GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College announces Marcus Hernandez IV ’24, of Greenville, Pa., Paige Long ’24, of Huntingdon, Pa., and Emmalee Sheeler ’24, of Rixford, Pa., as its Student of the Month honorees for April.
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.
Hernandez is a media and journalism major and a 2020 graduate of Greenville High School. He worked on the production of “Spookt” a movie that is set in Greenville and was filmed in and around the region. Thiel College hosted the domestic premiere and panel discussion for the movie in September 2023.
Hernandez said Thiel College is special because “you can dream big even when you are living small.” He plans to pursue a career in the film industry in either Atlanta or Seattle.
Hernandez was grateful to former Professor of Communication Ross Nugent as well as Assistant Professor of Communication Matthew Humphrey and Assistant Professor of Psychology Kristel Gallagher, Ph.D. for their mentorship and guidance.
“Ross Nugent showed students how it feels to work in a fast-paced environment, I always loved how down to earth he was about the reality and struggle it is to work in television and film. This allowed me to understand what I was getting into and prepare myself through the years inside and outside of Thiel to ensure a path in my career,” Hernandez said. “Matthew Humphrey and Dr. Kristel Gallagher are both amazing professors who would brighten my day in every class I had with them. They made the courses fun with their unique and wholesome personalities, and talking to them after class was always insightful.”
Long is a psychology and neuroscience double major and a 2020 graduate of Huntingdon Area High School. She plans to pursue a post-graduate degree in applied developmental psychology.
Long is the president of Thiel College’s chapter of the international honor society in psychology, Psi Chi, and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha women’s fraternity and the Thiel Student Support Network, a student-run mental health support organization. As a Vira I. Heinz Scholarship recipient, she traveled to Austria in 2022. Her research has been published in two issues of the Thiel College Undergraduate Research Journal: The Lectern.
She is the daughter of April Long, of Huntingdon, Pa., and Shane Long, of Patton, Pa.
“My time at Thiel has provided me with opportunities to broaden my knowledge and enhance my leadership skills at the local and international level. I am grateful for each, and every opportunity provided to me at Thiel, including hands-on research experience, organizational leadership, and career development,” Long said.
Long appreciates the guidance of advisor and Associate Professor of Psychology Natalie Homa, Ph.D. and is also grateful to Assistant Professor of Psychology Kristel Gallagher, Ph.D. for her support.
“I would like to thank my faculty advisor and personal role model Dr. Natalie Homa, for her passion and persistence toward making me a better student and person,” Long said. “She has inspired me to pursue a career in research, and without her strong belief in me, and dedication to my success, I would not be in my current position. I would also like to thank Dr. Kristel Gallagher, for instilling in me an optimistic mindset, and providing me with the opportunity to lead my peers in the field of psychology. She continues to remind me that there is a positive meaning and glimpse of hope within every hardship—and I will always be grateful for that.”
Sheeler is a math major seeking a secondary education certificate and a 2020 graduate of Otto-Eldred High School.
After graduation, she would like to become a high school mathematics teacher.
Sheeler is a student leader for the Thiel College Bible Study and vice president of Kappa Mu Epsilon, the mathematics honor society. She is a member of the education honor society Kappa Delta Pi, the academic honor society Alpha Chi, Circle K service club and Active Minds club.
She works as a camp counselor at Summer’s Best Two Weeks, a substitute Teacher at Otto-Eldred High School and the lead tutor and supplemental instructor for math courses through the Thiel Learning Commons.
She is the daughter of Brian and Heather Sheeler, of Rixford, Pa.
“I have loved my time at Thiel College. I am thankful for the opportunities I had to learn and grow not only in my education but as a person as well,” she said. “The opportunities here have prepared me to take the next step and start my career. I am forever grateful for the friendships that I have made here. The Lord has been good to me.”
Sheeler said she would like to recognize her education professors Kara Schreckenghost and Calli Shekell, Ph.D., “for their continued encouragement and support throughout my time at Thiel. I would also like to recognize and thank my math professors and Hannah Keeling in the TLC.”
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.