GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College will recognize faculty, staff and community leadership during its annual Founders’ Day celebration at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center, marking the first major event of the College’s 160th anniversary year.
Founders’ Day commemorates Thiel College’s founding in 1866 and honors individuals whose dedication, service and professional excellence reflect the College’s mission and values.
On the occasion of Founders’ Day, the College will present the Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award to Vicki Poe, a long-time Greenville resident whose service to both the community and the College spans decades. The award is presented annually to a community member who demonstrates exemplary character, sustained leadership and long-term service to the region, consistently placing the common good above private interest.
Poe is a former member of Thiel’s GSO Board and has served on the Greenville Chamber of Commerce Board. She is also an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Greenville, a service organization dedicated to supporting children and families. Poe and her husband, Russell, have been longtime supporters of Thiel’s Circle K Club. From 1995 to 2011, Poe served as an admissions counselor at Thiel College. Following her retirement, she continued her commitment to the institution by volunteering as a tutor and academic coach for Tomcat football student-athletes.
In addition to the Distinguished Service Award, the Founders’ Day ceremony will honor faculty and staff members for excellence in teaching, scholarship, service and mentorship.
Founders’ Day serves as a moment for the campus community to reflect on Thiel College’s history while celebrating those who continue to advance its mission. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend as the College honors this year’s recipients and officially begins its 160th anniversary celebration.
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.