Thiel Happenings

Thiel College saw about a 50 percent increase in online donations compared to previous years for their annual Match Day giving event on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Online GIFs library offers sign language lessons

Director of the Disability Resource Center Tami Micsky discusses important issues regarding her office in the “Disability Resource Center Minute” monthly in T-Notes. If you have any questions, contact Micsky at ext. 2063.

This week she directs readers to an online collection of American Sign Language GIFs. The short, looping style of the clips is an effective way for people to learn sign language.

• Visit Sign with Robert to learn more sign language. 

Bistro elevator repair set for March 13-14

The elevator in the Howard Miller Student Center near the Rotunda Bistro will be out of service for repairs on March 13-14.

The elevator located behind the post office will be operational to reach the lower floor.  Anyone who needs to reach the upper floors of Livingston Hall while the elevator is out of service should contact the maintenance department at ext. 2175.

New outdoor club approved

The Outdoor Recreation Club was approved Tuesday evening by the Student Government Association.

According to club adviser Mike Mason, the new club’s mission will focus on multiple efforts. It will be an educational and social organization and will enhance students’ knowledge of the local environment and promote sustainability on campus as well as in the area. Members will promote and participate in local and regional outdoor recreation opportunities.

Students officers are president Brent Henderson ’20; vice president, major events Jake Morgan ’19; vice president, activities and community events Kaitlynn Piper ’19; treasurer Chuck McQuone ’18; SGA representative Nick Black ’19; and secretary Jake Paci ’20.

Student News

Alum returns to Thiel, talks about coming home

Chris Wright ’99 returned to Thiel College on Feb. 22 to share his story of going from a small accounting firm in Pittsburgh to becoming the CEO of one of the largest employers in Greenville, Pa. His presentation was centered on the premise that those who embrace change and the flow of progression often go farther. As a man who followed his heart, he expressed to the senior seminar class of Professor David Miller ’61 class that it is important to continue their growth after college. Following are students’ reflections on Wright’s presentation.

“After feeling compelled to come home, Mr. Wright took a position with Carbis-Walker in New Castle where he experienced a step-back in technology form his previous firm. He advised the class, should we find ourselves in a similar position, that we should not become disgruntled with our situations, but rather drive the change we would like to see.”—Stephen Formichella ’17

“The final lesson I took away from Chris’ speech was a quote. “If you think you know it all, then you are going down the wrong path.” No one can know everything, there’s always more to be learned, don’t cap yourself.”—Jay Joseph ’17

“Questions asked: What made Thiel superior to other educational facilities? The class size made a huge difference because it allowed closeness between students and professors. The real life examples made a large difference.”—Julia Fink ’17

“The question I asked Chris was “What was it like moving to a big city (Pittsburgh) after going to school in a small town? His answer was reassuring. He said it was a lot of fun and definitely worth it. This was good to hear since I think that this is the path I will be taking soon.”—Amanda Zimmerman ’17

“He majored in business administration and accounting. After obtaining his degree, he went to work for Deloitte in public accounting/auditing. When he got to Deloitte, he was working with many other recent grads from large state universities. At first, he was a bit intimidated by them but quickly learned that his education at Thiel prepared him for life after college far better than any state university could have.”—Carly Romano ’17

Students get hands-on with therapy dog

On Monday, students in the applied health psychology class of Professor Kristel Gallagher, Ph.D., had a visit from Daisy, a great dane and certified therapy and support dog. She was brought to campus by Siera Gross from Strayhaven Animal Shelter in Greenville. Students learned about the “pet effect,” the idea that interaction with a companion animal can have positive effects on both physical and mental health and then experienced it for themselves by visiting with Daisy. Gross outlined for the students how an animal becomes a certified therapy and support animal, as well as some of the ways in which these animals are used in schools, hospitals and jails. 

Equestrians wrap up season; Tegel qualifies for regionals

The equestrians have been busy recently. Western riders competed at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association event at Findlay University on Saturday. Kayla Henry ’18 competed in two events and finished third and sixth. Phillip Brewer ’19 was fourth. Natalie Beckwith ’17 was second and fifth; Danielle Jarret ’20 was fourth and fifth; and Megan Scritchfield ’17 was finished fifth in both her events.

Hanna Tegel ’17 is Thiel College’s second rider to qualify for regionals. She is the first hunt seat rider to qualify regionals. Henry qualified as a western rider last year.

Tegel will compete at the Zone 6 Region 1 IHSA Regionals held at Lake Erie College in Mentor, Ohio on March 11. Tegel has rode with equestrians for four years and has competed for the last two years.

On Feb. 11-12, the equestrians competed at Lake Erie College. Carly Romano ’17 placed second and sixth. Lenora Boyer ’17 placed fourth and sixth. Tegel was third in her event, while Audrey Rickard ’17 was fifth. Romano, Tegel, Rickard, Scritchfield and Boyer were acknowledged as part of senior recognition weekend.

On Jan. 28-29, the hunt seat equestrian team traveled to Findlay. Tegel earned third- and second-place finishes; Jessica Orczeck ’18 a first and third; and Romano a first and sixth. Scritchfield and Rickard also competed at Findlay.