Thiel College to recognize staff and faculty during Founders’ Day celebration

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College officials will recognize the contributions of more than a dozen faculty and staff members as part of its annual Founders' Day celebration on Thursday, Feb. 5.

As part of commemorating the founding of the institution in 1866, President Dr. Troy D. VanAken will celebrate the contributions of 13 faculty and staff members at 11 a.m. in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.

Receiving the prestigious Professor of the Year Awards is Dr. Curt Thompson, the Dietrich Honors Institute Director and Professor of Religion. Thompson has been a faculty member at Thiel College for more than 30 years and has been twice before honored as the Professor of the Year.

Other faculty members earning recognition are:

• Melissa S. Oakes ’03, associate professor of business administration and accounting, Distinguished Service Award.
• Andy Erb, instructor of performing arts-music/Director of Bands, Distinguished Teacher Award.
• Dr. Fatimata Palé, professor of Biology and Dr. Christopher Stanisky, associate professor of chemistry, Distinguished Scholar Award.
• Joshua Myers, adjunct professor of English, Distinguished Adjunct Award.

Six staff members will be recognized for distinguished service during the ceremony.

• Martin Black, associate dean of career development.
• Tammy Shilling, administrative assistant to the Vice President for Enrollment Management.
• Roberta Leonard, executive director, Capital Campaign.
• Craig Thurber, head wrestling coach.
• Jeannie Carey, accounts payable specialist.
• Mike Shultz, director of facilities.
• Diane Donnelly, assistant director of the learning commons.

Also being honored at the Feb. 5 event will be former Thiel College President Dr. Robert Olson ’60 H'09, who will receive the A. Louis and Barbara Thiel Award for Distinguished Service Award.

• If you can't make it to the event, watch the live broadcast online starting at 10:45 a.m.