GREENVILLE, Pa.—Heavy equipment began moving earth Wednesday at Thiel College as construction officially began on the 40,000-square-foot Olympus Athletic and Recreation Center, a $10 million project that will expand athletic, fitness and recreational opportunities for students and the surrounding community.
Construction is expected to be completed in late fall 2027.
The new facility, located near Stoeber Field at Alumni Stadium, will feature a multipurpose basketball court, an indoor walking and running track, a wellness studio, fitness areas, expanded locker room facilities, meeting and collaboration spaces, and hospitality areas. The center will also include a dedicated locker room for the Thiel football program.
The Olympus Athletic and Recreation Center is designed to serve a broad range of campus activities, including varsity athletics, intramural and club sports, personal fitness and wellness programming.
“This facility will create new opportunities for students to stay active, build relationships and enjoy a more vibrant campus experience,” said Michael McKinney, Ed.D. ’02, vice president for enrollment, student life and athletics. “With football representing our largest varsity program, the dedicated locker room will provide our student-athletes with the first-class facilities they deserve, while the multipurpose spaces will serve our entire campus community. It is another example of how we are investing in Thiel’s future and the success of our students.”
The project was launched with a $5 million lead gift from James Pedas ’50 H’89, a Thiel alumnus and trustee emeritus, and his wife, Wanda. Fundraising continues with the goal of fully funding the project through private donations, grants and foundations.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.