Jefferson Area High School senior Megan Jacobs, of Jefferson, Ohio, was awarded an academic scholarship worth more $133,000 to Thiel College during a surprise presentation at the school on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Field High School senior Soren Hottensmith, of Kent, Ohio, was awarded an academic scholarship worth $133,000 to Thiel College during a surprise presentation at the school on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Employees and retirees gathered in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center on Dec. 12. Employees donated non-perishables to the Good Shepherd Food Pantry. Door prizes of poinsettias and wreaths were also given out.
The Student Life Emergency Pantry received a $500 donation from the non-profit organization Christian Fitness Ministries in Greenville. Christian Fitness Ministry is run by Adjunct Professor of Presentational Literacy Michelle Lentz and her husband, Josh Lentz. This generous donation will be used for the purchase of food to be distributed to students as needs arise and will keep the pantry fully stocked for a long time to come.
If you are aware of a student with a need for food and/or personal care products, please contact Melanie Broadwater ’98, Jodie Witherite or Patty Alfredo.
Financial services reminds everyone that Amazon Business Prime has been approved to purchase your supplies, books, and other materials. This new program simplifies your purchasing process and allows you to take advantage of Amazon’s wide product selection and competitive prices.
For more information, contact Jeannie Carey at ext. 2120.
Today, Thursday and Friday, the Howland Alarm Company will be on campus testing the fire alarm systems. The fire alarms will be tested in most buildings and you may here the actual audible alarm going off. This is a required annual test of the fire systems. If for any reason you feel there is a concern that it is more than the alarm please contact the Police officer on duty at 724-589-2222 for verification.
Students in the class of Professor of Business Administration and Accounting Angelo Giannini made their annual presentation to this year’s business partner, Noise Solutions, on Dec. 9.
Founded in 1997, Noise Solutions has grown to become the leading North American provider of engineered industrial noise suppression for the energy sector. The company’s manufacturing footprint of more than 80,000 square feet in eastern United States and western Canada, enables the production of the most effective and robust equipment with the highest quality standards and engineering excellence.
Students ordering books through eCampus get shipping waived for orders of more than $35.
South Carolina–area Alumni Gathering
Dec. 18
Aiken, S.C.
Alumni from South Carolina are invited to a special Thiel College social event hosted at Casa Bella in Aiken, S.C. Mark Batt ’87 and Mario Marini ’91 from the Office of College Advancement will be the hosts.
For more information, contact Marini at ext. 2022.
Winter Break Ends
Jan. 7, 2020
Thiel College
Students return Jan. 7 and classes resume for the spring semester on Jan. 8.
Spring Orientation
Jan. 7, 2020 at 8:15 a.m.
James Pedas Communication Center
This orientation session is open to all new incoming students for the spring 2020 semester.
For more information, contact Angella Bradley at ext. 2185.
Student Teaching Seminar
Jan. 8 at 9 a.m.
Sawhill-Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Annual start of the semester event where the Department of Education meets with the student teachers before sending them off to the classroom experience.
For more information, contact Nancy Castor at ext. 2065.
2020 Kiwanis Dining Card
On sale now
Greenville region
For $25 a Kiwanis Dining Card has 154 discounts at 50 participating restaurants around the region.
For more information, contact Marini at ext. 2022.
Communications collateral
Employees should update the logos used on institutional materials, including email signatures, letterhead, PowerPoint slides, etc.
Thiel College has used the shield and wordmark combination as the official institutional logo for more than a year. They are the only approved logo for academic co-curricular and institutional use. Additional athletic logo packages are also available.
Email signatures, brand resources, and a job request form are all available online. A Dropbox folder has been set up with instructions and the materials necessary to create new email signatures. Employees can find other Thiel College-branded resources including letterhead, logos and PowerPoint slides in the same folder.
Thiel College community members who need help with communications and marketing initiatives and collateral can now request those services with a job form. The request form is available on the communications and marketing webpage or linked directly below.
For more information, email the office.
Tomcat Tributes
Tomcat Tributes 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).
Connect with Thiel College
Publishing Schedule
T-Notes is published weekly during the academic year. It arrives Wednesday afternoons. Due to the Christmas break, the next edition will be out Jan. 8, 2020. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Monday, Jan. 6 to be published in that week’s edition.
Thiel College announces Samuel Faber ’20, of Greenville, Pa., and Brenna Parsley ’20, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, as its December Students of the Month.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Escape to the Lake COVID-19 Update - A message from the National MS Society: “Based on current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), organizations that serve higher risk populations (such as individuals living with MS) should cancel gatherings of more than 10 people. As a result, the National MS Society is transitioning Bike MS: Escape to the Lake 2020 be held virtually. We feel this is a necessary step to help protect our local communities and all those involved in the MS movement.” Check out the Bike MS: Escape to the Lake page (https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=30933&pg=entry) for more information. Those who have already registered and have paid for the 2020 Escape to the Lake, Thiel College will issue refunds to the MS Bike participants that paid with a credit by issuing the money back to the card. The individuals who paid by check will be refunded with a check.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Fresh Check Day brought together approximately 250 students, faculty, and staff to engage in candid conversations about positive mental health and suicide prevention. More than 30 volunteers assisted the Counseling Center in facilitating this uplifting and engaging event.
Participants learned about the importance of tuning in to those around them and providing support and information on available resources when signs of emotional distress or suicidal thoughts are recognized.
Faculty and staff members, students and friends of the College attended the 10th annual WinterFest on Dec. 6 at the Rissell-Schreyer Dome. Activities included inflatables, games, food and a performance by the cheer and dance team.
Breakfast sends Phi Theta Phi off on walk
The counting and fundraising goes on...but the most current count has Phi Theta Phi raising more than $25,000 with their annual walk to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Members of the organization, faculty and staff members, alumni and a representative of Children’s Hospital attended the breakfast on Dec. 6.
Before leaving for the walk, the organization was featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Fraternity brother John Ganiear ’22 was interviewed by KDKA radio following the walk. The fraternity also will appear the telethon for Children’s Hospital on KDKA TV later this month.
Dietrich Honors Institute students presented their research on Saturday, Dec. 7 in the James Pedas Communication Center.
Oral presentations were made in several classrooms and poster presentations were on display throughout the Pedas Center.
Students in the Department of Education gathered on Dec. 4 for the department's annual Christmas celebration.
Pictured (L-R): Devan VanVliet ’20, Alec Hoffman ’21, Emily Valentine ’21 and Brett Eckroate ’20.
Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society inducted new members Alec Hoffman ’21 and Emily Valentine ’21 on Nov. 7 in the Library’s Rare Books Room. These students were presented with a membership pin and honor cords to be worn at graduation. Current members Brett Eckroate ’20 and Devan VanVliet ’20 attended the ceremony and received a pin-upgrade honor based on their spring 2019 semester grade point average of a 3.50 and higher. Michel Duncan ’20, Zechariah Dubel ’20, Mariel Hanely ’20 and Jordan McCoy ’20 also earned jewel pin upgrades, but were not in attendance.
Honorary members who assisted with the ceremony were Donna Barton, Nancy Katz, Noel Stanger ’07 and Diane Donnelly Eakin, who also serves as the society’s advisor.
College food pantry needs donations
The Student Life Emergency Pantry needs donations of non-perishable food items. Students with significant financial need benefit from this resource when remaining on campus over breaks. Commuter students undergoing financial hardship also utilize this resource.
Ideas for donations:
Donations can be dropped off to the Counseling Center or Health Services.
If you are aware of a student with need for food and/or personal care products, please contact Melanie Broadwater ’98, Jodie Witherite or Patty Alfredo.
Employee Christmas Party
Dec. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Annual Christmas party for Thiel College employees. Attendees should bring a non-perishable food item for the Good Shepherd Food Pantry.
For more information, contact Amy Taczanowsky at ext. 2155.
Last Day of Fall Finals
Dec. 13
Thiel College campus
The fall 2019 semester closes.
Winter Break
Dec. 13-Jan. 7Thiel College Campus
No classes but most administrative offices are open.
Atlanta–area alumni gathering
Dec. 17
Dunwoody, Ga.
Alumni in the Atlanta area are invited to a special Thiel College social event hosted at the home of Rick and Dee Callihan ’90. Mark Batt ’87 and Mario Marini ’91 from the Office of College Advancement will be the hosts.
For more information, contact Marini at ext. 2022.
South Carolina–area Alumni Gathering
Dec. 18
Aiken, S.C.
Alumni from South Carolina are invited to a special Thiel College social event hosted at Casa Bella in Aiken, S.C. Mark Batt ’87 and Mario Marini ’91 from the Office of College Advancement will be the hosts.
For more information, contact Marini at ext. 2022.
2020 Kiwanis Dining Card
On sale now
Greenville region
For $25 a Kiwanis Dining Card has 154 discounts at 50 participating restaurants around the region.
For more information, contact Marini at ext. 2022.
Communications collateral
Employees should update the logos used on institutional materials, including email signatures, letterhead, PowerPoint slides, etc.
Thiel College has used the shield and wordmark combination as the official institutional logo for more than a year. They are the only approved logo for academic co-curricular and institutional use. Additional athletic logo packages are also available.
Email signatures, brand resources, and a job request form are all available online. A Dropbox folder has been set up with instructions and the materials necessary to create new email signatures. Employees can find other Thiel College-branded resources including letterhead, logos and PowerPoint slides in the same folder.
Thiel College community members who need help with communications and marketing initiatives and collateral can now request those services with a job form. The request form is available on the communications and marketing webpage or linked directly below.
For more information, email the office.
Tomcat Tributes
Tomcat Tributes 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).
Connect with Thiel College
Publishing Schedule
T-Notes is published weekly during the academic year. It arrives Wednesday afternoons. The next edition will be out Dec. 18, 2019. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Monday, Dec. 16 to be published in that week’s edition.
Ava Park ’22, of Greenville, Pa., was named Thiel Team member of the month for November.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
The Thiel College Department of Music and Theatre presents its 67th Annual Thiel Christmas Festival Concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 8 in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Following the record-setting walk of this past year, Thiel College’s chapter of Phi Theta Phi leaves Friday for its 51st annual 100-mile fundraising walk for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Michael McKinney ’02 was among the speakers for Tuesday’s Thiel News Time. He spoke about the College’s collaboration with Sharon Regional Medical Center, which is planned to include a health clinic in the Howard Miller Student Center. McKinney said he the clinic could be open to coincide with the students’ return in early January 2020.
Steven Krasinski updated campus on Information Technology’s activities over the past year.
As is the College’s tradition, Founders’ Day in February will be an opportunity to recognize outstanding faculty and staff for their accomplishments and service to the College. The faculty leadership has solicited nominations for faculty awards, and I am pleased to request nominations for the Presidential Staff Awards. Faculty and staff across campus are vital to the success of the College. Recognizing individual members of our community for their outstanding service is a way of celebrating our work together.
Please consider nominating staff colleagues for their outstanding service and commitment to Thiel. Nominations of both new and more experienced staff members are welcomed.
Deadline for nominations is Friday. Nominations can be emailed to Amy Taczanowsky.
The Campus Lifestyle Committee is working to plan common hour programming for next year and is asking the campus community for program proposals.
The Committee is hoping to work with those interested in hosting a new program during the common hour slot, and we will also consider moving existing programs to that time. Since there are limited Thursdays throughout the semester, we encourage anyone interested in scheduling something during 2020-21 common hours to complete the following form by Friday, January 31.
Liza Schaef is the Coordinator of the Disability Resource Center. She will occasionally provide updates and important information regarding the center and common conditions facing the Thiel community. This week she discusses the anxiety students may face during finals.
With final exams approaching, it may be a good time to think about students who have test anxiety or experience a lot of stress or fear about test-taking. Test anxiety occurs when symptoms of anxiety substantially impair academic performance, preventing students from demonstrating their true knowledge of the course content or their abilities. Some degree of anxiety is normal when a student faces a challenging academic situation, but common indicators of stress related to test anxiety are physical shakiness, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, “blanking out,” sweating, panicking, feelings of anger/frustration and somatic complaints like an upset stomach or headache.
Why do students experience test anxiety? Fear of failure, lack of preparation, a history of poor test-taking, desire to be perfect, or need to get a certain grade to pass a class may cause students to experience a level of test anxiety. The anxiety a student is experiencing is real, so validating their feelings and taking a few moments to talk to students prior to testing can help them to calm down.
While test anxiety alone is not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, students who experience test anxiety who also have learning disabilities, depression, types of anxiety disorders, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may receive testing accommodations (extended test time, private or distraction-free testing space) through the DRC. While these accommodations may help ease test anxiety, often the accommodation is based on the student’s diagnosis/disability and not test anxiety alone (test anxiety may be a symptom that a student is experiencing).
Students who experience test anxiety may benefit from following a normal schedule/routine, including getting a good night of sleep the night before a test, avoid “cramming” sessions for studying, practicing positive self-talk and deep breathing/relaxation strategies while taking the test. Being familiar with how the professor tests, types of questions asked, and examples of prior tests can help the student prepare for future exams and manage their anxiety.
On the day of the test, professors can offer calming words, review test instructions with the entire class, and encourage all students to ask questions if they are struggling. Of course, encouraging students to utilize campus resources like supplemental instruction, organized study groups (PAL), tutoring, and test reviews to learn and feel confident in the material can help students reduce symptoms of test anxiety.
For more information, contact Schaef at ext. 2063.
Thiel College will be hosting The 2nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on at 4 p.m. Monday, January 20 in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center. Our theme is “The Celebration of Mindfulness, Love, and Kindness.” Individuals who were nominated by the Tomcat community will be recognized.
Deadline for all nomination submissions is at 5 p.m. December 5.
For more information, contact Anthony E. Jones at ext. 2193.
Upcoming important dates
Thurs, Dec. 5
Friday, Dec. 6
Saturday, Dec. 7
Sunday, Dec. 8
Monday, Dec. 9
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Thursday, Dec. 12
Friday, Dec. 13
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Clinical pharmacist Emily Russell, Pharm.D. ’14 spoke at the Health Professions Institute’s weekly seminar on Nov. 14.
“I thought that [Emily Russell’s] story about why she chose to stay at Thiel was interesting. Listening to her story made me realize that we are not too dissimilar. I too feel at home and have a strong connection here at Thiel.”—Zachary Lyons ’22
“I enjoyed listening to Dr. Russell because she was upfront and honest about the direction her career is taking. I think it helped me realize that making decisions to postpone our goals, doesn’t mean you are behind. I think other students, as well as myself, need to hear that it is OK to decide to fall behind a little bit, and it doesn’t affect how you are perceived when applying.”—Shyloh McTighe ’22
Supplemental Instruction leader Sarah Ford ’21 presents Alrick Francis ’22 with the Bring a PAL to PAL award. Alrick won the contest and a Sheetz gift card for bringing the most classmates to his macroeconomics supplemental instruction sessions.
Thiel College wrestlers volunteered at the annual Greenville Lions Club Pancake Day recently.
Thiel College welcomes:
December 11 is Shop Tomcat Wednesday!
Buy one get one 20% off.
Take 20% off any item of equal or lesser value. Good on any in-stock gift, apparel and art supply items.
Offer good only during regular store hours on December 11, 2019. Select sale items are eligible for the additional discount. Thiel employees take advantage of this offer in addition to employee discount. Previously purchased merchandise and thielgear.com items excluded.
Common Hour: Fresh Check Day
Thursday at 11 a.m.
Lutheran Heritage, Howard Miller Student Center
Students, faculty and staff are invited to a stress-free environment with free food and activities to get ready for finals week.
For more information, contact Special Events.
Student Christmas Dinner
Thursday from 4:30–6 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
The annual Christmas dinner for students.
For more information, contact Amy Taczanowsky at ext. 2155.
December Graduation Ceremony
Thursday from 5–7 p.m.
James Pedas Communication Center
A gathering for students set to fulfill graduation requirements in December.
For more information, contact Clarissa Arbuckle ’11 at ext. 2371.
HPI Seminar Series: William Broadwater ’97
Thursday from 7–8 p.m.
Sawhill-Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Weekly seminar series for students in the Health Professions Institute.
For more information, contact Greg Butcher, Ph.D., at ext. 2031.
Phi Theta Phi Walk-a-Thon Kick-off Breakfast
Friday at 9 a.m.
TC Café, Howard Miller Student Center
Breakfast to send off Phi Theta Phi for their 51st annual Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Walkathon.
For more information, contact Devin Button ’21.
Winterfest
Friday from 4:30–8 p.m.
Rissell-Schreyer Dome
The 10th annual dome opening party includes food, music and interactive activities.
For more information, contact Than Oo at ext. 2192.
67th Annual Christmas Festival
Sunday at 4 p.m.
William A. Passavant Memorial Center
Thiel’s 67th annual celebration of the season featuring music, performance and worship.
For more information, contact Pete Rydberg, Ph.D., at ext. 2029.
Final Day of Fall Semester Classes
Monday
Thiel College campus
The end of the fall class schedule. Finals begin on Tuesday.
Student Teaching Celebration Luncheon
Monday at 2:30 p.m.
First floor, Haer Family Science and Arts Connector
Education students celebrate completing their student-teaching requirement.
For more information, contact Nancy Castor at ext. 2065.
Late Night Breakfast
Monday from 9-11 p.m.
TC Café, Howard Miller Student Center
Volunteers are needed for Thiel College’s annual late night breakfast. Food preparers, food runners, line workers, dishwashers, trash collectors, and table cleaners are all needed.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Bob Phillips ’08 at ext. 2011.
Fall Finals Begin
Tuesday, December 10
Thiel College campus
Final exams begin at 1 p.m.
For more information, contact Denis Urey ’00 at ext. 2009.
Great Book Race
Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Thiel College campus
Local high school students visit to answer questions about their summer reading lists.
For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at ext. 2345.
Employee Christmas Party
Dec. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Annual Christmas party for Thiel College employees. Attendees should bring a non-perishable food item for the Good Shepherd Food Pantry.
For more information, contact Amy Taczanowsky at ext. 2155.
Last Day of Fall Finals
Dec. 13
Thiel College campus
The fall 2019 semester closes.
Winter Break
Dec. 13-Jan. 7Thiel College Campus
No classes but most administrative offices are open.
Hang Tough Collection
Through Dec. 4
Greenville region
The Butler Radio Network and Schneider’s One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning are working on the Hang Tough: Stockings Stuffed with Love & Care program.
Stockings are given to patients receiving chemo/radiation treatments at our local cancer centers: UPMC Hillman Cancer Center – Farrell, Sharon Regional Cancer Care Center, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center – Greenville. These treatments sometimes take hours and goodies in their stocking help pass time and put a smile on their face.
For more information, contact Melissa Oakes ’03 at ext. 2046.
Communications collateral
Employees should update the logos used on institutional materials, including email signatures, letterhead, PowerPoint slides, etc.
Thiel College has used the shield and wordmark combination as the official institutional logo for more than a year. They are the only approved logo for academic co-curricular and institutional use. Additional athletic logo packages are also available.
Email signatures, brand resources, and a job request form are all available online. A Dropbox folder has been set up with instructions and the materials necessary to create new email signatures. Employees can find other Thiel College-branded resources including letterhead, logos and PowerPoint slides in the same folder.
Thiel College community members who need help with communications and marketing initiatives and collateral can now request those services with a job form. The request form is available on the communications and marketing webpage or linked directly below.
For more information, email the office.
Tomcat Tributes
Tomcat Tributes 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).
Connect with Thiel College
Publishing Schedule
T-Notes is published weekly during the academic year. It arrives Wednesday afternoons. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the next edition will be out Dec. 11, 2019. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Monday, Dec. 9 to be published in that week’s edition.
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