Thiel College first-year students explore the science of gratitude through prosthetic project

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College students enrolled in a special course designed for first-year students in which they are learning about happiness through a scientific lens while engaging in projects that promote wellness and service collaborated with “Hands of Gratitude,” an organization dedicated to creating 3D-printed prosthetic hands for individuals in need worldwide.

As part of the initiative, students assembled prosthetic hands and wrote personalized notes to the recipients. This hands-on project aims to have a long-lasting impact on the lives of people who benefit from these devices. The collaboration not only emphasizes the importance of service but also reinforces lessons on generosity, teamwork, and community impact.

Assistant Professor of Biology Mary Gemmel O’Donnell, Ph.D., who led the course, praised the students for their dedication.

“I am so proud of this outstanding group of students. They have been using their time and talents, even during a busy finals season, to give back to others,” O’Donnell said. “This opportunity has really given all of us a unique chance to reflect on what truly matters and come together as a community to improve the lives of others.”

Students in the class include:

• Dalton Byerly ’28, of Sharpsville, Pa.
• Emily Eutsey ’28, of Jones Mills, Pa.
• Ava Gilmore ’28, of West Middlesex, Pa.
• Caden Guiler ’28, of Mercer, Pa.
• Soren Hedderick ’28, of Adamsville, Pa.
• Kaylyn Hockenberry ’28, of Sandy Lake, Pa.
• Xavier Jenkins ’28, of Bealeton, Va.
• Dejanay Lewis ’28, of West Mifflin, Pa.
• Wyatt Mashburn ’28, of Sunnyside, Wash.
• Mequan Maxwell ’28, of Sharon, Pa.
• Andrew McCloskey ’28, of Transfer, Pa.
• Kayden McKoy ’28, of Grove City, Pa.
• Lauren Pitkins ’28, of Fairview, Pa.
• Kenneth Poyner ’28, of Moriarty, N.M.
• Tye Rambo ’28, of Wellsville, Ohio
• Jonathan Smith ’28, of Hooversville, Pa.
• Jayveerh White ’28, of Sharon, Pa.
• Kasey Williams ’28, of Greenville, Pa.

Seminar courses are required for all first-year students. The courses encourage participants to explore personal and collective well-being through a variety of interdisciplinary topics and projects. The partnership with “Hands of Gratitude” underscores Thiel College’s commitment to fostering civic engagement and global awareness among its students.

Related Links

• First-year Seminar Experience
• Hands of Gratitude

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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.