GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College’s Assistant Dean for Student Engagement Than Oo recently had his article “How Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Reminds Us About Work,” published in the latest issue of Intersections, the biannual magazine by the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities.
Oo’s article, published in the current issue titled “Vocation as a Balancing Act: Mission-driven and Tuition-driven,” draws connections between Fred Rogers’ philosophy on vocation and the mission-driven values central to Lutheran higher education. He reflects on how Rogers’ dedication to compassion, understanding, and service mirrors the work done by educators and administrators in fostering environments where students can connect deeply with their vocations.
Oo’s work is especially significant as Thiel College continues its mission to offer students an education grounded in Lutheran values and holistic development. His role as Assistant Dean for Student Engagement allows him to work directly with students to foster a meaningful campus experience that helps them discover and live out their own vocations. Thiel College has a unique legacy with Rogers. The College has a special room in the James Pedas Communication Center dedicated to Rogers and awards a scholarship annually in his name. Thiel College was the first of 40 institutions to award television’s most beloved children’s show host an honorary degree in November 1969.
Intersections magazine is a publication that reflects on the intersection of faith, learning, and teaching within Lutheran higher education, focusing on contemporary challenges, opportunities, and initiatives. This edition, particularly, provides an important dialogue on the balance between mission-driven goals and tuition-driven realities, a theme that resonates strongly with institutions of higher learning in today’s economic and cultural climate.
Thiel College is a member of NECU and continues to engage with these critical conversations, working to provide a rigorous, faith-based education that prepares students for both professional and personal success.
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.