GREENVILLE, Pa.—The Beeghly Gymnasium at Thiel College is currently under renovation and will receive $2 million in upgrades as work on it continues throughout the summer.
The new competition floor will be named in honor of Frank Maenpa, Ph.D. ’69 H’21, a former member of the Board of Trustees and an avid supporter of the College, in honor of his generosity and dedication to the College.
Maenpa was awarded an honorary degree during the College’s 2021 Commencement Exercises in honor of his scientific accomplishments and his commitment to the College. He was a former longtime high school volleyball coach. His generous monetary gift to the gymnasium renovation project will provide the facility with a new competition floor in support of all Thiel sports teams. The floor was designed in conjunction with the facilities team, athletic coaches, and the president’s office. Several other generous alumni members have and are continuing to support this renovation project with generous contributions.
The upgrades to the gym include a refurbished main entrance, a new handicapped entrance, additional equipment storage areas, an upgraded heating and cooling system, the installation of a new LED scoreboard, and a new competition playing surface.
The Beeghly Gymnasium is home of the Thiel College basketball, volleyball, and wrestling teams as well as recreational and intramural activities for students. In 2015, the gym received a brand-new state-of-the-art sound system.
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.