GREENVILLE, Pa.—Two Thiel College students will continue their academic journeys in legal studies after earning admission and scholarships to the Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law in Pittsburgh.
Brooke Griffith ’26 has accepted a prestigious full-tuition scholarship to the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne School of Law in Pittsburgh, and Mila Brdar ’26 has earned a merit-based scholarship in recognition of her academic performance and LSAT score. Both students are beginning their graduate studies in the fall of 2026.
The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University awards a limited number of full-tuition scholarships each year. The recipients of the scholarship must demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership, and success in the legal field. In her acceptance letter, the university noted Griffith’s “high ethical-moral character, academic achievement, and ability to serve as a leader in the incoming class.”
When notified about receiving the scholarship, Griffith said, “I am thrilled to be joining an incoming class of driven students who are excited to learn.”
She added her decision to pursue law stems from an interest in the relationship between law, public policy and mental health. Through political science coursework and an internship in Washington, D.C., she gained insight into how legal systems affect individuals experiencing mental illness.
“I am pursuing a legal education because of my strong interest in the intersection of law, public policy, and mental health,” Griffith said. “Through my political science coursework and my internship experience in Washington, D.C., I have developed a deeper understanding of how the legal system impacts individuals experiencing mental illness.”
Brdar, a criminal justice studies and sociology major, said her interest in Duquesne Law began many years before applying to the school.
“In my senior year of high school, I went on a speech club trip to the law school there and immediately knew I had to be a lawyer,” she said.
Although she was accepted into six law schools, Brdar said Duquesne remained her top choice because of its academic reputation and personal connection to the school.
“My mom and sister both graduated from Duquesne, so I knew I had to come back to Pittsburgh.”
When asked about how she planned to use her law career, Brdar said, “I honestly have no clue what kind of law I want to pursue, all I know is that I want to use my J.D to help less fortunate communities! I want to become an attorney to help the greater good and provide less fortunate people with a voice to advocate for equality and proper treatment.”
Thiel College offers students interested in law careers opportunities to develop skills in critical thinking, research, advocacy and public service through academic programs, internships and extracurricular experiences. Graduates regularly continue their education at law schools and other graduate and professional programs throughout Pennsylvania and the region.
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.