GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College began its 147th academic year on Friday when members of the class of 2016 arrived on campus for orientation activities.
More than 300 new students joined the student body this year and began classes today, said Thiel College President Dr. Troy VanAken.
“Opening Convocation is one of my favorite events of the academic year, but this year is special,” said VanAken. “Seeing the infectious excitement of our first-year students as they begin a new phase of their lives always gets the semester off to a great start, and this class will be seniors in 2016 when the College celebrates its sesquicentennial. It will be a great four years together as we prepare for milestones in both the history of Thiel College and these students’ lives.”
The first-year students were welcomed at the annual opening convocation ceremony on August 24 in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center. VanAken hosted the ceremony and joined faculty and staff in welcoming the new students as well as their parents and other friends of the college. Dr. Lynn Franken, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college; Mike McKinney ’02, dean of students; and Cassidy Kravec ’13, of North Huntingdon, Pa., president of the Student Government Association, also addressed the students.
During the opening convocation, students recited a pledge, vowing to give their best efforts as students and citizens of the community and hold themselves to the highest standards of shared inquiry and academic integrity.
A welcome picnic for new students and their families followed the ceremony on the Howard Miller Student Center terrace and lawn. Orientation activities continued through August 26.
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.