GREENVILLE, Pa.—Fifty years of Thiel College history are captured in a new book being released as the College celebrates its 160th anniversary.
The History of Thiel College Volume II: 1975–2025—The Enduring Spirit of Thiel College chronicles five decades of changes to the College’s academic programs, campus and community while highlighting the people who helped shape the institution.
The 244-page book features full-color and black-and-white photographs and continues the history begun by Roy Johnson, whose original volume chronicled Thiel from its founding in 1866 through 1975.
Advance copies of the new volume will be on display during Homecoming 2026 at the Homecoming registration table, the College Archives and the Campus Store. Visitors can scan QR codes at those locations to order the book online. Orders can also be placed from anywhere through the online order form available here https://thiel.s.gy/historybook.
Copies are $30, or $40 for a copy signed by all five authors. Books ordered this fall are expected to ship in December.
“Thiel’s history is really the story of the people who have shaped the College and the ways the institution has continued to evolve,” College Archivist John Hauser ’71 H’20 said. “Volume II captures 50 years of that story, from 1975 through 2025, so Homecoming during Thiel’s 160th year is a fitting opportunity for alumni and friends to get a first look at the book and place their orders. I hope readers will recognize people, places and moments they remember while also discovering parts of Thiel’s history they may not have known.”
The book was written by five authors whose connections to Thiel span generations and encompass the College’s academic, administrative and institutional history.
The authors are Don Achenbach ’77, former Vice President for Strategic Planning and Facilities; Mary Theresa Hall, Ph.D., Professor of English and Dr. James Pedas ’50 H’89 Chair of Communication; Hauser; Robert Olson, Ph.D. ’60 H’09, Thiel College’s 18th president and Professor Emeritus of History; and Gary Witosky ’79 H’24, Professor Emeritus of Business Administration and Accounting. Director of Communications and Marketing Dominick DiRienzo, M.A.’22 assisted with the book’s editing and production.
Together, they trace the College’s development from 1975 through 2025, including major developments in the curriculum, significant academic and administrative changes, new buildings and changes to the physical campus. The book also includes updated biographies of Thiel presidents and highlights faculty members who influenced generations of students and the direction of the College.
The publication coincides with Thiel’s 160th anniversary. Founded in 1866, the College is marking the milestone throughout 2026, including during its “Thiel in Time 1866–2026” Homecoming celebration Sept. 24–27.
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.