t-notes - September 21, 2022

Thiel Happenings

Thiel College community celebrating an All-Stars event for the school’s 156th Homecoming

This year’s “All-Star” themed Homecoming starts Thursday, September 22 with online and Greenville events and wraps up through the weekend with a full slate of fun and traditional events.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Thiel education celebrates 100% placement for 2022 graduates, student-teacher assignments

The Thiel College Education Department’s May 2022 graduates have achieved a 100 percent placement rate by securing employment or graduate program enrollment within three months of graduation.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Fall schedule set for faculty and staff member gatherings

Each semester, TNTs are an opportunity to meet as a community and share information as we work together to advance the College. These sessions take place during community hour when no classes are scheduled, allowing faculty to attend together with the College’s staff.

Included below is the fall schedule for TNTs which will all be held in person. I encourage you to join these sessions, bringing questions, comments, and announcements for the good of the campus community.

Fall TNTs

Tuesday, September 27 at 11 a.m., Sawhill Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Tuesday, October 25 at 11 a.m., Rissell-Beeghly Gymnasia
Tuesday, November 29 at 11 a.m., Sawhill Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center

Employee survey seeks to measure the volunteer reach of community members

Vice President for College Advancement Roberta Leonard will be sending a survey by email in the coming days asking community members to list their community and civic service.

The survey will help the College measure the contribution Thiel community members make outside of their time at Thiel. It is hoped that the survey provides some indication of the reach of the Thiel community in the region.

Application for Tomcat Way Mini-Grants open

The application deadline for Tomcat Way Mini-Grants is Monday, October 3.

Read more details and apply.

Tomcat Way Mini-Grants will award funds between $500-$1500 for projects that advance the Tomcat Way.

For more information, contact Sheila Nowinski, Ph.D.

Reserve tickets for the Pittsburgh production of Hadestown

Tickets to Hadestown and transportation to and from the Benedum in Pittsburgh are provided to you at no cost through Student Activities, the Dietrich Honors Institute and Thiel Players. Please note that Thiel students have reservation priority. Since there is a limited number, tickets are on a first come basis and you will only be permitted to reserve one.

On the day of the performance, please be sure to dress appropriately and to arrive at the meeting points in time to board the bus. The bus will not wait for you if you are late.

Hadestown Ticket Reservation Form

Please contact Dietrich Honors Institute director Sheila Nowinski, Ph.D., Thiel Players director Jessica Rogers, Ph.D., or Director of Student Engagement Than Oo for more information.

Student News

Kappa Sigma riding See-Saw and collecting for military heroes

The brothers of the Thiel College chapter of Kappa Sigma are riding their see-saw for the 28th annual See-Saw-A-Thon. They started at noon Wednesday and will continue until noon Saturday. Money raised during the event will go to the Military Heroes Campaign. Kappa Sigma's Military Heroes Campaign has donated nearly $1,00,000 to non-profit organizations that advocate on behalf of servicemen and women and those wounded in combat since its creation.

Rose shares his entrepreneurial and business insights with seminar group

Casey Rose ’14, MBA’21 was the featured speaker at the September 14 Entrepreneurship Seminar. Rose is a funeral director and the owner of Rose and Black Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc. with locations in Stoneboro, Sandy Lake, and Mercer, Pa. He was recognized by the Haller Enterprise Institute as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018.

“His business career began in a family environment. Merchandising, which makes money from crops through a family business that started on a farm, is the beginning of his entrepreneurial relationship.” Seoyeon Choo ’23

“Throughout his youth, he helped run the family business and did things such as flipping Oakley sunglasses in high school to make money. He noted that this helped contribute to his success in later endeavors.” Tyler Zere ’23

“In his younger days he showed signs of the entrepreneurship mindset yet did not think about going to school for business despite the signs of having what it took to be an entrepreneur.” Justina Jenkins ’23

“He was going to be majoring in biology and doing a pre-med track. However, he quickly learned that biology was not what he wanted to do. He looked at the list of majors and found out that he was interested in mortuary science. He began with the mortuary business program.” Siwon Lee ’23

“He now runs three separate funeral homes; two being the ordinary setup that everyone is familiar with, and one of them being a simple, discounted option. It initially started with just him in the business but has now grown to four full-time employees and several part-time.” Ashley Wolford ’23

“In January 2020, he finally got everything cleared up and decided to return to Thiel for his MBA. He says that returning for his master’s taught delegation, time management skills, and financial skills as well.” Nevaeh Arnold ’23

“He relates his hard work mentality to the days working on his farm. He said it was eat, sleep, and breathe the farm work, and he has translated that lifestyle to his successful funeral homes.” Ian Yahner ’23

“Listening to Casey speak about his entrepreneurship journey was truly inspiring, especially after learning the ups and downs he had to go through. Casey’s story made me realize that no matter what downfalls may come your way you can always stand back up and get your life back on track.” Sydney Hipps ’23

“This goes right into the end of the lightning round, some things are not personal when it comes to business, which really seemed to turn into that there are personal things and business things, and it is imperative to keep them that way.” Trey Wilt ’23

“The last important thing is a business plan. It’s a great way to start getting our idea on paper and having a guideline to start. If we already have a business plan, we have to change it through implementation and then we will most likely laugh whenever we look back at the original plan.” Jisu Kim ’23

“Through Casey, I saw what I could be as a prospective entrepreneur myself in the funeral industry.” Autumn Gourley ’24

“He was modest despite his great achievements. I learned from him that I should always be humble.” Jisu Kim ’23

Lessons Learned

“Honesty is the best policy. Most people will forgive your mistake if you admit to it and fix it.” Jacob Misencik ’23

“Know how to manage your money.” Matt Castles ’23

“Work-life balance does not exist; it is all about managing everything the best you can.” Tyler Zere ’23

“Having a presence on the internet is very important.” Ian Yahner ’23

“Don’t get involved in a pyramid scheme.” Justina Jenkins ’23

“Remember names and let them remember your name. You’re selling yourself as much as selling any kind of product or service.” Areumsongi Shin ’23

“Know that you cannot make everyone happy.” Sydney Hipps ’23

“Network, Network, Network! Brycen Dorfmeister ’23

“Know your business. Make sure to sell what client exactly wants to buy.” Siwon Lee ’23

“Business is all about networking and the people you know, your reputation is everything.” Kaleb Achuff ’24

“Be an involved, well-rounded business owner and know how to do a little bit of everything in your business.” Ava Kavulla ’25

“Remember people’s names.” Matt Castles ’23

Dinner “Dishing”

“Dinner went very well overall. There were a lot of people missing from the class, but those seats were quickly filled, and everything went smoothly. AVI made a good meal, even though I was skeptical of it at first after hearing the chef’s description.” Ashley Wolford ’23
“Normally, I am not a fan of pork, but the pork roast wrapped in bacon was surprisingly juicy and enjoyable.” Justina Jenkins ’23
“I really enjoyed how casually Casey talked about his job with Katie and me, it made me honestly excited to get to mortuary school and start my career in the field.” Autumn Gourley ’24
“I enjoyed getting to meet the people at my table. Mr. and Mrs. Rose shared about their time at Thiel and how they met each other. Mrs. Rose is a speech-language pathologist in a local public school. Learning more about her occupation was exciting considering I am studying elementary/special education. It was interesting being at a table with those who are in the mortuary field. The conversation was certainly vivid.” Ava Kavulla ’25

Special Notes

HR Notes

Thiel College says farewell to...

Thomas Bardsley, men's lacrosse coach

Events

Kappa Sigma See-Saw-A-Thon
September 21 at noon to September 24 at noon
Howard Miller Student Center Lawn

Join the brothers of the Thiel College chapter of Kappa Sigma for the 28th annual See-Saw-A-Thon! Money raised during the event will go to the Military Heroes Campaign. Kappa Sigma's Military Heroes Campaign has donated nearly $1,00,000 to non-profit organizations that advocate on behalf of servicemen and women and those wounded in combat since its creation.

For more information, contact Tyler Zere '23.

Mindfulness and Meditation
September 21 from 8–9 p.m.
David Johnson Memorial Chapel

Meet at David Johnson Memorial Chapel for a guided meditation and build skills to keep cool under stress. Beginners are welcome and encouraged!

For more information, contact Pastor Brian Riddle '07.

Common Hour: Team Trivia
September 22 from 11 a.m. to noon
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center

Bring your phone and competitive spirit to win prizes in this fun game of Trivia. This event is suitable for individual and group participants.

For more information, contact the Office of Student Activities & Involvement.

Thiel Forum: Dr. Farr and Lectern Students
September 22 from 4–5 p.m.
Stamm Lecture Hall, James Pedas Communications Center

Dr. Sheila Farr and the students on the Lectern staff will be the presenters of this week’s Thiel Forum. If you’re interested in learning more about publishing a paper and learning from our professional Lectern staff members, come to this special event.

Joining Generations Cookout
September 22 from 6–7:30 p.m.
St. Paul's Senior Living Community

The Thiel College and St. Paul's communities enjoy the annual cookout celebrating the partnership between the two organizations.

For more information, contact David Hummel '83.

Celebrate Catholic Mass with Fr. Brandon Kleckner of St. Michael’s Parish
September 22 from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
David Johnson Memorial Chapel

Celebrate Catholic Mass with Fr. Brandon Kleckner of St. Michael's Parish every Thursday at 6:30 PM in the David Johnson Memorial Chapel. If you are interested in Roman Catholic services on Thiel's campus this year, this is a fine chance to get to know some of the other members of our community.

For more information, contact Pastor Brian Riddle '07.

Homecoming 2022 – All-Stars
September 23 to 25
Thiel College Campus

The Thiel College community is excited to celebrate Homecoming 2022! This year, we're having an All-star party to celebrate all Tomcat student-athletes from Friday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 25.

See a full schedule of events.

For more information, contact David Hummel '83.

Alumni and Friends Wine Tasting
September 23 from 2–3 p.m.
Haer Family Science and Arts Connector, 2nd Floor

The Class of 1972 hosts the annual Alumni and Friends Wine Tasting Open House event, open to all Thiel alumni.

For more information, contact David Hummel '83.

Alumni Career Conversations
September 23 from 3:30–4:30 p.m.
James Pedas Communication Center

Various Thiel alumni hold informational sessions for current Thiel students and fellow alumni to attend. The presenters will speak about their time at Thiel, as well as their career paths and networking topics.

For more information, contact David Hummel '83.

Student and Alumni Networking Reception
September 23 from 4:30–6 p.m.
James Pedas Communication Center

Thiel College students and alumni are encouraged to attend this annual networking reception. Get to know the Thiel alumni network!

For more information, contact David Hummel '83.

Women’s Soccer: Geneva at Thiel
September 23 at 4:30 p.m.
Alumni Stadium

Thiel College hosts Geneva College in women’s soccer.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office.

Class of 1962 Reunion
September 23 from 5–7:30 p.m.
Sawhill Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center

Members of the Thiel College Class of 1962 are invited to attend a special cocktail reception and dinner as part of this year's Homecoming celebration!

5–6 p.m. - Cocktail Reception in the Friends of Art Lounge
6–7:30 p.m. – Dinner

For more information, contact David Hummel '83.

Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner
September 23 from 6:30–9 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center

Join the Thiel College Department of Athletics to celebrate this year's Hall of Fame inductees.

For more information, contact David Hummel '83.

Men’s Soccer: Geneva at Thiel
September 23 at 7 p.m.
Alumni Stadium

Thiel College hosts Geneva College in men’s soccer.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office.

Legacy Visit Day
September 24 from 9–11:30 a.m.
Thiel College Campus

Explore campus on homecoming weekend with your family. It’s the perfect day for alumni to bring potential students to see where they attended school and all our new renovations. If you’re not a legacy student, no worries! All potential students are welcome to RSVP for a tour and stay after for the parade and festivities. Please RSVP and register with the link below to secure your spot. Tour Registration comes with an admissions counselor meeting.

For more information, contact The Admissions Office.

Phi Theta Phi Homecoming Meeting
September 24 at 9 a.m.
Bly Hall, Academic Center

This meeting is being held to update our returning alumni on what is currently going on in Phi Theta Phi.

For more information, contact Jeremy Meyer '23.

Third Annual Worldwide Zoom Call
September 24 from 10–11 a.m.

If you can't make it back to campus for Homecoming 2022, there will be the 3rd Annual Worldwide Zoom call on Saturday, Sept. 24. Join the Homecoming All-Stars from anywhere!

For more information, contact David Hummel '83.

All Tomcat Lunch
September 24 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Thiel College Café, Howard Miller Student Center

Everyone needs food and refreshments during the Homecoming festivities!

For more information, contact David Hummel '83.

Alumni Awards Luncheon
September 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center

Celebrate Thiel College’s noteworthy alumni at the annual Alumni Awards Ceremony.

Distinguished Alumni Award - Tracy (Fair) Robertson ’74, Amy (Maliner) Zell ’95
Service to Thiel Award - Leo Phillips ’84 (posthumously)
Young Alumni Award - Kayla (Ohlin) Emanuelson ’13

For more information, contact David Hummel '83.

Football: Carnegie Mellon at Thiel
September 24 at 3 p.m.
Alumni Stadium

Thiel College hosts Carnegie Mellon University in this year’s Homecoming football game.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office.

Sunday Service
September 25 from 4–5:30 p.m.
David Johnson Memorial Chapel

All are welcome! Thiel's Sunday service is a Christian worship gathering including prayer, song singing, communion, and a message this week from Rev. Brian Riddle, Thiel's campus pastor.

For more information, contact Pastor Brian Riddle.

Lunch with NetVUE
September 26 from noon to 2 p.m.
Anderson Dining Room, Howard Miller Student Center

The NetVUE representative would like to have lunch with students to get their opinion on their experience over the last year.

The Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) is a nationwide network of colleges and universities formed to enrich the intellectual and theological exploration of vocation among undergraduate students. This initiative is administered by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc. and members' dues.

Video Game Club
September 26 from 3–5 p.m.
Room 101, James Pedas Communication Center

All students/staff/faculty are invited!

For more information, contact Andrew Baker.

Women’s Tennis: Pitt at Greensburg at Thiel
September 26 at 4 p.m.
Tomcat Tennis Court

Thiel College hosts the University of Pitt at Greensburg in women’s tennis.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office.

Physician Assistant Information Session
September 27 from noon to 1 p.m.
Online

Learn more about Thiel's Physician Assistant Graduate program. Register for this online information session by following the link below.

RSVP Online.

Speech-Language Pathology Program Information Session
September 27 from 6–7 p.m.
Online

Learn more about Thiel's Speech-Language Pathology program. Register for this online information session by following the link below.

RSVP Online.

Women’s Volleyball: Geneva at Thiel
September 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Beeghly Gymnasium

Thiel College hosts Geneva College in women’s volleyball.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office.

Common Hour: Ukraine Program
September 29 from 11 a.m. to noon
Stamm Lecture Hall, James Pedas Communication Center

Students are encouraged to attend a special lecture about the war in Ukraine presented by Dr. Lana Kulik.

For more information, contact Lana Kulik, Ph.D.

Etc.

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).

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

Publishing Schedule

T-Notes has returned to its weekly publishing schedule. It arrives Wednesday afternoons. The next edition will be out September 28. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Monday, September 19 to be published in that week’s edition.