GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College announces AJ Green ’24, of Youngstown, Ohio, Abraham Hochstetler ’24, of Conneaut Lake, Pa., and Allison Walsh ’24, of Edinboro, Pa., as its Student of the Month honorees for March.
The Student of the Month honor is awarded to seniors. It is among the most prestigious student awards at Thiel College with only six students earning the honor each semester.
Green is a 2019 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and an exercise science major with a minor in coaching. He is president of the Organization of Black Collegians and captain of the men’s basketball team. He is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a recipient of the Robert Joseph Hartman Fund for First-Generation Students at Thiel College Scholarship.
His mother, Leila Williams, is deceased, and his father, Allister Green Sr., lives in Montreal, Quebec.
“My experience at Thiel has inspired me to take advantage of the many opportunities that the College has to offer, be persistent in working towards my goals, and value the relationships and memories that I’ve made,” Green said. “I would like to thank God for all the blessings he’s stored in my life, and my family and friends for encouraging me every step of my journey.”
He was also grateful to recently retired staff member Denise Rucci.
“I appreciate the positive words of affirmation and impact that she has had on campus, and I wish her the best and a happy retirement,” he said.
Hochstetler is a 2020 graduate of Conneaut Area Senior High School and an accounting and business administration double major. After graduation, he plans to work at the accounting firm of McGill, Power, Bell & Associates, LLP.
Hochstetler volunteers at Watson Run Church in Conneaut Lake and said his faith is a significant part of his life.
“I would like to thank Jesus Christ for saving me from my sins! Also, I would like to thank my family for helping me as I embarked on studying at Thiel,” he said.
He is the son of Kevin and Annetta Hochstetler, of Conneaut Lake, Pa.
“I knew once I graduated from high school that I wanted to stay in my local community. Thiel was an obvious choice as it allowed me to commute. However, once I started to attend full-time, I found a new community and family to invest in,” he said. “As I studied and worked on campus, I developed many friendships with fantastic people. Thiel has the right environment for learning and friendship.”
Hochstetler was grateful to David Miller Endowed Chair of Accounting and Professor of Business Administration and Accounting Melissa Oakes ’03, who provided quick responses outside of class hours and whose help included morale-lifting snacks. He said Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Accounting Dionna Kassalen was patient as he worked through his thesis, and Professor of Business Administration and Accounting Gary Witosky ’79 pushed him to be his best.
“Professor Oakes was always encouraging and helpful to us students. Professor Kassalen would also brighten my day through her stories, our conversations and her contagious laugh,” Hochstetler said. “I would like to recognize Charlotte Montozzi, (who is) part of the facilities team. I have been blessed by our conversations and by seeing the dedication she has to her family, work and Thiel.”
Walsh is a 2020 graduate of General McLane High School and a business administration and English double major. She is president of the Student Government Association and was Zeta Tau Alpha treasurer from 2021-2023. She is a member of her church’s worship team and has worked as a writing lab consultant and peer tutor. She was a recipient of the Vira I. Heinz Global Leaders Scholarship in 2022, and she completed a three-month-long internship in Dublin, Ireland. She is also a member of the Dietrich Honors Institute.
“I would not be the person I am today if it wasn't for Thiel College and the amazing support, experiences, and curriculums,” Walsh said. “I am forever grateful to Thiel for making such a positive impact on my life, allowing me to reach my fullest potential, and giving me the opportunities to make memories and friends that will truly last a lifetime.”
Walsh was grateful for Professor of English and James Pedas Endowed Chair of Communication Mary Theresa Hall, Ph.D. and Professor of Business Administration and Accounting Gary Witosky ’79 and Professor of Religion George Branch-Trevathan, Ph.D.
“I would like to thank Dr. Hall, who pushed me to achieve greater things and challenge myself, Professor Witosky for showing me that the Thiel family is forever, and to Dr. Branch-Trevathan for helping me have the confidence to believe in myself and what I am capable of,” she said.
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.