community.

Related Links

• Greek Life
• Kappa Sigma
• Kappa Sigma national website

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