GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College’s Phi Theta Phi fraternity recently held its 54th annual Walk-a-Thon on December 2-3, raising $25,000 for the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Every year, the brothers of Phi Theta Phi, friends, and alumni complete the two-day, 100-mile walk from Greenville to Pittsburgh to collect donations for the Free Care Fund at Children’s Hospital. The mission of this fund is to provide care and treatment to every child in need, regardless of their circumstances, while alleviating the financial burden their families face. Over the last 53 years, the brothers of the Phi Theta Phi fraternity at Thiel have raised more than $1.8 million for the Free Care Fund. As of December 12, the fraternity’s donations totaled $25,078.02. Fraternity president and Walk Chairman Jeremy Meyer ’23 and Assistant Walk Chairman Logan Ross ’24 appeared on KDKA TV on December 8 for the Children’s Hospital Telethon.
Meyer has a particular affection for the heart of this event; he was frequently hospitalized at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh throughout his childhood after having been born with Hepatitis C. At age 17, after having been put through to the Free Care Fund by his doctor, Meyer was entered into a study to receive a potential cure for Hepatitis C; after only two weeks, he was completely cured.
“The Walk-a-Thon is so important to us as a fraternity because some of us have had experiences with the Children’s Hospital during our youth,” Meyer said. “It is an experience that you cannot find anywhere else in the country and to be a part of it is very special. When you think about it, we are just big kids helping the little kids who can’t help themselves.”
Phi Theta Phi began at Thiel College as a local fraternity in 1966. Two years later, the fraternity started a tradition that has become one of the most successful Greek philanthropy efforts in the College’s history. The first Walk-a-thon was in 1968 and raised $1,100. In 2014, Phi Theta Phi was recognized as one of the Top 10 donors to the Fund. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania Senate have cited the chapter for its service, and in 2002, the Association of Fundraising Professionals acknowledged them as an outstanding philanthropic organization. In 2015, the fraternity was recognized for the walk-a-thon with a Service to Thiel Award. They were also recognized by the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital in 2019 for their contributions.
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.