GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College, a leading liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania, announces former Board of Trustee member John Frangakis has been recognized for his charitable contributions to the College that will fund a series of gateway beautification projects.
The entryways to Thiel from Route 18 and on College Avenue to Amelia Earhart Drive will be the focus of the projects. Both locations are on major traffic thoroughfares and visible to a significant amount of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The completely redesigned areas include new and improved signage, landscaping and a re-engineered traffic entry pattern.
“Two generations of the Frangakis family are generous supporters of Thiel College,” President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., said. “These gifts will highlight and beautify the campus and emphasize Thiel’s place as a distinguished institution in the region. The new architectural elements and landscaping projects will combine to make a positive impact on the look of our campus, and we’re really excited about that.”
The Frangakis Family Charitable Foundation Trust, founded by John’s parents, F. John and Joyce E. Frangakis, received the Phoenix Award of Beautification from the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce for their support of Thiel College’s entryway enhancement. The trust is dedicated to improving the communities in which they work and live in by influencing positive change for current and future generations.
This year marked the 14th annual presentation ceremony for the Phoenix Awards & Leadership Shenango Recognition hosted by the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce where 11 businesses and organizations were honored on May 17.
Frangakis served as the Thiel College chair of the Presidential Search Committee in 2016 and former vice chair of the Board of Trustees. In 2014, he was awarded the Haller Enterprise Institute Entrepreneur of the Year Award while in his role as the chairman and chief executive officer of Reynolds Services, Inc.
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.