GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College, a leading liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania, recognized the academic achievements of more than 400 students and awarded an honorary degree to the Executive Director of the Butler Institute of American Art, Louis A. Zona, Ph.D., during its annual Honors Convocation ceremony on Friday, Feb. 2 at its William A. Passavant Memorial Center.
Zona delivered the keynote address for the event.
Under Zona’s leadership, The Butler Institute—the first museum in the country to be dedicated exclusively to American art—has added more than 25,000 pieces of art. The institution’s legacy was enhanced with an addition devoted solely to art and technology. Zona has also been acknowledged with the Ohio Governor’s Award for Arts Administration in 1990 and The Gari Melchers Medal for Contributions to American Art by the Artists Fellowship of New York City in 2005. Zona earned his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University, his master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a doctoral degree from Carnegie Mellon University.
Along with the recognition of 374 students for their individual accomplishments, groups of students were acknowledged for their participation in departmental honor societies. Honors Convocation had usually been celebrated each fall. The ceremony was moved to the spring semester this year to allow for first-year students to be included in the event.
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.