GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College announces Mark Permigiani ’24, of Bavington, Pa., and Samantha Reid ’24, Greenville, Pa., as Student of the Month honorees for November.
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 each semester earning the honor.
Permigiani is an English major with a secondary education certificate. He graduated from Fort Cherry High School in 2020. He plans to be a high school English teacher and eventually become a college professor.
He worked as a substitute teacher at both Fort Cherry and Burgettstown high schools, as well as a volunteer strength and conditioning coach this past May. Permigiani is the treasurer/Student Government Association representative for Sigma Tau Delta English honors society. He is also a member of Kappa Delta Pi education honors society and works as a Writing Lab Consultant and English 101 Liaison. He is a member of the Creative Writing Club as well as The Phoenix Peer Review Board.
His parents, Mark and Alice Permigiani, live in Bavington, Pa.
“My Thiel experience has been nothing short of amazing. I have experienced a plethora of personal growth throughout my Thiel career thus far. The English and Education professors did a wonderful job of stimulating my passion for being an English teacher,” Permigiani said. “At Thiel, there are an abundance of opportunities to become the best version of yourself and become a productive member of society. Thiel has wholeheartedly contributed to my love for educating and being a positive role model for students. Not only has Thiel guided me toward my true passion for teaching, but Thiel has also encouraged me to think outside the box and shoot for the stars. I thank Thiel College for molding me into who I am today and what I will be in the future.”
Permigiani said he is grateful that Professor of English Mary Theresa Hall, Ph.D. saw “something in me that I didn’t see in myself, for encouraging me to strive for more, and for bringing out my love for teaching. Dr. Hall played a significant role in my development as a student and a person, as she has always encouraged me to think about things from a different lens. Lastly, Dr. Hall has broadened my understanding of literature tremendously. She has taught me that everything facet of our lives, good or bad, can be related to our literature, and that, I will never forget.”
Reid is an English major with a secondary education certification. She is looking forward to teaching in a local high school classroom. Eventually, she would like to pursue her master’s degree and teach at the college level. She serves as treasurer of Kappa Delta Pi, the international education honor society, and is a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. She serves on the editorial board of The Lectern, the College’s undergraduate research journal, and The Phoenix, the College’s creative works journal. She was previously a student worker for the education department and currently works in The Learning Commons as a Writing Lab Consultant and an English 101 Liaison. Outside of Thiel College, she enjoys serving in the Greenville Elementary School PTO and working as a substitute aide in the elementary school.
She is a 2011 graduate of Hubbard High School in Hubbard, Ohio and lives in Greenville, Pa. with her husband, Michael Reid, and daughters Annabella, Julianna, and Layla.
“Being a non-traditional college student here at Thiel has provided me with an unforgettable college experience. I was worried about returning to college as an older student. However, I was graciously accepted by my peers and the faculty alike. Being a student at Thiel College has expanded my knowledge of literature and given me the tools needed to become an influential teacher,” she said.
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.