GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College seniors Chad Pakozdi ’21 and Alexandrea Geraci ’21 were named the Students of the Month for April.
The Student of the Month is awarded to seniors. It is among the most prestigious student awards at Thiel College, with only six students each semester earning the honor.
Geraci, of Garrettsville, Ohio, is a 2017 Crestwood High School graduate and environmental science major with a minor in wildlife biology.
Geraci has been active in the Environmental Club and is the club’s vice president. She has taken part in hometown environmental clean-ups as well as clean-ups at Riverside Park. She has been a representative of the women’s lacrosse team at fundraising walks such as Light the Night for Leukemia and Lymphoma and Heart Walk for the American Heart Association.
Geraci has been a member of the women’s lacrosse team for three years and is a two-year captain. She is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma student-athlete society and was recognized as the senior female athlete with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Her post-graduation plans include moving to the Pittsburgh area to pursue a career in environmental health and safety.
“I came to college knowing a little bit about life, but I have learned so much more here than books could teach,” Geraci said. “I have learned strength, discipline, perseverance, being open-minded to new ideas, and patience. Nothing in college comes easy, but whatever you set your mind to in life, you can achieve. Not only will I be leaving with a diploma, but also friendships, relationships, and memories that will last a lifetime.”
She is the daughter of Fran and Mary Geraci.
“Alex is an amazing person,” Professor of Environmental Science and Chemistry and Department Chair Anna Reinsel, Ph.D. ’06 said. “She is active on campus and a great member of the environmental science department. She is always willing to help a classmate.”
Pakozdi, of Butler, Pa., is a 2017 graduate of Butler High School and an environmental science major with minors in environmental chemistry, economics and wildlife biology. He is president of the Thiel College Environmental Club. He organized and led a revamping of the recycling program on campus. The new program is an expansion of the recycling services and is being led by students. He is senior class vice president and was junior class treasurer. Pakozdi is captain of the cross country and track and field teams, an Eagle Scout and a brother of Phi Theta Phi.
He is a son of Donna Wetsell and Robert Pakozdi, both of Butler, Pa.
“My Thiel experience has been about growth. Graduating with over 500 students at high school made me feel small. Coming to Thiel was an opportunity to avoid being just another student,” Pakozdi said. “I also learned that if you want to see something change, you’re the one who needs to start the change. Over the last four years, I have been able to grow with the help of great professors and coaches. I especially wouldn’t be here without the support of Dr. (Anna) Reinsel and Coach Ike (Carissa Eichmeyer).”
Pakozdi’s post-graduation plans include getting his Master of Business Administration at Thiel College.
“Chad is very deserving of being recognized as student of the month. He excels academically while taking challenging courses,” Reinsel said. “He is a leader in his fraternity as well as for the environmental science department. I can count on Chad to help with anything around the department.”
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.