Top stories of 2021 reflect both institutional and worldwide matters

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- In a year that began to resemble more traditional years, there were still periodic reminders of the worldwide pandemic. These new stories combined with news of student and institutional achievements were some of the most popular items in the Thiel College Newsroom in 2021. The following are the Top 10 stories based on the number of views in the Thiel College Newsroom, media attention and social media impact.

10. First class of Thiel College nursing students in nearly 20 years receives white coats

Oct. 7/ As part of Thiel College’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, the first class of nursing students since 2002 participated in a white coat ceremony. First-year nursing students received their white coats during the ceremony as a symbol of their entrance into the medical profession and into their healthcare studies.

9. Thiel College plans in-person commencement ceremonies for both 2021 and 2020 graduates

March 26/ Thiel College announced in March that it was going to host both 2020 and 2021 graduates in two in-person commencement ceremonies on May 9.

Originally planned to be held outdoors, both ceremonies were held in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center because of rain.

8. Thiel climbs up U.S. News & World Report rankings, recognized for graduates’ social mobility

Sept. 13/ Thiel College was ranked as the top school in western Pennsylvania overall and recognized for the social mobility of its graduates among the Regional Colleges in the North in the 37th edition of U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings, released today.

7. Cleveland-area financial officer named Thiel vice president for finance and administration

May 3/ Thiel College announced Amy M. Arbogast as the new Vice President for Finance and Administration at Thiel College in May. Arbogast was hired following a national search.

6. Thiel College partners with Walberg Family Pharmacies to serve as COVID vaccination site

Feb. 12/ Thiel College’s William A. Passavant Memorial Center was the site of Walberg Family Pharmacies vaccination clinic Tuesday, Feb. 16. The 2,000-seat Passavant Center was among the first sites in Mercer County to host vaccination clinics. The Walberg Family Pharmacies estimated in May when they were recognized with the Passavant Award at the 2021 Commencement Exercises that they had distributed more than 37,000 doses.

5. Baumgardner, Breckenridge named Thiel College Student of the Month honorees for October

Oct. 20/ Thiel College announced Kara Baumgardner ’22, of Summerhill, Pa., and Rachel Breckenridge ’22, of Hiram, Ohio, as the Student of the Month honorees for October.

4. Thiel Class of 1971 presents largest class gift in school history to preserve and renovate Quad

Sept. 28/ The Class of 1971 announced it is donating more than $112,500 to Thiel College to create an outdoor gathering space on campus that will improve and maintain this essential space for student and College community use. It is the largest class gift in school history.

3. Thiel College announces Dean’s List for Spring 2021

June 3/ Three-hundred-twenty-nine students were named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2021 semester.

2. Thiel College’s first class of 40 physician assistant graduate students will begin in July

March 30/ Thiel College announced in March that it received provisional accreditation status recently to open the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program with its first class of 40 students beginning in July.

1. Thiel College announces Dean’s List for Fall 2020

Jan. 5/ Three-hundred-forty-two students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2020 semester.