Thiel Happenings

Patricia Murrin (above, second from right) and Patricia Turcic (above, second from left) have spent nearly three combined decades at Thiel College helping students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends of the College feel at home. Now a unique gift set up in their honor will help students in a different way.

Thiel College President Troy D. VanAken, Ph.D., was among the 25 employees recognized for reaching a significant employment milestone with the College on Thursday, April 23.

Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton, M.Div., the first female presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will be given an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree and address 235 graduates at Thiel College's May 3 commencement.

Operations Management class makes presentation to Greenville business

Professor Angelo Giannini's Operations Management class developed an operations plan and presented it to Joe Christoff, owner of DataLock, of Greenville, on April 22.

Christoff said DataLock needs to expand its business capabilities due to the increased demand for his company's services. His goals are to double his company's sales numbers.

The Operations Management class centered on three main areas: policies and procedures, operations costs and the size and location of a new warehouse.

Morgan Steiner was the project manager. Nico Russo was team leader for policies and procedures. Adam Matthews was team leader for the operating cost team, and Chad Mitchell led the warehouse location and equipment team. Dave Devivo, Megan Ely, Valen Meade, Charles Tindall and Trey Vaughn were on the policies and procedures team. Megan Hardgrove, Michael Russo, Spencer Sulick, Yao Li and Hannah Ketzko made up the warehouse and equipment team. Dylan Stevens, Cameron Janney, Garret Schweitzer, Colin Murphy and Kyle Mohr were warehouse and equipment team members.

The plan presented to Christoff included equipment needed, warehouse location costs in Hermitage and New Castle, the price to build a new warehouse, an overview of job descriptions and procedures, costs for storage and shredding and profit margins. Another part of the presentation included advertising and website updates from Professor Karen Shaffer's advertising class.

Second annual Student Research Symposium showcases student work from past year

The Student Research Symposium was in the new James Pedas Communication Center on April 18. It featured more than 40 oral and visual displays. The poster presentations followed the student addresses. 

Student News

Chi Alpha Epsilon inductions held March 23

First row (lef to right): Cody Slevin, Kenady Hubbard, Nathan Nitczynski; second row: Elizabeth Koerner, Santina McGuire, Kathleen Bolyard, Cody Danner.

The Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society held its spring induction ceremony March 23 in the Rare Books Room in the library. The two new inductees, Hubbard and Nitczynski, received honor cords to be worn at graduation. Five current members received membership pin upgrades based on their spring and fall 2014 semester grades.  

Chi Alpha Epsilon acknowledges the continuing successes and achievements of students who participate in academic success programs. Members of the society pledge to continue to excel academically and to help those who aspire to the same goals. Diane Donnelly, honorary member and assistant director of the Thiel Learning Commons, serves as the chapter advisor. 

Library week contest winners

Allen Morrill, director of the Langenheim Memorial Library, congratulates the winners of the National Library Week activities. Kelly Bellia (left) won the grand prize of a private study room in the library filled with snacks of her choice during one evening of finals week. Zhaoxian Chen (right) guessed the closest to the 306 M&M's in the jar with a guess of 304.

Neuropsychopharmacology students studying chemicals in regional waterways

Students examine water samples from the Shenango River and Pymantuning Reservoir.

Students in Professor Greg Butcher's Neuropsychopharmacology course have been testing local water samples for a number of different neurotoxins and neuroendocrine disruptors. They collected samples from the Shenango River and Pymatuning Reservoir and returned to the lab to analyze the samples and determine the effects on neuro-regeneration in planaria. 

Thiel Happenings

Thiel College celebrates the academic achievements of 235 graduates at its 141st commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. May 3 at the William A. Passavant Memorial Center on campus.

Criswell discusses managing a hectic student schedule and her college journey

Thiel College senior Keeley Criswell is majoring in applied physics and computer science. She is also getting a minor in mathematics.

She talks about juggling the demands of her academic schedule as well as her experiences with the Max Planck Institute in Hanover, Germany.

• Subscribe to the Thiel College YouTube channel to get updates on the College's latest videos

Prof. Miller, students attend 35th Annual Iroquois Club Economic Seminar

David M. Miller '61, professor of economics and business administration, Norman P. Mortensen Chair of Economics, chair of the business department, and 12 students attended the 35th Annual Iroquois Club Economic Seminar at the Iroquois Club in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

All three presenters have a long history with the seminar and prestigious resumes.

E. Wayne Nordberg, chairman, chief investment officer and partner of Hollow Brook Assoc. LLC, New York, N.Y. made his 34th appearance at the seminar. Nordberg is also a former partner and portfolio manager with Lord Abbett Co. of New York City and vice chairman of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc and partner and asset manager with Ingalls & Snyder. His presentation was "Investing Now — how and where?"

Mark Sniderman, retired former executive vice president and chief policy officer with Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, made his 17th appearance at the seminar.  

David Shribman is the executive editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He also worked at the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times and was The Boston Globe's Washington bureau chief, which was the winner of the 1995 Pulitzer Prize in journalism. His presentation was "But You'd Better Understand Politics." This was his sixth year appearing at the seminar.

The students in attendance were Dylan Stevens, Garrett Schweitzer, Morgan Steiner, Allison Gloor, Chris Haray, Kelly Thompson, Tiffany Rohm and Alex McCann.

Miller and Thiel College Board of Trustees member Dale W. Deist are members of the host committee for the event, along with William Fay, Rhonda Reimold, Gayland Cook, Ronald D. Jones, Robert C. Muth and Martin Cole.

The seminar was established in 1980 by F.E. McElree Jr., M.D., and has been held annually every year since so financial experts can share their wisdom with the region.

Student News

Oros, Beach lead Phi Alpha Theta presenters at regional conference 

From left to right: Jenn Lippert, Sean Oros, James Koshan, Ph.D., Ashley Reynolds, Thomas Pulice, David Waugaman (Phi Alpha Theta Thiel College chapter president), Brittany Patten, Dan Nolte, Austin Hall, Davie Dye and Elliott Beach.

The Thiel College chapter of Phi Alpha Theta sent eight presenters to the Pennsylvania West Regional Phi Alpha Theta Conference and Undergraduate History Forum at Westminster College on April 11.

Each panel grouped together different historical eras, for example, the Civil War, or Europe in the 1800s. Koshan, Thiel College professor of history, adjudicated a panel entitled “America in the Early 20th Century.” There were 21 panels in all, with more than 60 presenters.

Oros' paper “A Continent United: The Costs and Benefits of the European Union” earned an honorable mention as Conference Research Presentation and ​Best Paper of Policy and Politics Panel.

Beach's paper “Unmasking Genocide: Bosnia in the Late 20th Century” was named the Best Paper of Genocide Panel.

Other presenters and their papers were:

• Austin Hall, “Robespierre: Saint of the Revolution or Mastermind of Terror?”
• Daniel Nolte, “Postwar Germany: The Meeting Point of a Divided World”
• Brittany Patten, “How Much Did the Liberator Contribute Toward Liberation?”
• Thomas Pulice, “Where Would Italy Be Without the Mafia?: The Postwar Italian Recovery”
• Ashley Reynolds, “Jackson v. Marshall: A Historical Analysis of the Relationship Between the President and the Supreme Court”
• David Waugaman, “The Saint Patrick’s Battalion: The Fight Against Nativism During the Mexican-American War”

Regionally recognized attorney Dallas W. Hartman speaks to Thiel College students

At Thiel College, real-world application of content is the goal for every professor and brings the subject to life for each student, Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Accounting Karen Shaffer said. 

This April local “Super Attorney” Dallas W. Hartman and his son Dallas M. Hartman discussed how they research advertising effectiveness, focus on producing a high quality product and invest in their community’s education and athletics (in that order). 

The Hartmans offered life and business insights to more than 60 students from Professor Allen Hunchuk's and Shaffer’s classes.

Beta Beta Beta inductions

The Kappa Chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the national honorary society for the biological sciences, held spring inductions on April 10 in the Stamm Lecture Hall in the James Pedas Communication Center. John Grondwalski, president, officiated and was aided by John Riggans, vice president, Amanda Cavender, secretary, and Jessica Yozwiack, historian.  

Fourteen individuals were inducted into the chapter. Admitted to full membership were Lenora Boyer, Alana Callahan, Cody Deluisio, Victoria Foeks, Chase Good, Daniel Koller, Beverly Kozuch, Kylie Laughery, Morgan Murphy, Wesley Schmidt, Casey Schultz, Riley Schwertz, Callie Shilling and Arien Skiba. 

Officers for the coming year were elected on April 13. Cavender was elected president. Rounding out the officers were McCormick, vice president; Murphy, treasurer; Kozuch, secretary; Callahan, SGA representative; and Laughery, historian. 

The requirements to become a member of TriBeta are 2.5 overall GPA or above, completed three biology courses, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the biology courses.   

Education students tour Montessori school

Front row (left to right): Dr. Doug Hazlett, Lacey Weaver, Hannah Fernandez, Hannah Duckworth, Sarah Jones; back row: Cheryl Schodt (Montessori Curriculum Director), Hannah Stoneman, Allison Williams, Morgan Berg, Kenady Hubbard, Gwen Marker, Darerick Slater, Anthony Pirrello (Montessori CEO).

Students in Dr. Doug Hazlett’s Integrating the Arts for the Developing Child Pre K-4 class recently visited the Montessori Charter School in Erie, Pa.

Students studied and then observed Montessori teaching pedagogy.

Thiel Happenings

Thiel College announces its second annual college-wide Student Research Symposium is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18 in the new James Pedas Communication Center.

Thiel College announces Cassandra Cook, of Moon Township, Pa., Timothy Hutton, of Cranberry Township, Pa., and Zachary Macurak, of Bethel Park, Pa. as students of the month for April 2015.

Campus News

Witosky replaces Miller as Business Department chair

Prof. David Miller '61 will be replaced by Prof. Gary Witosky '79 as chair of the business department. 

Witosky ’79 will take over as the chair of the business administration and accounting department in the fall. Department members approved the move Wednesday morning.

Miller has taught at Thiel College since 1963.

Employee giving to Thiel Fund to be recognized at reception 

In recognition of and as a show of gratitude, the following employees who supported the Thiel Fund this year are invited to a reception at 4 p.m. Monday on the second floor of Roth Hall in the Annual Giving Suite. Beverages and appetizers will be provided.

Anyone who has not yet made a gift still has time and is welcome to make a gift in person or by emailing Leta Jeffers.

Pledges can be made by check, credit card or pre-tax payroll deduction. 

"Thank you" to the following generous donors: Ronald Anderson, Nancy Antonino, Jeffrey Arneson, Kurtis Ashley, Sue Bloom, Michael Bray, Melanie Broadwater, Maryann Cardillo, Nancy Castor, Brendan Connelly, Chelsea Costello, Rosanna Egelsky, Jerri Farrah-Wilds, Lynn Franken, Kathryn Frantz, Albert Gesler, Andrew Grover, Mary Theresa Hall, Allan Hunchuk, Constance Jablonski, Leta Jeffers, Nancy Katz, Rhonda Laird, Sonya Lapikas, Theresa Law, Betty Le Barron, John Leipheimer, Patricia Leipheimer, Anita Lillie, Tim Loomis, Mario Marini, Deborah Marosy, Michael Mason, Kristy Maynard, Cinthia McClelland, Aaron McGuiness, Michael McKinney, Erin McKinney, David Miller, Ruth Miller, Peggy Miller, William Moore, Allen Morrill, Roberta Mutinelli, Linda Nochta, Melissa Oakes, Than Oo, Fatimata Pale', Mary Reames, Shannon Reesh, Amy Schafer, Robert Schmoll, David Shaffer, Max Shellenbarger, Alana Smith, Tressa Snyder, Jayne Thompson, Larry Vallar, Annette VanAken, Troy VanAken, Angela Wark, Gary Witosky, Jie Wu, Elizabeth Young

Employees help out with dome deflation Wednesday

Employees from all departments joined athletic staff in the deflation of the Rissell-Schreyer Dome Wednesday morning.

Earth Week Events highlighted on Flickr

  View photos from Earth Week events

Student News

Kappa Mu Epsilon initiates new members

First row: Keeley Criswell, Sara Matczak*, Megan Kidder*, Katelyn Downey, Mary Oakey, Julia Fink*; second row: Prof. Max Shellenbarger, Kelsey Schneider, Jennifer Rickens*, June Longbine, Tanner Liptrap; third row: Derek Runge, Sean McCarthy*, Kale Postlewait*, Daniel McFetridge*, Nicole Richins*; absent from photo: Amanda Calllahan*. *new members.

On March 29, nine new members were initiated into the Pennsylvania Rho Chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon at Thiel College. Prof. Max Shellenbarger, corresponding secretary, and Keeley Criswell, current president, served as the Masters of Ceremony. Professor Ron Anderson, M.S., '07 gave a presentation about brain neurons. The new members were initiated and the new officers inducted.

Kappa Mu Epsilon is a specialized honor society in Mathematics. KME was founded in 1931 to promote the interest of mathematics among undergraduate students. Its chapters are located in colleges and universities of recognized standing which offer a strong mathematics major. The chapters' members are selected from students of mathematics and other closely related fields who have maintained standards of scholarship, have professional merit, and have attained academic distinction. The society has grown steadily since its’ founding and today has 118 chapters and approximately 61,000 members in 34 states.

Lambda Sigma inducts new class; Dr. Hall as honorary member

Rebecca Adams, Veronica Brueggman, Austin James Bussard, Alessandra Corradi, Brittany DeCarmine, Alexis DeMott, Athena Folino, Gregory Galbo, Brooke Nicole Gates, Tina Kramer, Alicia Glover, Kayla Marie Henry, Hillary Jayne Leipold, Andrew McClain, Sarah A. McConnell, Samantha McLaughlin, Katherine Rose Orczeck, Jonathan L. Papa, Kyle E. Reib, Amy Ritchie, Jesse Sealand, Samuel F. Sesti III, Alayna K. Sharp, Jamie Ulrich were initiated into Lambda Sigma, the sophomore honorary society April 12. 

Officers for next year are Brittany DeCarmine, president; Amy Ritchie, vice president; Katherine Orczeck, secretary; Veronica Brueggman, treasurer; Athena Folio, Student Government Association representative; Gregory Galbo, fundraising; Alicia Glover, ritualist; Andrew McClain, parliamentarian, Jane Ulrich, community service; and Allesandra Corradi and Kyle Reib, t-shirt.

Also inducted was Dr. Mary Theresa Hall, professor of English, as an honorary member.

Thiel Happenings

The Thiel Players and the Thiel College Department of Theater present the Tony Award®-winning "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" musical April 10-12 at the William A. Robinson Theater.

Thiel College announces Ohio native Clark Manson will perform prior to the Craig Campbell concert at the William A. Passavant Memorial Center at 9:30 p.m. April 11.

Thiel College announces more than 150 students are expected to volunteer Sunday, April 12 to work at Greenville Community Park or along Main Street for the "Spring Into Action" event.

Reservations needed for employee recognition banquet

The Annual Employee Recognition Dinner is Thursday, April 23 in the Lutheran Heritage Room. A reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m. Employees being recognized for a service milestone can bring one guest. For each additional guest, tickets cost $16.50 per person. 

 Please respond to Sherrie Greenlee-Ogello, coordinator of special events, by this Friday to confirm your attendance, along with the names of your guest(s) and choice of menu as follows:

• Apple and Brie Cheese Stuffed Chicken Roulades
• Crunchy Garlic and Szechuan Peppercorn Encrusted Strip Steak
• Cherry Lacquer Smoked Salmon
• Gnocchi Caprese (vegetarian)

Five Years
Steven Carr, Thomas  Luciani, Aaron McGuiness, Roberta Mutinelli, Prof. Bruce Thompson, President Troy VanAken

10 Years
Sheryl Greenlee-Ogello, Robert Knapp, Patricia Leipheimer

15 Years
Dr. Mary Theresa Hall, Constance Jablonski, Prof. Sean McConnor, Joseph Schaly, Prof. Valerie Vernon

20 Years
Dr. James Koshan, Cynthia Moyer, Denise Urey

25 Years
Prof. Brenda DelMaramo, Dr. Mark DelMaramo, Dabbie Moffett, Prof. Susan Richards, Barbara Samson

30 Years
Prof. Andrew Grover, Patricia Leskovac, Deborah Ross

Dr. Sandeep Jauhar's Haer Family Symposium presentation available on YouTube

If you missed last week's Haer Family Symposium, you can watch the presentations on the Thiel College YouTube channel.

Sandeep Jauhar, M.D., cardiologist and best-selling author, spoke to the Thiel College campus about his career and read an excerpt from his book, "Intern: A Doctor's Initiation."

Tomcat Tributes

Tomcat Tributes are designed to recognize the teamwork Thiel College employees exhibit each day. Employees can nominate co-workers for recognition in four categories (Random Act of Kindness, Going the Extra Mile, Had a Great Idea, Just Because).

• To nominate a fellow employee, visit the Campus Resources link on the Thiel Hub.

Student News

Psi Chi inducts 19 new members

First row: Lauren Stonebraker, Meredith Steinmetz, Santina Mcguire; second row: Izabella Griffith, Amanda Hautmann, Kristin Madigan, Kylie Laughery, Liz McCurdy; third row: Kayla Doran, Jenna Farina, Cloe Kistler, Joshua Consider; fourth row: Caitlyn Carney, Kayla Cramer, Mary Kate Dougherty; not pictured: Samantha Deems, Loyal Jasper, Kelsey Smith.

Nineteen new members of the psychology honorary, Psi Chi, inducted on March 26 in the Sawhill-Georgian Room. Each spring, the honorary welcomes psychology majors or minors who have completed at least nine credit hours in the department and have earned a cumulative GPA that is in the top 35 percent of their class, with a minimum of a 3.0 on a 4-point scale.

Dr. Hall, 24 students to be inducted into sophomore honorary Lambda Sigma

The Rho chapter of Lambda Sigma, the national sophomore honorary society, will induct its new members at 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the David Johnson Memorial Chapel.  

Twenty-four first-year students will be inducted along with honorary member, Dr. Mary Theresa Hall. Hall is an English professor and faculty chair.

The students were chosen on the basis of leadership, involvement in campus activities and their grade point average, which had to be at least a 3.5 during their first semester at Thiel College.

Lambda Sigma Society has 42 chapters nationwide. Its forerunner, the Society of Cwens, was founded at the University of Pittsburgh in 1922 for sophomore women. Thiel's chapter was installed in 1952 and became the Rho chapter in 1977 when Cwens was disbanded to become the co-ed sophomore honorary, Lambda Sigma.

All members of the Thiel College community are invited to attend the ceremony and reception that follows. 

Diversity and Multicultural Affairs seeking nominees for Outstanding Student Leadership Award

On April 22, the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs will be hosting its annual recognition banquet. This awards banquet honors members of the following Thiel College student organizations: The Alliance, Organization of Black Collegians, TC Soldiers for God, and Women Inspiring the Next Generation. 

Graduating seniors will be honored and organizational leadership awards will be presented.

Faculty, staff, coaches and administration can nominate students they have worked with throughout the year and are members of one or more of the the listed groups.

Students can be nominated by online here. You can nominate multiple students.

All faculty and staff are invited to attend the banquet at 5 p.m. April 22 in the LHR.

Please submit all nominations and RSVPs by April 15.

Thiel Happenings

Thiel College announces Nashville recording artist Craig Campbell will perform at the William A. Passavant Memorial Center at 9:30 p.m. April 11 for the College's spring concert.

Grade schoolers to Ivy Leaguers will help Thiel College celebrate its 17th annual Earth Week with events on April 7 and 8. All events are free and the public is invited to explore this year's theme, "Warm Temperature Experiences of the Earth."

Reality star Roloff makes appearance at Thiel College

Star of TLC's reality series "Little People, Big World" Matt Roloff (center) poses for a photo with students after his presentation on March 24.

Cardiologist, author opens successful second annual Haer Family Symposium

Haer Family Symposium presenter Sandeep Jauhar, M.D., speaks with Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Department Chair Greg Butcher, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor of Biology Delbert Abi Abdallah, Ph.D., during the first night of the symposium. Johns Hopkins economist and author Douglas Hough, Ph.D., presented on the second night of the event.

  View photos from both nights on Flickr

Admission Events highlighted on Flickr

  View photos from the inaugural Academic Distinction Celebration

  View photos from the Accepted Student Registration Day

Tomcat Tributes

Tomcat Tributes are designed to recognize the teamwork Thiel College employees exhibit each day. Employees can nominate co-workers for recognition in four categories (Random Act of Kindness, Going the Extra Mile, Had a Great Idea, Just Because).

• To nominate a fellow employee, visit the Campus Resources link on the Thiel Hub.

Student News

Education majors receive a lesson on adding art to the curriculum

Front row: Hannah Duckworth, Morgan Berg, Sarah Jones, Kenady Hubbard;
back row: Allison Williams, Lacey Weaver, Gwen Marker, Darerick Slater, Hannah Fernandez, Hannah Stoneman

Students in Dr. Doug Hazlett’s ECE 369 class visited The Butler Institute of American Art in March to learn how to integrate programming into their classes as future teachers. Retired kindergarten teacher and museum docent, Audra Neri, conducted a 1-hour program for the education majors.

Mock panel interviews sharpen students' and executives' skills

In Prof. Karen Shaffer's business communications class, students create resumes, tailor cover letters, create LinkedIn profiles and start networking. They also create videos and podcasts, and practice the art of participating in a panel interview. Shaffer, M.B.A., said executives from beyond Thiel College are eager to participate in these mock panel interviews knowing it strengthens the student’s professional readiness and allows them insights into what students value as they enter the workforce. 

Hunt, Waugaman win April TLC effort awards

The April 2015 recipients of The Learning Commons (TLC) Extraordinary Effort Awards are Ronnell Hunt and David Waugaman. These students are being honored for their participation in the TLC and their contribution to the pursuit of academic excellence. Hunt is a senior media communication major from New Castle, Pa. and has been an active and successful participant in the TLC and Act 101 Programs. His leadership skills have benefitted the TLC as a student mentor and spokesperson for the program. Waugaman is a senior history and political science double major from Irwin, Pa. and has served as a peer tutor for three years and has co-coordinated and presented review sessions for the U.S. History courses for two years.