GREENVILLE, Pa.—The Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Reverend Yehiel Curry, is the speaker for the 2026 Professor David M. Miller ’61 H’20 Distinguished Lecture Series at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 9 in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.
His inspiring reflection on leadership, patience and faith is titled “Give It Another Year.”
Curry began serving as Presiding Bishop of the ELCA in October 2025 after being elected by the church’s assembly earlier that year. He is the Church’s fifth Presiding Bishop and first African American. As Presiding Bishop, he is the chief ecumenical officer of the church and the leader and caretaker for the bishops of the synods.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.7 million members in more than 8,400 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. His faith story includes the discovery of his calling after careers in professional sales, social work and teaching as well as his work on social issues and growing a start-up congregation to a full-fledged member church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Before becoming Presiding Bishop, Curry served as bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod, where he provided pastoral leadership to more than 160 congregations. Curry earned a Bachelor of Arts from Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill. and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
The Professor David M. Miller ’61, H’20 Distinguished Lecture Series is an opportunity for the College to host distinguished individuals who are leading lives of meaning and purpose.
“The Professor David M. Miller Distinguished Lecture Series reflects Thiel College’s commitment to preparing students for impactful lives beyond the classroom,” said President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. “The close-knit nature of our campus means students can engage on an individual basis with internationally accomplished leaders—from a National Institutes of Health researcher to a former chancellor of a major research university to a faith leader of national significance. These experiences enrich a supportive community where students are known by name and encouraged to grow.”
The Miller Series was endowed through a generous gift from Jagdish N. Sheth H’07 and his wife, Madhu Sheth. The series honors Miller, who retired in 2020 following a 57-year teaching career that is the longest in the College’s history. Miller passed away in 2022. Before retiring, he taught and advised more students than anyone else in Thiel College’s 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.