Greenville businessman Childs to be awarded honorary degree at Honors Convocation

Posted October 29, 2015Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College will honor Bail USA, Inc. founder and Chairman of the Board Harvey Childs, M.A., with an honorary degree at its Academic Honors Convocation at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center.

Childs has been a licensed bail agent for 50 years, and Bail USA has been a landmark Greenville business for most of that time. Today it is a national bail bond underwriter for the Seneca Insurance Company.

Childs is an active and engaged member of the Thiel College community. He participates in and supports many on-campus activities. He was awarded the 2013 A. Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to Thiel College.

“Harvey has been a strong and consistent advocate for the institution and its students. He is a mentor to the young men and women of the College,” Thiel College President Troy D. VanAken, Ph.D., said. “This is a richly deserved honor that recognizes the profound impact Harvey has had on Thiel College and the community. His contributions to Thiel have benefitted our students and in turn the world our graduates become citizens of.”

Childs supports artistic, cultural and athletic events, and promotes Thiel College whenever possible.

Childs obtained a B.A. degree in Hispanic studies from the University of Seville in Spain and an M.A. degree from the Cultural Institute of San Lorenzo. He is fluent in five languages and enjoys Spanish and American history.


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.



Thiel College
75 College Ave
Greenville, PA 16125
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