GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College fraternity Phi Theta Phi recently received a proclamation from Town of Greenville Mayor Evan Hereford and a citation from Pennsylvania state Representative Mark Longietti recognizing the organization’s fundraising efforts for Pittsburgh’s Children’s Hospital through its annual 100-mile walk to Pittsburgh.
The mayoral proclamation, received by president John Ganiear ’22 on behalf of the fraternity, declares the week of November 29 to December 4, 2021, to be the “Phi Theta Phi Walk-A-Thon Days” in Greenville. The mayor urges all citizens of the town to “support this very worthwhile event.” The fraternity will depart Greenville on Friday, Dec. 3 and will arrive at Children’s Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 4. Along the way, the brothers collect donations. The fraternity also plans to attend Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night to collect donations.
The citation from the state legislature cited the organization’s record-breaking fundraising in 2018 when it raised nearly $56,000. It is the second time the organization has been recognized by the state legislature for its Walk-a-thon.
"I would like to thank Mayor Hereford, Council President Paul Hamill, Borough Manager Jasson Urey, and Representative Longietti for recognizing what an integral part Phi Theta Phi plays in philanthropy for Western Pennsylvania,” Ganiear said. “This year’s walk is one you’re not going to want to miss.”
The fraternity has raised more than $1.8 million for the Hospital’s Free Care Fund since it began its annual 100-mile Walk-a-thon in 1968. Charitable service is an important part of the mission of each fraternity and sorority at Thiel College. Annually, Greek fundraising efforts donate thousands of dollars to charities such as the American Red Cross, Autism Speaks, the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, veterans, Adopt-A-Highway, and many others.
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.