March 22, 2023

t-notes archive

Next Issue: March 29, 2023

Thiel Happenings

Thiel College serving as a host site for one of the top cycling events in the U.S.

USA Today recently named the Bike MS: Escape to the Lake 2023 event that makes an overnight stop at Thiel College as the No. 6 cycling event in the country.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

National recording artist A.I. The Anomaly to perform at Thiel College

Accomplished Christian hip-hop artist Aitina Fareed-Cooke, who uses the name A.I. The Anomaly on stage, will be performing at Thiel College on Wednesday and then returning a few days later to talk about using creativity to deal with trauma.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Andreozzi, Johnson named Thiel College Student of the Month honorees for March

Thiel College announces Alex Andreozzi ’23, of Lebanon, Pa., and Malajah Johnson ’23, of Pittsburgh, Pa., as Student of the Month honorees for March.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Thiel Players staging production of [title of show] at College’s William A. Robinson Theater

The Thiel Players will open their production of [title of show] on Friday, March 24, in Thiel College’s William A. Robinson Theater.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Dome takedown set for March 28

The Rissell-Beeghley Dome is scheduled to taken down at 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 28. The work will continue throughout most of the day (weather permitting). Each spring our Facilities and Athletics Departments collaborate on the planning and implementation of this project, and they rely heavily on help from our student-athletes, faculty, staff, and other volunteers.

Vice President for Student Life and Athletics Mike McKinney, Ed.D ’02 asks that employees consider finding time as their work schedule allows to help with this project. Any assistance is appreciated, whether its an hour or two, 

In an email to campus, McKinney said, “This is a very big undertaking for the groups involved, and we can use all of the help we can get. It is also a great opportunity to get out of the office and into the fresh air, and to work alongside many students and colleagues. If you are able to join us, please be sure to dress appropriate for physical, outdoor work. Please also encourage students or student groups who you work with to volunteer their time as well. Thank you so much for your consideration!”

Second DEI webinar deals with microaggressions

The second webinar as part of Belong, a new network of private independent colleges organized by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), is at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 11. 

Register for the second webinar, “Microaggressions”: What Are They? How Do They Connect to Student Belonging?”

Thiel College is an inaugural member of Belong. Community resources available to member schools include DEI certification, self-use resources, community networking, and live webinars open to all faculty and staff.

The goal is to ensure that each and every student feels a sense of belonging—in class and campus-wide.

Lambda Sigma invites community to induction ceremony

Thiel's chapter of Lambda Sigma Society, the national honor society for second-year students, will induct its 2023-2024 class on Sunday, March 26, at 10 am in the David Johnson Memorial Chapel.

The campus community is invited to attend.

Student News

Michael Miller shares his thoughts on five-year plans and adapting to change


Michael Miller ’92 was the featured speaker at the March 15 Ruth A. Miller Senior Business Seminar. Mike is the Vice President of Information Technology at Fleet Response in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a member of the Thiel College Alumni Board.

“We had the great pleasure of having Michael Miller, Thiel graduate of 1992, speak for our seminar this Wednesday. Mr. Miller is the son of the late Professor David Miller and Ruth Miller. Mrs. Miller joined us tonight for Mr. Miller’s presentation at her seminar, along with her sister and brother in-law. It was a great honor to finally meet the woman this seminar is named after.” Autumn Gourley ’24

“When Michael graduated high school, he had the choice to either go to Carnegie Mellon or Thiel. He chose Thiel because his father, Professor Miller, promised to buy him a car.” Tyler Zere ’23

“Mike graduated from Thiel at the top of his class in computer science while also being at the bottom of his class, as he was the only one to graduate with a computer science degree in 1992.” Matt Castles ’23

“I really enjoyed Michael’s presentation because it was more of an encouragement to us rather than talking about his achievements. He used his personal story and achievements in a way that inspired us students to embrace change.” Ian Yahner ’24

“The first thing he wanted to do was to go around the room so that we could introduce ourselves. We had to identify our names, majors, and where we see ourselves in five years. Once everyone was finished, he stated that the five-year plan will never be what you want. It is a great goal to have but be ready to adapt and change in today’s world. This threw everyone a curveball because we are taught to have a five-year plan and to stick with the plan.” Asher Patton ’23

“Mr. Miller started his presentation by asking everyone to state their name, major, and where we want to be in five years, then told us, ‘You are not going to be where you think in five years, but that is a good thing. Always have a plan; it won’t always work though, and that is okay!’” Autumn Gourley ’24

“Before making a full-fledged presentation, he asked each of us for a self-introduction with our five-year goal. After the introductions, he said, ‘It’s good to have a plan but don’t stick to it.’ He reiterated the importance of reevaluating. It was a somewhat different piece of advice, but his presentation showed what it really meant.” Seoyeon Choo ’23

“Michael wanted to get across to us that we may have a plan, but that we shouldn’t be so dedicated to following it. There are times where opportunities are going to line up. At that point, we are going to have to reevaluate our plans and decide what is right for us.” Jeremy Meyer ’23

“When he left Thiel, Michael thought he would get a job around the area, and he thought he had his five-year plan. When visiting his cousins in Atlanta, his plans changed after seeing job ads in the newspaper. When this opportunity came up, he took his chance and landed a job there, changing his five-year plan.” Amy Jackson ’23

“Mike ended up working at Microsoft because of a connection that he had made. During this time, he got to see things and do things that normal people might not get to experience.” Matt Castles ’23

“He stayed with Microsoft for a few years, but after a while, he grew tired of the travel. He shared a story with us about how it got to the point where the TSA agents at the Cleveland airport began to know him by name and so did the flight crews. This was his breaking point. He decided that he could no longer live this way; he needed to move home in order to be with his family more.” Tyler Zere ’23

“Priorities change with time. At one point of your life, traveling and working can be what you like and what you focus on. After some time, family and friends can be what is a priority.” Emily Grandy ’23

“The main point that Mr. Miller was speaking about was how the liberal arts education that he received here helped him immensely in his career. This is exactly what I plan to write my thesis on, and it was so affirming and great to hear him praise his education. He said that the most impactful thing this curriculum gave him was knowledge about various famous painters; knowledge that actually caused him to be hired to his first job.” Allison Walsh ’24

“Thiel prepared him for life, and he learned more about the world with taking classes outside of his major. He landed a job because he knew who the artist of the painting behind the interviewer’s desk was. He got the job over someone who was more qualified and experienced.” Emily Grandy ’23

“He used his personal story and achievements in a way that inspired us students to embrace change. He told us his story of how he got a job in a big technology company with only his bachelor's degree from Thiel, and he had an employee working for him that had a doctorate from one of the nation’s best tech schools.” Ian Yahner ’24

“My first question was, “What aspects of Thiel, other than the liberal arts education, made an impact on his life?” He responded with theater because it helped him develop the social and communication skills that he uses today.” Jeremy Meyer ’23

“Although I had never met Professor David Miller, I could feel his impact on the people he loved and the Thiel Community tonight. His family was so welcomed and appreciated by everyone in the room. People like President Traverso came to say hello, even though she was unable to stay for the meal. It was a wonderful experience getting to meet some of the people who are so cherished at Thiel. I hope Mrs. Miller enjoyed her night at the dinner in honor of her.” Natalie Zgurich ’23

Lessons Learned

Dinner “Dishing”

Students meet with fitness guru and motivational speaker Joe Moss

As part of Wellness Week, students met Monday with motivational speaker Joe Moss after his presentation Monday. As part of Wellness Week, there was a sexual health talk on Tuesday and a visit from a therapy dog and DIY first-aid kits with the help of students in the nursing program on Wednesday.

Upcoming Wellness Week events:

Student Worker Spotlight in alumni relations

College Advancement student worker Katabella Byers '25 organizing and creating folders for Thiel alumni.

Special Notes

HR Notes

Thiel College says farewell to:


Events

Campus Events

Pre-registration for Fall Term - Juniors
March 23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thiel College Campus

Junior students can begin registering for the fall 2023 semester.

For more information, contact Debbie Schreiber.

Holistic Health
March 23 from 11 a.m. to noon
Stamm Lecture Hall, James Pedas Communication Center

Special guest Dr. Michelle Thompson from UPMC will present holistic techniques and tips for living your best life.

For more information, contact Chris Cianci ’96.

Gluten Free Club Basket Raffle
March 23 from 11 a.m. to noon
Hallway, Howard Miller Student Center

Gluten Free Club is hosting a basket raffle throughout the week.

Doveball Sign Up
March 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cafeteria Entrance, Howard Miller Student Center

Sign up in person for Doveball, which will be Sigma Kappa sorority’s philanthropic event on Sunday, March 26.

For more information, contact Katherine Aaron ’24.

Career Tabling: The Arc of Crawford County
March 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hallway, Howard Miller Student Center

Students, faculty, and staff can come meet representatives from The Arc of Crawford County to learn about the organization and open opportunities.

For more information, contact Libbi Brown.

Mental Health Trivia
March 23 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Wellness Center, Howard Miller Student Center

Come test your trivia outside of the Wellness Center for Wellness Week.

For more information, contact Chris Cianci.

Movie: The Ripple Effect
March 23 from 4-6 p.m.
Stamm Lecture Hall, James Pedas Communications Center

The Counseling Center will be showing The Ripple Effect documentary as part of Wellness Week and suicide prevention.

For more information, contact Jodie Witherite.

Tomcast Weekly Meeting
March 23 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Stamm Lecture Hall, James Pedas Communication Center

Weekly meeting for Thiel College Podcast Club. This is a general meeting.

For more information, contact Christina Newman ’25.

MBA Information Session
March 23 from 6-7 p.m.
Online

Learn more about Thiel’s MBA program.

OBC March Madness Watch Party
March 23 from 6-9:30 p.m.
Bly Hall, Academic Center

For more information, contact Nielah Jones.

Catholic Mass
March 23 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
David Johnson Memorial Chapel

Celebrate Catholic Mass with our Friends from Saint Michael's Parish. Every Thursday at 6:30 PM in the Thiel Chapel.

For more information, contact Pastor Brian Riddle ’07.

Thiel Bible Study
March 23 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Fresh Grounds Coffeehouse & Café

You're invited to the Thiel Bible Study at Fresh Grounds Coffeehouse & Café, located at 172 Main St., Greenville.

For more information, contact Emmalee Sheeler ’24 or Ava Kavulla ’25.

Thriller Thursday
March 23 at 9:30 p.m.
Stamm Lecture Hall, Howard Miller Student Center

The paranormal club hosts movie nights viewing movies based on true events and then discussing them in regard to fact vs fiction.

For more information, contact Cora Post ’24.

Gluten Free Club Basket Raffle
March 24 from 11 a.m. to noon
Hallway, Howard Miller Student Center

Gluten Free Club is hosting a basket raffle throughout the week.

Doveball Sign Up
March 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cafeteria Entrance, Howard Miller Student Center

Sign up in person for Doveball, which will be a Philanthropy event for the Sigma Kappa Sorority on Sunday, March 26.

For more information, contact Katherine Aaron ’24.

Aitina Fareed-Cooke Keynote Presentation
March 24 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Bly Hall, Academic Center

Keynote Speaking engagement from media professional Aitina Fareed Cooke involving creaking art and video media out of stories of trauma and hardships. Sponsored by the communication department.

Mini Mock Interview Drop in Clinic
March 24 from 1:30-3 p.m.
Career Development Center, Howard Miller Student Center

Join the Career Development Center for a 20-minute practice interview session where they can help people practice answering typical interview questions and provide last minute tips and tricks to help students perform well at their next interview. No appointment needed.

For more information, contact Liza Schaef.

Zumba Class
March 24 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Multi-Purpose Room, Beeghly Gymnasium

Zumba Class for Wellness Week open to all students, staff, and faculty.

For more information, contact Chris Cianci ’96.

World Music Night
March 24 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center

World Music Night is being co-hosted by TCMHS and Culture Club to celebrate different cultures and their musical characteristics found around the world. This will include authentic cultural cuisines, music, a dance competition, and instruments that aren't typically seen in bands here.

For more information, contact Brianne Coatsworth ’24.

Theatre: [Title of Show]
March 24 at 7 p.m.
William A. Robinson Theater

Come watch the Thiel Players’ production, “[Title of Show].” All students are FREE. Reservations are recommended. This production may not be suitable for children under the age of 16.

For more information, contact JK Rogers, Ph.D.

Spring Open House - 2023
March 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thiel College Campus

This visit day is a celebration of your accomplishments and an opportunity to learn more about your next steps in the college process with Thiel and walk away with some TC gear! This is one you won’t want to miss, even if you’ve visited our campus in the past.

During this event, you will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of presentations based on what is most beneficial for you including admission, financial aid, and other student services on campus.

For more information, contact the Office of Admissions.

Baseball: Chatham at Thiel
March 25 at 1 p.m.
Tomcat Park

Thiel College hosts Chatham University in baseball.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office.

Men’s Tennis: Washington & Jefferson at Thiel
March 25 at 1 p.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts

Thiel College hosts Washington & Jefferson College in men’s tennis.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office.

Softball: Waynesburg at Thiel
March 25 at 1 p.m.
Tomcat Park

Thiel College hosts Waynesburg University in softball.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office.

Alumni & Friends at Topgolf Columbus
March 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Topgolf, 2000 IKEA Way, Columbus, Ohio 43240

Join Thiel College for an evening at Topgolf. Private room with food and beverages and 2 hours of unlimited gameplay. Marvin Hill ’88 and John Thiel ’18 are co-hosting. Tickets are $50.

Theatre: [Title of Show]
March 25 at 7 p.m.
William A. Robinson Theater

Come watch the Thiel Players’ production, “[Title of Show].” All students are FREE. Reservations are recommended. This production may not be suitable for children under the age of 16.

For more information, contact JK Rogers, Ph.D.

Men’s Tennis: Penn State Altoona at Thiel
March 26 at 11 a.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts

Thiel College hosts Penn State Altoona in men’s tennis.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office.

Doveball
March 26 from noon to 8 p.m.
Beeghly Gymnasium

Doveball fundraiser by hosted by Sigma Kappa sorority.

For more information, contact Katherine Aaron ’24.

OBC Soul Food Feast
March 26 from 1-2 p.m.

Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center

The Organization of Black Collegiates will share traditional dishes and provide educational dialogue.

Baseball: Fredonia at Thiel
March 26 at 1 p.m.
Tomcat Park

Thiel College hosts SUNY at Fredonia in baseball.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office.

Chapel Services
March 26 at 2 p.m.
David Johnson Memorial Chapel

Chapel starts at 2 p.m. every Sunday in the Chapel; see you there.

For more information, contact Pastor Brian Riddle.

Theatre: [Title of Show]
March 26 at 2 p.m.
William A. Robinson Theater

Come watch the Thiel Players’ production, “[Title of Show].” All students are FREE. Reservations are recommended. This production may not be suitable for children under the age of 16.

For more information, contact JK Rogers, Ph.D.

Pre-registration for Fall Term - Sophomores
March 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thiel College Campus

Sophomore students can begin registering for the fall 2023 semester.

For more information, contact Debbie Schreiber.

Mini Mock Interview Drop in Clinic
March 27 from 1:30-3 p.m.
Career Development Center, Howard Miller Student Center

Join the Career Development Center for a 20-minute practice interview session where they can help people practice answering typical interview questions and provide last minute tips and tricks to help students perform well at their next interview. No appointment needed.

For more information, contact Liza Schaef.

MIU IV Educational Job Fair
March 27 from 2-6 p.m.
Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV, 453 Maple Street, Grove City, Pa. 16127

An opportunity to meet with key public-school administrators from Butler, Lawrence, and Mercer counties. The fair will host representatives from 27 school districts, three career and technical centers, Keystone Charter School, and Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV, who are looking to hire in many capacities. Applications and résumés will be collected.

For more information, contact Brenda A. Marino, Esquire.

Women’s Day Celebration
March 27 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center

This is an event to celebrate all women and female-identifying members of Thiel College. It is open to all, including all faculty and students. There will be speakers that talk about the universal and different aspects of womanhood. There will be catering provided and a mixer afterward.

For more information, contact Hannah Stoughton ’25.

Dome Takedown Day
March 28
Alumni Stadium

Weather pending, the Thiel College community will participate in Dome takedown day.

Coping Skills Workshop: Meditation
March 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Student Life Office, Howard Miller Student Center

Coping Skills Workshop provides a casual atmosphere to practice coping with stress. This week’s session will involve meditation.

If interested, or for more information, contact Jodie Witherite.

QPR Training
March 28 from 11 a.m. to noon
Bly Hall, Academic Center

Active Minds is offering QPR training again for the campus community for those who could not attend last semester. Individuals will be trained in crisis response.

For more information, contact Jasmine Phillips ’23.

Career Tabling- The Primary Health Network
March 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hallway, Howard Miller Student Center

Students, faculty, and staff can come meet and learn about The Primary Health Network and their current job/internship opportunities.

For more information, contact Libbi Brown.

Baseball: Bethany at Thiel
March 28 at 1 p.m.
Tomcat Park

Thiel College hosts Bethany College in baseball.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office.

OBC Meeting
March 28 from 7-9 p.m.
Weyers Lounge

The Organization of Black Collegiates (OBC) meets every Tuesday (unless otherwise noted) in Weyers Lounge.

For more information, contact Neilah Jones ’23.

Self-Care Bingo
March 28 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sawhill Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center

Students will play BINGO for a chance to win one of three self-care baskets.

For more information, contact Paige Long ’24.

Pre-registration for Fall Term – First Years
March 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thiel College Campus

First-year students can begin registering for the fall 2023 semester.

For more information, contact Debbie Schreiber.

WestPACs Spring 2023 Virtual Career Fair
March 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Virtual: Handshake Platform

The largest job, internship and graduate school fair for college students and alumni, featuring 50+ member schools throughout Western Pennsylvania and other surrounding regions. The fair will host over 60 employers and 25 graduate schools and will offer one-on-one and group sessions. Full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities. Open to juniors and seniors.

For more information, contact Liza Schaef and Libbi Brown.

Western & Southern Open Interviews
March 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Career Development Center, Howard Miller Student Center

Western & Southern Life will be holding open interviews on March 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Career Development Center. Interview time slots are on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your time slot, visit the CDC Office on the first floor of the HMSC.

For more information, contact Libbi Brown.

Men’s Tennis: Geneva College at Thiel
March 29 at 4 p.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts

Thiel College hosts Geneva College in men’s tennis.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office.

Mindfulness and Meditation
March 29 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
David Johnson Memorial Chapel

Mindfulness with Pastor Brian is a variety of stretching, movement, and meditation designed to promote harmony between your body and mind, so that you may heal and grow in all areas of your life. It is non-religious, and helpful whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner. Come join us and reconnect with your inner strength and peace.

For more information, contact Pastor Brian Riddle '07.

Men’s Volleyball: Medaille at Thiel
March 29 at 7 p.m.
Beeghly Gymnasium

Thiel College hosts Medaille College in men’s volleyball.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office.

Women in Leadership Development Conference
March 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center

Everyone – women, women leaders, male allies, companies, and organizations – is invited to get WILD in 2023 and attend the Women in Leadership Development in Mercer conference! This year’s conference – Year of Hope – promises to inspire women and male allies to unlock their full potential by fueling confidence to lead boldly with hope. Hear uplifting speakers and discussion panelists as they share personal and professional stories and encourage people to pursue their potential wildly.

Career Tabling: St. Paul’s and Joining Generations
March 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hallway, Howard Miller Student Center

Students can stop by for a meet and greet & learn about job and internship opportunities available through St. Paul's and Joining Generations.

For more information, contact Libbi Brown.

Community Events

St. Paul’s Ask an Expert Series

March 30 at 6:30 p.m.
The Keifer Building, 341 East Jamestown Road, Greenville, Pa.

Carolyn Hartle, an attorney specializing in elder law, and Kevin Orsinger, president of Orsinger Investment Group, Inc., will cover wills, advanceed health directives, power of attorney, trusts, beneficiary designation, wealth transfer and leaving a legacy for charity.

Reservations are required and seating is limited. There will be an online option, too.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Vicki Hildebrand at 724-589-4667, Option 7.

Grapes & Growlers
May 20 at 4 p.m.
Glen Johnson Community Center

Annual wine and beer event Sponsored by Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $30 per person.

Food available for purchase

For tickets contact, Mark Batt ’87 at ext. 2157.

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).

Publishing Schedule

T-Notes is published weekly. It arrives Wednesday afternoons. The next edition will be out March 29. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Monday, March 27 to be published in that week’s edition.

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