Thiel College to recognize staff and faculty during Founders’ Day celebration

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College officials will recognize the contributions of more than a dozen faculty and staff members as part of its annual Founders' Day celebration on Thursday, Feb. 5.

As part of commemorating the founding of the institution in 1866, President Dr. Troy D. VanAken will celebrate the contributions of 13 faculty and staff members at 11 a.m. in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.

Receiving the prestigious Professor of the Year Awards is Dr. Curt Thompson, the Dietrich Honors Institute Director and Professor of Religion. Thompson has been a faculty member at Thiel College for more than 30 years and has been twice before honored as the Professor of the Year.

Other faculty members earning recognition are:

• Melissa S. Oakes ’03, associate professor of business administration and accounting, Distinguished Service Award.
• Andy Erb, instructor of performing arts-music/Director of Bands, Distinguished Teacher Award.
• Dr. Fatimata Palé, professor of Biology and Dr. Christopher Stanisky, associate professor of chemistry, Distinguished Scholar Award.
• Joshua Myers, adjunct professor of English, Distinguished Adjunct Award.

Six staff members will be recognized for distinguished service during the ceremony.

• Martin Black, associate dean of career development.
• Tammy Shilling, administrative assistant to the Vice President for Enrollment Management.
• Roberta Leonard, executive director, Capital Campaign.
• Craig Thurber, head wrestling coach.
• Jeannie Carey, accounts payable specialist.
• Mike Shultz, director of facilities.
• Diane Donnelly, assistant director of the learning commons.

Also being honored at the Feb. 5 event will be former Thiel College President Dr. Robert Olson ’60 H'09, who will receive the A. Louis and Barbara Thiel Award for Distinguished Service Award.

• If you can't make it to the event, watch the live broadcast online starting at 10:45 a.m.

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.