GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College will host the Ryan Gloyer ’04 Tribute Workout at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, at Beeghly Gymnasium to honor the life and legacy of Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Allen Gloyer ’04, a 2004 graduate who died in service to the United States in 2016.
Gloyer, 34, of Zelienople, Pennsylvania, was killed in action on Nov. 3, 2016, in Kunduz, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel. As the College approaches the 10th anniversary of his passing, the event provides an opportunity for students, alumni, veterans, and community members to gather in remembrance while supporting military service members.
The tribute workout will begin with the National Anthem and a brief presentation reflecting on Gloyer’s life and service. The event is free and open to the public and is designed to be inclusive for participants of all fitness levels.
“This event is about honoring Ryan’s legacy while creating a space where veterans, students, and community members can come together with a shared purpose,” said Thiel College Veterans Liaison Mike Mason. “Whether someone completes the full workout or simply shows up to support, the goal is to recognize service, build connection, and remember what Ryan represented to this campus.”
Members of Thiel College’s chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity are sponsoring and organizing the event. Modeled after military-style workouts such as a workout of the day or “Murph”-inspired training session, the program emphasizes teamwork, personal effort, and community support rather than competition. Participants may complete the workout individually or in groups, and attendance is encouraged even for those who wish only to observe or show support.
Registration will begin at 3 p.m., followed by an opening ceremony at 4 p.m. and the start of the workout. The indoor event will be held at Beeghly Gymnasium, with entry available through the lower parking lot entrance.
Participants are encouraged to wear basic athletic attire and non-marking shoes. Wearing a weighted vest or backpack is optional. The workout typically lasts between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on individual pace and ability.
The tribute workout aims to bring together the Thiel College campus and surrounding community to recognize veterans’ service while honoring Gloyer’s enduring legacy of commitment, resilience, and leadership.
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.