GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College announces Kylie Vergnola ’24, of Meadville, Pa., and Steven Wright ’24, of Kittanning, Pa., as Student of the Month honorees for December.
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.
Vergnola is a political science, public policy and sociology triple major and a 2020 graduate of Maplewood Junior-Senior High School. After graduating, she plans to pursue a graduate degree. She is vice president of Active Minds, a mental health awareness and suicide prevention organization on campus. She is the daughter of Heather and William Vergnola, of Meadville.
“My time at Thiel has allowed me several opportunities for leadership, academic success, and networking. I am thankful to this institution for preparing me for what’s next,” Vergnola said.
She is grateful to her advisors Professor of Political Science and Department Chair Marie Courtemanche, Ph.D. and Professor of Sociology and Department Chair Cynthia Sutton, Ph.D.
“Without their guidance, support, and expertise in courses I would not be able to perform at the academic level I have,” Vergnola said. “Their openness, practicality, and authenticity are a gift to every student who has the pleasure of interacting with them, and I truly cannot thank them enough for my college experience.”
Wright is a mathematics major seeking a secondary education certificate and a 2020 Armstrong Junior-Senior High School graduate. After graduation, he would like to find a teaching job near his hometown.
He is the president of Kappa Mu Epsilon mathematics honorary society and a member of Kappa Delta Pi education honorary society. Wright is a resident leader and also a lead tutor and supplemental instructor for math courses on campus.
He is the son of Mark and Becky Wright of Ford City, Pa.
“Thiel College has allowed me to make connections that will last a lifetime,” Wright said. “These connections have developed who I am as a person over my time here and will continue to shape me into the person I will become, and I am incredibly thankful.”
Wright is grateful for his math professors and the coordinator of the peer-led learning programs Hannah Keeling ’08.
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.